Chengdu 3-Day Itinerary: Pandas, History, and the Best Things to Do

A Slow-Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Chengdu is one of China’s most laid-back yet culturally rich cities—and the perfect destination for a short but immersive trip.

This Chengdu 3-day itinerary is designed for international travelers who want to experience the best things to do in Chengdu, from giant pandas and Three Kingdoms history to the ancient mysteries of Sanxingdui and the city’s famous slow-paced tea culture.

Ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s must-visit cities, Chengdu blends historical depth, everyday local life, and unforgettable food. Follow this detailed Chengdu travel guide to explore the city like a local—without rushing and without missing the highlights.

Day 1: Chengdu History, Tea Culture, and Sichuan Opera

Keywords: Chengdu history, tea culture, Sichuan opera

Morning: Wuhou Shrine (Three Kingdoms Legacy)

• Getting There:
  Metro: Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao Station (Exit D), then walk 800 m (10 mins)
  Taxi: ~15 RMB, 10 mins from city center
• Highlights:
  The only temple in China honoring both a king and his chancellor. The iconic Red Wall bamboo path near Huiling Mausoleum is Chengdu’s most photographed historic spot.
• Pro Tip: Visit early morning or just before closing for soft light and fewer crowds.
• Tickets: 50 RMB (English audio guide: 20 RMB + deposit)
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

Lunch: Jinli Ancient Street (Chengdu Street Food)

• Getting There: 3-minute walk from Wuhou Shrine
• Must-Try Eats:
  • Sandapao: Sticky rice balls “thrown” for a dong-dong-dong sound, topped with brown sugar (10 RMB)
  • Zhong Dumplings: Sweet-spicy pork dumplings in red oil (15 RMB)
  • Danhonggao: Fresh egg pancakes, sweet or savory (5 RMB)

Afternoon: Kuanzhai Alley & People’s Park

• Getting There: Taxi (~15 RMB) or Metro Line 5 to Kuanzhai Alley Station (Exit B)
• Kuanzhai Alley: Qing Dynasty architecture, boutique cafés, and local crafts
  • Try Gaiwan Tea at Tingxiang Tea House (30 RMB)
• Sichuan Opera:
  Watch face-changing performances at Xilaishuyunyuan (80–150 RMB, tea included)
• People’s Park:
  Walk 15 minutes to Heming Tea House, Chengdu’s oldest. Watch locals play mahjong or try traditional ear cleaning while sipping jasmine tea (15–30 RMB)

Dinner: Kuixinglou Street

• Recommended: Maojiao Huola – spicy chuanchuan skewers (~60 RMB/person)
• Dessert: Tangyou Guozi (sugar oil fried dough, 5 RMB)

Where to Stay in Chengdu

Best Area: Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li

• Luxury: Stay right inside Taikoo Li to experience beautiful Chinese Zen-style designs. (from 1500 RMB)
• Mid-range: There are plenty of great boutique options just a 5-minute walk from Taikoo Li. (from 600 RMB)
• Budget: For the best value, look for hotels near Metro stations. (from 400 RMB)

Day 2: Pandas and Sanxingdui Museum

Keywords: Chengdu pandas, Sanxingdui Museum

Early Morning: Chengdu Giant Panda Base

• Getting There:
  Metro: Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station + shuttle (2 RMB)
  Taxi: ~40 RMB, 30 mins
• Pro Tip: Arrive before 7:00 AM. Head straight to the Moon Delivery Room or Infant Villa to see active pandas and cubs.
• Tickets: 55 RMB (book online)
• Extra: Panda Post Office & Panda Restaurant (~50 RMB)

Afternoon: Sanxingdui Museum (Ancient Shu Civilization)

• Transport Options:
  • Tourist shuttle from Panda Base (40 RMB, ~1.5 hrs)
  • Taxi/Didi: ~120 RMB
  • High-speed rail via Guanghan North (budget option, ~20 RMB)
• Highlights:
  Bronze Sacred Tree, giant bronze masks, gold artifacts over 3,000 years old—one of China’s most mysterious archaeological discoveries.
• Tickets: 72 RMB
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Dinner: Chengdu Hotpot Experience

• Recommended: Shu Da Xia or Shoo Loong Kan (100–120 RMB/person)
• Must-Try: Taiji shrimp paste, crispy pork, mushroom broth if you prefer mild spice

Day 3: Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan

Keywords: Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan irrigation system

Morning: Mount Qingcheng (Taoist Mountain)

• Getting There: High-speed rail from Xipu Station (30 mins, 10 RMB)
• Highlights: Front Mountain hike, Yuecheng Lake boat ride, Laojun Pavilion
• Tickets: 80 RMB
• Time Needed: ~3 hours
• Tip: Wear sneakers; bring a light raincoat

Afternoon: Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO Site)

• Getting There: 15-minute taxi from Mount Qingcheng (~15 RMB)
• Highlights: Fish Mouth levee, Flying Sand Weir, ancient engineering still in use after 2,200 years
• Evening: Night lights at South Bridge

Farewell Dinner & Return

• Dinner: Chen Mapo Tofu – original spicy tofu (28 RMB)
• Late Night: Jianshe Road street food
• Return: High-speed rail back to Chengdu (last trains ~10 PM)

Practical Tips for Traveling in Chengdu

• Transport: Use Tianfu Tong app for metro and buses
• Language: English signs are common; download offline Google Translate
• Payment: WeChat Pay & Alipay widely accepted
• Safety: Non-slip shoes recommended for Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan

Planning Tip: This Chengdu 3-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 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.