If you’ve never been to Chengdu, now is the time to go. This city in southwest China blends ancient traditions with a modern, laid-back lifestyle that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or the pandas, Chengdu won’t disappoint.
How to Get to Chengdu
Chengdu is a major transportation hub in southwest China and is easily accessible from many parts of the world. The city has two international airports: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Both offer convenient access to the city center.
Here are some example routes:
- From Singapore: Direct flights from Changi Airport to Chengdu, about 4.5 hours.
- From Kuala Lumpur: Direct flights available via AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, about 5 hours.
- From the U.S.: Most flights connect via Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong. Airlines like ANA and Korean Air are common.
- From Europe: Flights from Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris often connect through Istanbul or Dubai.
Tip: Check if your passport qualifies for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. It’s a great way to explore Chengdu without a visa if you’re heading to a third country.
Chengdu Weather: What’s It Like?
Chengdu has a subtropical humid climate with four distinct seasons.
- Spring (March–May): Mild and breezy, flowers in bloom. Great time to walk outdoors.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid. Visit nearby mountains like Emei or Qingcheng for cool escapes.
- Autumn (September–November): The best time to visit Chengdu. Cool, dry, and full of color.
- Winter (December–February): Grey and misty, but not too cold. Perfect for hotpot and hot springs.
Best time to visit Chengdu: Late September to November, or March to early May.
How Many Days in Chengdu?
- 3 Days: Just enough for the essentials — pandas, old streets, tea houses, hotpot.
- 5–7 Days: Ideal. You can slow down and take day trips to Leshan Giant Buddha, Dujiangyan, or Qingcheng Mountain.
Where to Stay in Chengdu
For Food Lovers
- Areas: Chunxi Road, Yulin Road, or Shuangnan.
- Why? These neighborhoods are surrounded by local restaurants, food stalls, and the famous “fly restaurants” (small but delicious eateries).
For Urban Explorers
- Areas: Taikoo Li, Kuanzhai Alley, or near Jinjiang River.
- Why? You’ll be in the heart of modern Chengdu, close to art cafes, boutiques, and tea houses.
For Budget Travelers
- Choose anywhere along Metro Line 1 or 2 for cheap hotels or hostels. Fast metro access makes it easy to reach most attractions.
What Is Chengdu Known For?
Chengdu is known for:
- Giant Pandas
- Sichuan cuisine (especially hotpot and spicy dishes)
- Tea house culture
- Relaxed pace of life
- Historical sites from the Three Kingdoms era
What to Do in Chengdu: Top Attractions
You won’t find world wonders here, but that’s the point. Chengdu is all about experience over checklist.
Must-See Places
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Go early. Pandas are most active in the morning.
- Kuanzhai Alley: Touristy, yes, but charming. Find a teahouse and people-watch.
- Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Ancient Street: Rich in Three Kingdoms history.
- People’s Park: See locals dancing, playing mahjong, matchmaking, or just enjoying life.
- Taikoo Li & Chunxi Road: Great for shopping, people-watching, and modern Chengdu vibes.
- Wenshu Monastery: A peaceful place for vegetarian food and quiet moments.
Unique Chengdu Experiences
- Eat hotpot the local way – spicy, communal, and loud.
- Get your ears cleaned in a teahouse (yes, it’s a thing!).
- Watch Sichuan opera face-changing.
- Try local dishes: Mapo tofu, rabbit head, Dan Dan noodles, cold noodles with chili oil.
Taste Chengdu: Don’t Miss These Dishes
Chengdu is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and food here is a cultural experience.
Must-try dishes:
- Hotpot: Choose spicy broth or go half-spicy, half-clear.
- Dan Dan Noodles: Savory, nutty, spicy.
- Chuan Chuan (串串): Skewers cooked in hotpot broth.
- Twice-cooked pork (Huiguorou)
- Rabbit Head: Yes, really. Locals love it!
- Cold Noodles with chili oil (Liang Mian)
Don’t overdo the spice. Ask for “mild spicy (小辣)” if you’re unsure.
Ready to Visit Chengdu?
Whether you’re in it for the pandas, the spice, or the serenity, Chengdu offers a slice of China that’s both ancient and alive. Take your time, sip your tea, and let the city reveal itself. From your first hotpot to your last cup of tea, Chengdu is a place you’ll remember long after you’ve left.
