Chengdu Winter 3-Day Itinerary: Pandas, Snow Mountains, and Zen
A Winter Wonderland Experience for International Travelers
Chengdu, ranked by Lonely Planet as a top global destination, is magical in winter. This Chengdu winter 3-day itinerary lets you see playful pandas, snow-covered Xiling Mountain, cozy hot springs, Taoist mountains, and historic engineering wonders—all at a relaxed but efficient pace.
Day 1: Pandas, Ancient History, and Cozy Tea Houses
Keywords: Cute Cubs, Red Walls, Warming Tea
Morning: Chengdu Giant Panda Base
- Getting There:
- Metro + Shuttle: Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station (Exit A), then a 10-minute shuttle (2 RMB)
- Taxi: About 30 mins from city center (40 RMB)
Winter Tip: Pandas love the cold! They are very active in winter and sometimes play in the snow.
- Tickets: 55 RMB (book online). Internal shuttle: 10 RMB
- Warm Up: Panda Restaurant serves hot drinks and themed meals (~50 RMB)
Afternoon: Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley & People’s Park
- Wuhou Shrine: 20-minute taxi from Panda Base (25 RMB). Red walls are perfect for photos.
- Kuanzhai Alley: Short walk from Wuhou Shrine. Many tea houses have heaters for comfortable winter tea.
- Sichuan Opera: Face-Changing show at Xilaishuyunyuan (80–150 RMB).
- People’s Park: Visit Heming Tea House, sip hot jasmine tea, and try local dumplings. Feel the “slow life” of Chengdu.
Dinner: Kuixinglou Street
- Maojiao Huola: Warm skewers (~60 RMB)
- Dessert: Sugar Oil Fruit (~5 RMB), perfect for cold weather
Where to Stay: Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
- Luxury: Taikoo Li Zen-style hotels (from 1,500 RMB)
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels 5 mins from Taikoo Li (from 600 RMB)
- Budget: Near Metro stations (from 400 RMB)
Day 2: Xiling Snow Mountain & Hot Springs (Optional Split Day)
Keywords: Skiing, Sea of Clouds, Private Hot Springs
This day is packed with skiing and hot springs. For a slower pace, split the activities into two half-days, enjoying either snow sports or soaking in hot springs separately.
All Day: Xiling Snow Mountain
- Getting There: Scenic Shuttle from Chunxi Road or Wuhou Shrine (120 RMB round trip, leaves 7:30 AM, 2 hours).
- Tickets: 240 RMB (includes cable cars)
- Skiing: Equipment rental ~120 RMB for 2 hours
- Sightseeing: Take the second cable car to Riyueping to see the “Sea of Clouds”
- Fun: Snowmobiling or ice banana boat
Evening: Huashuiwan Hot Spring Town
- Getting There: Bus from Xiling Mountain or taxi (15 RMB)
- Experience: Private hot spring soak after snow
- Dinner: Buffet at First Village Hotel or roasted sweet potatoes/corn from street stalls
- Where to Stay:
- Howard Johnson: Private hot spring tubs (from 800 RMB)
- Zhongtie Hotel: Large public hot spring pools (from 500 RMB)
Day 3: Taoist Culture and Ancient Engineering
Keywords: Misty Mountains, Ancient Dams, Classic Tofu
Morning: Mount Qingcheng (Front Mountain)
- Getting There:
- From hot springs: morning bus 1.5 hrs (30 RMB)
- From Chengdu: high-speed rail from Xipu Station (30 mins, 10 RMB)
- Hike: Laojun Pavilion (~3 hours). Taoist temples free for prayers/incense.
- Tip: Winter paths can be icy; wear non-slip shoes and use hiking sticks
Afternoon: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- 15-minute taxi from Qingcheng Mountain (15 RMB)
- Enter via Qinyan Pavilion for the best view
- Lower winter river flow makes Fish Mouth levee easier to see
- Night View: South Bridge (Nanqiao) for river lights
Farewell Dinner
- Chen Mapo Tofu: Qinghua Road, spicy tofu and Kung Pao Chicken
- Late Night Snacks: Jianshe Road: grilled potato and crispy pork
Winter Survival Tips
- Gear: Waterproof jacket, snow boots, gloves, hat, hiking sticks
- Transport: Use Tianfu Tong app for metro/bus
- Payment: Alipay & WeChat Pay
- Safety: Limit hot spring soak to 20 mins
Planning Tip: This Chengdu winter 3-day itinerary is flexible. However, Chengdu truly rewards slow travel. If your schedule allows, consider stretching it into 3.5 or 4 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.
