Chengdu 2-Day Itinerary: Pandas, History & Taoist Mountains
An International Traveler’s Guide to the “Leisure Capital of the East”
Chengdu, recently featured in National Geographic, is world-famous for its giant pandas, Three Kingdoms history, and 2,000-year-old engineering wonders. This Chengdu 2-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to experience the highlights efficiently, including local tea culture, historic streets, Taoist mountains, and ancient dams—all at a relaxed pace.
Day 1: Pandas, History, and the “Slow Life”
Keywords: Cute Pets, Ancient Heroes, Tea Houses
Morning: Chengdu Giant Panda Base
- Getting There:
Metro + Shuttle: Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station (Exit A), then take the 10-minute shuttle bus (2 RMB)
Taxi: About 30 mins from city center (40 RMB)
Pro Tip: Leave by 7:00 AM to see the most active cubs. - Highlights: Head straight for the “Moon Delivery Room” or the “Infant Villa”.
- Tickets: 55 RMB (book online in advance), internal shuttle 10 RMB
- Don’t Miss: Send a postcard at the Panda Post Office
Afternoon: Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley & People’s Park
- Wuhou Shrine (Three Kingdoms Landmark):
20-minute taxi from Panda Base (25 RMB)
Tickets: 50 RMB. The “Red Wall and Bamboo” path is a must-see photo spot. - Kuanzhai Alley (Wide & Narrow Alleys):
Short taxi ride or 15-minute walk from Wuhou Shrine. Experience Sichuan Opera (Face-Changing) at Xilaishuyunyuan (80–150 RMB). - People’s Park (Heming Tea House):
15-minute walk from Kuanzhai Alley. Order jasmine tea (15–30 RMB), watch locals play mahjong, or try traditional ear cleaning. This is the heart of Chengdu’s “slow life.”
Dinner: Kuixinglou Street
- Try Maojiao Huola for Chuanchuan skewers
- Dessert: Sugar Oil Fruit (Tangyou Guozi) from a street vendor
Where to Stay: Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li Area
- Luxury: Taikoo Li Zen-style hotels (from 1,500 RMB)
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels 5-min walk from Taikoo Li (from 600 RMB)
- Budget: Clean options near Metro stations (from 400 RMB)
Day 2: Taoist Mountains and Ancient Engineering
Keywords: Sacred Peaks, Ancient Dams, Local Snacks
Morning: Mount Qingcheng (Birthplace of Taoism)
- Getting There: High-speed rail from Chengdu Xipu Station to Qingcheng Mountain Station (30 mins, 10 RMB), then a 10-minute taxi to the gate
- Hiking: Focus on the Front Mountain (80 RMB) for temples. Take the boat across the lake (5 RMB) and hike to the top (~3 hours). Walk through a serene “Zen” forest.
- Gear: Sneakers + light raincoat recommended
Lunch: Local Mountain Food
- Zhang Laozao: Handmade fermented rice soup (10 RMB)
- Local smoked pork with mushrooms
Afternoon: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- Transport: 15-minute taxi from Mount Qingcheng (15 RMB)
- Highlights: Enter through Qinyan Pavilion, walk down to the Fish Mouth levee
- Photo Op: Capture the river at night at South Bridge (Nanqiao) before heading back
Farewell Dinner
- Chen Mapo Tofu: Original shop on Qinghua Road for spicy tofu (28 RMB) and Kung Pao Chicken
- Late Night Snacks: Jianshe Road for grilled potato and “crispy pork”
Practical Survival Tips
- Transport: Use Tianfu Tong app for metro and bus
- Language: Major spots have English signs; keep Google Translate offline version ready
- Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted
- Safety: Non-slip shoes recommended for mountains; carry hat and sunscreen in summer
Planning Tip: This Chengdu 2-day itinerary is thoughtfully packed to help you see the highlights in a limited time. However, Chengdu truly rewards slow travel. If your schedule allows, consider stretching it into 2.5 or 3 days—leave room to sit in a tea house, wander side streets, and do nothing. This unhurried pace is where the city truly shines.
For more flexible routes and extended stays, you can explore additional ideas in our Chengdu Travel Itineraries collection.
