The Perfect 2 Days in Chengdu
Say hello to Chengdu, one of China’s most charming and unique cities. You may or may not already know this, but this iconic city is home to giant pandas, delicious food, and a laid-back lifestyle. If you’re planning a trip to China and wondering whether Chengdu deserves a spot on your itinerary, the answer is a big fat YES.
I was super excited to visit Chengdu for the pandas alone; I’ve seen some pretty iconic things on my travels around the world, but seeing these adorable animals up close was something I’d never experienced before. It was a bucket-list moment I knew I couldn’t miss while exploring China.
My mum and I spent 3 weeks travelling across China, starting with the busy streets of Beijing, then the futuristic skyline of Chongqing, before arriving in Chengdu for a completely different experience. It was such a refreshing change of pace. Swapping busy landmarks for traditional streets, tea houses, local neighbourhoods, and a much slower way of life.
Chengdu is exactly what people say: relaxed, welcoming, culturally rich, and perfect for a bit of chill. From meeting friendly locals and wandering through traditional areas to trying delicious street food and, of course, seeing the famous pandas, I quickly knew it was a stop I would highly recommend.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Chengdu. This includes the best places to stay, what makes this city so special, and a full 2-day itinerary covering must-see attractions, hidden gems, food spots, and experiences you don’t want to miss. You ready for this Chengdu travel guide?
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Good To Know About China/Chengdu
Language & Diversity: Chengdu’s main language is Mandarin Chinese, although many locals also speak Sichuanese (a regional dialect that can sound very different from standard Mandarin). English isn’t widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist areas, so translation apps like Google Translate can be extremely helpful.
Currency: The official currency in Chengdu is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). China is largely cashless, with mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay as the preferred method. You can use these apps to pay for literally anything, but do carry a small amount of cash for unexpected situations (I carried £50 for the entire 3 weeks).
Getting Around: Chengdu is one of China’s easiest major cities to explore thanks to its excellent public transport system. You’ll find modern metros, which are affordable and connect to most major attractions. Taxis through DiDi (on Alipay) are easy to book and cheaper than in Western cities. Chengdu is also great for walking around and exploring traditional streets and neighbourhoods.
Best Duration & Season: Mum and I stayed in Chengdu for 3 days and 2 nights, which we found sufficient. However, I recommend 3 or 4 days to experience Chengdu’s highlights at a slower pace and blend in with locals. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are comfortable, and skies are generally clearer.
Values & Norms: Chengdu is famous for its relaxed pace of life, with locals embracing good food, conversation, and leisure time. Respect for elders, politeness, and patience are important parts of Chinese culture, especially in public spaces. Personal space can feel different from Western countries, but locals are usually friendly towards travellers. Expect people to take photos and to stare.
Relevant Knowledge: Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. It is considered one of China’s best food destinations, especially for its spiciness, hot pots, and bold flavours (which, honestly, we slightly struggled with, but it’s an experience). Always carry your passport when visiting attractions, as your ID is linked to your entry. Remember to bring toilet tissue, as it’s not always readily available. Also, keep up to date with travel advice to China on GOV.UK.
Chengdu in China really is an epic destination to add to your travel itinerary
Best Areas & Places To Stay In Chengdu
📍Chunxi Road. Best for: Shopping & Convenience
This area is the most convenient place to stay for exploring Chengdu, especially for first-time visitors. It has great transport links, plenty of restaurants, and nightlife right on your doorstep. You’ll be close to some of Chengdu’s most popular attractions and will find it easy to navigate, making Chunxi Road an ideal place to stay while exploring the city.
🩵Echeng Hotel – A 4-star hotel offering modern rooms and great amenities.
📍Kuanzhai Alley. Best for: Architecture & Atmosphere
This area captures Chengdu’s cultural and traditional side. Staying near Kuanzhai Alley puts you close to one of Chengdu’s most famous cultural areas, with an awesome historic atmosphere you’ll be damned to miss. The neighbourhood combines restored Qing Dynasty architecture with tea houses, local snacks, and boutique shops, making it an unreal area to stay.
🩵 Mercure Chengdu Downtown Hotel – Offers a boujee and classy stay at affordable rates.
📍Wuhou District. Best for: Sichuan Food & Authentic Experiences
The Wuhou area is a great choice for experiencing Chengdu’s famous food culture, with plenty of Sichuan restaurants, hot pot spots, and lively local streets. It’s also close to attractions such as Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Street, making it a good base for travellers who want a more authentic, raw feel whilst spending 2 days in Chengdu.
🩵 Terra Art Zen Hotel – Provides a gorgeous, breathtaking stay at mid-range rates.
Hotel Highlights
I used Booking for most hotels throughout China, but Trip also offers a wider selection of great accommodations and is mainly used by international travellers. All the hotels I booked didn’t disappoint, and I was really impressed by the quality for the value of every stay.
Chengdu Wuhou Temple Han Dynasty Hotel
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The Chengdu Wuhou Temple Han Dynasty Hotel stood out to me because it was stunning inside and out… it didn’t disappoint! We stayed in a traditional Chinese room with a balcony, which was unreal, and all the furniture and architecture were just insane.
I really enjoyed this stay. The building was gorgeous, and its location in the Wuhou District felt more authentic and raw. It was clean, the free breakfast included was delicious, and it was the best value for money throughout our whole trip, costing just £34 per night!
Fun Things To Do In Chengdu: Day 1
A trip to China isn’t complete without a few days’ stop in Chengdu. This awesome location packs a punch, with plenty of local sights and great tours you can take. We found it easy to explore Chengdu on our own, and cheap taxis made it easy to hop from place to place. Here’s everything we got up to on day 1.
Chengdu Wuhou Shrine
We began our first day in Chengdu with a visit to Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, one of the city’s most iconic historical attractions. It was just a 5-minute walk from our hotel, the Chengdu Wuhou Temple, a Han Dynasty site. Hidden among beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and peaceful courtyards, this ancient temple offers a glimpse into China’s legendary Three Kingdoms period.
The stunning Wuhou Shrine is rich in history, featuring impressive statues and beautifully preserved buildings. Every corner offers something interesting to discover, with cultural vibes and views. It’s a great photo spot and a perfect introduction to the city, combining everything Chengdu is famous for.
You can try a handful of different local dishes from the many stalls located inside. We tried some delicious dumplings and a sweet treat, which kick-started our love for Chengdu. We spent a good hour or so exploring different shops and cool things around.
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People’s Park
After exploring the Wuhou Shrine, we continued our Chengdu adventure with a DiDi taxi ride to People’s Park (via the Alipay app). People’s Park is one of the best places to experience everyday local life. Unlike many of China’s grand historical attractions, this peaceful green space offers a more authentic glimpse into how locals spend their free time.
Opened in 1911, People’s Park has become a beloved gathering place for Chengdu residents. It was really cool to witness! We saw locals playing mahjong, practising Tai Chi, dancing together, and chatting over tea and local delicacies. It’s an awesome spot to add to your Chengdu itinerary.
People’s Park was one of my favourite stops in China, as it gave me real insight into local life. People were so content to relax, play games, and socialise without their gadgets; it was truly beautiful to people-watch.
We spent about an hour strolling throughout the park (it’s pretty big) before heading to our next stop, Kuanzhai Alley.
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Kuanzhai Alley
Our next stop, Kuanzhai Alley, is one of Chengdu’s most charming and historic neighbourhoods. Meaning ‘Wide Alley and Narrow Alley’, this preserved area comprises three parallel lanes lined with traditional Qing Dynasty architecture, stunning courtyards, teahouses, and many eateries.
It’s a great spot to relax and explore at a slow pace. That is what Chengdu is known for, after all! It’s lively and busy, but chill where old meets new, with something cool to see along the way. I loved the colourful street decorations and the delicious food and drinks available.
We stopped at BruT Eatery, and it didn’t disappoint! The food was 10/10. We were also obsessed with ChaPanda’s drinks, especially the strawberry milk teas.
We also picked up some souvenirs and wandered for an hour or so before heading to our next stop, Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street.
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Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
As early evening set in, we headed to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Chengdu’s modern side. This lively shopping district is one of the city’s most famous areas, with colourful signs and bustling, energetic streets. Expect modern skyscrapers, luxury shops, local brands, and cool street food stalls.
We didn’t spot it, but apparently a huge panda sculpture climbs up the side of the building. Beyond the shopping and photo opportunities, Chunxi Road is also a great place to soak up modern vibes after a day surrounded by cultural, historical, and dynastic sights.
After exploring shopping malls at our previous two stops, Beijing and Chongqing, we felt we had seen enough variety. After 30 minutes of walking around Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, we headed to our second-to-last stop, Anshun Bridge.
Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street is an iconic shopping mall that will keep you entertained!
Anshun Bridge
Take a taxi to Anshun Bridge, one of the city’s most beautiful and recognisable landmarks. Sitting across the Jinjiang River, this iconic bridge looks stunning at night as it lights up and its reflections spread across the water, so add it to your 2-day Chengdu itinerary.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Anshun Bridge has a long history and is one of Chengdu’s most photographed spots. The elegant design, traditional Chinese-style roof, and riverside setting create a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy streets. It’s an iconic Chengdu attraction you won’t want to miss.
Visit the Anshun Bridge at night for the best experience, as the surrounding area comes alive with bars, colourful lights, and music. You can also get a riverside massage. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find a marketplace where you can buy souvenirs and get a tarot reading before heading to Yinyuefang, where Chengdu really comes alive!
Anshun Bridge is best explored at night
Chengdu Yinyuefang
The last stop of the day was straight after crossing Anshun Bridge, into the markets and onto the lively streets. The music is blazing, the promo guys are outside trying to invite you in, and singers from all genres are belting their lungs out. If you’re looking for a cool nightlife spot for drinks and entertainment, Yinyuefang has you covered.
Even if you are not keen on the nightlife, Yinyuefang is still a cool street to walk down after Anshun Bridge and a great way to end your night by the riverside.
Yinyuefang is perfect if you’re wanting some night action
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
Fun Things To Do In Chengdu: Day 2
We were excited for another fun day in Chengdu, still thinking about how amazing day 1 had been. Day 2’s plan focused on the iconic pandas and hitting some Instagrammable spots. It was a little less packed than day 1, but nevertheless just as enjoyable, especially with a major attraction. Here’s what we got up to on day 2 in Chengdu.
Dujiangyan Panda Research Base
We started our second day in Chengdu with one of the city’s best-known experiences: the pandas! There are a few big Panda Research Bases, but after some research, the Dujiangyan Panda Base seemed like the best option, with fewer tourists, though it’s further out. Located just outside the city, this incredible conservation centre offers a peaceful, natural setting to see China’s beloved giant pandas.
Unlike a typical zoo experience, the Dujiangyan Panda Base focuses on panda research, breeding, and rehabilitation, with large green enclosures designed to recreate a more natural environment. We arrived a little later than planned, so many of the pandas were snoozing (their favourite thing to do, and so adorable), but we also saw some walking around and eating bamboo, which was awesome.
You can get pretty close to the pandas and see their adorable faces up close. The quieter atmosphere makes it a memorable experience and gives you a better appreciation for the work being done to protect this iconic species.
A visit here is a must on any China itinerary if you have the opportunity. If you visit Chengdu for only one day, make the Dujiangyan Panda Base a priority. You’ll spend a few hours in this big park, and you can get a taxi straight there without a tour guide, since it is easy to navigate; it’s about an hour from town. Entry is easy; just remember to bring your passport; it’s your ID.
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Zhongshuge Library (Suntang Mall)
After our panda encounter, we headed to one of Chengdu’s most unique and unexpected attractions, the Zhongshuge Library at Suntang Mall. While it may sound unusual to include a library on a travel itinerary, this library is anything but ordinary. Famous for its incredible and trippy interior design, Zhongshuge Library has become one of Chengdu’s most Instagram-worthy spots.
When you enter, reflective ceiling mirrors make the space feel bigger than it is, until you walk farther in and realise it’s even bigger than you thought. Curved bookshelves and endless reflections create the illusion of a never-ending space. The design is clever and super impressive!
Beyond its impressive appearance, Zhongshuge is still a functioning bookstore where locals come to read, browse, and relax. Although it’s a little different from Chengdu’s traditional attractions, Zhongshuge Library is definitely worth adding to your itinerary for a touch of creativity and modern surprises. It’s cool that China turned an everyday space into a creative, unforgettable experience.
Although it’s viral, it’s not jam-packed yet, but there were still plenty of people. I saw locals doing photo shoots and a good handful of tourists, also snapping for Insta (I was one of them). Heads up: the library took 3 taxi rides to find the right location. On DiDi (via the AliPay app), type in Suntang Mall instead of the library name; once you get to the mall, take the escalators up and walk around.
Zhongshuge Library (Suntang Mall) is a great spot for taking pics
Guanxian Ancient City
Our next stop was Guanxian Ancient City, a charming historic spot located near Dujiangyan. With its traditional streets, ancient architecture, and relaxed atmosphere, this is the perfect place to slow down and experience a different side of Sichuan culture. You’ll see narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings and traditional tea houses, with a more authentic feel than Chengdu’s more polished tourist spots.
It’s also close to the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, one of China’s greatest engineering achievements. My mum and I were gutted we didn’t fit this into the itinerary, but we started the day a little later than expected, so we had to skip it. I’ve heard it’s super amazing.
Whether you’re wandering through the old streets, taking in the atmosphere, or exploring the nearby Irrigation System, Guanxian Ancient City is a wonderful addition to a Chengdu itinerary and a peaceful escape from the modern city. We spent about an hour exploring before heading to our final stop on day 2: Dujiangyan IMIX Park.
Guanxian Ancient City – More local, more chill
Dujiangyan IMIX Park
To finish our second day exploring Chengdu, we headed to Dujiangyan IMIX Park, a modern shopping and lifestyle centre with a more Western, contemporary vibe, away from the historic attractions we had visited earlier. After a day exploring pandas, ancient streets, and cultural landmarks, this was the perfect place to take a minute, grab some food, and hang out on our final day in Chengdu.
Dujiangyan IMIX Park mixes restaurants, shops, and entertainment spaces, with colourful, modern designs that look great in photos. We saw many amazing food options, but somehow ended up at Pizza Hut. I think we were just craving comfort after a week of exploring Chinese dishes.
I must say, Pizza Hut made the best pizza I’ve ever had. It was delicious and so different to the ones back home. Plus, it’s more than just pizza; they have a good variety of dishes, and the food was 10/10, which you eat with plastic gloves. The only downside is that prices were similar to the UK, but it’s OK; the experience was fun and a great way to end our time in Chengdu.
Dujiangyan IMIX Park serves delicious food
Other Tours From Chengdu
We didn’t take any guided tours from Chengdu; we explored these amazing locations on our own. But if you’re after some cool tours during your 2 days in Chengdu, the ones I researched looked really good: The Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi, the Chengdu Cooking Class, and the Sichuan Opera Show. I’ve also put together a great collection of the best tours from Chengdu:
Best Tour Collection!
– Chengdu
Onward Travel From Chengdu
One of the best things about visiting Chengdu is how well it connects you to some of China’s most distinctive destinations, whether you’re heading into nature or seeking more urban experiences. From here, you’ve got a few incredible options, depending on the kind of trip you want to plan next.
Mum and I flew to Sanya for our next stop, for some rest and sunbathing, which was perfect, as we had fallen slightly unwell towards the end of our 2 days in Chengdu, so the timing was impeccable. If you’re more into action, there are also other cool onward travel options from Chengdu by plane and train (via Trip).
Chongqing. If you haven’t visited here yet, this should be your next stop from Chengdu. You can reach Chongqing in around 1.5 hours by high-speed train. Known for its futuristic skyline, dramatic hillside streets, and famous hot pot, Chongqing feels completely different from Chengdu despite being so close. Mum and I took this route before arriving in Chengdu, and the high-speed train journey was unforgettable.
Xi’an. Another fantastic option is Xi’an, about a 3.5-hour high-speed train ride or a 90-minute flight. Home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and one of China’s oldest capitals, Xi’an is perfect if you’re interested in history, culture, and incredible local food.
Yangshuo (via Guilin). If you want to see some of China’s most breathtaking scenery, Yangshuo is the perfect next stop from Chengdu. You can fly to Guilin in about 90 minutes, then take a 90-minute transfer to Yangshuo. Famous for its dramatic karst mountains, peaceful rivers, and picturesque countryside, this region is one of my favourites!
Lhasa (Tibet). For a truly unforgettable adventure, you can fly to Lhasa in around 2.6 hours. Sitting high on the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and the magnificent Potala Palace. If you plan to visit, keep in mind that foreign visitors need additional permits to enter Tibet, so plan ahead. (GOV.UK for additional info for UK citizens).
Sanya. If you want even hotter weather, with a chance to relax and sunbathe, Sanya is the perfect next destination. You can fly here in around 2.5 hours and be greeted with tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters. Often called the Hawaii of China, Sanya offers a completely different side of the country. Mum and I loved spending a few days here recharging before continuing our adventure; it’s the perfect spot for beach days, ocean views, and more holiday vibes.
Sanya in China was the perfect next stop after Chengdu
That’s A Wrap!
Whether you’re visiting Chengdu for the adorable giant pandas, the famous hotpots, or the locals, this destination will leave you amazed. For me, 2 days in Chengdu were enough, and it was a nice mix of new and old; one highlight was watching locals dance, play Mahjong, and love their lives and city. I also got to see pandas, which was WOW. Because where else will I see them? Over 40 destinations, and this was my first!
Whatever the occasion, add Chengdu to your China itinerary for an awesome time. This city has so much to offer, so you won’t be disappointed. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to live your best YES in China with this Chengdu travel guide!
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