How to Arrange Your Travel Route for Your First Visit to Chengdu
For the first-time travelers in Chengdu, it would be more comfortable with a travel guide. Chengdu has a long history, multicultural lifestyle, wonderful food, carefree pace of life, and many sights. Here, I will share with you how to go around Chengdu in two days on sights and food so that you can gain the most out of your first trip to the city.
Day 1
Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Start in Chengdu at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The base, a Chengdu favorite, is home to more than 100 giant pandas. The base aims to simulate the giant pandas’ natural habitat, complete with dense bamboo groves and twisty paths.
Upon your arrival, head directly to the panda cub breeding room. You can see the cute panda babies well taken care of by the staff. Their clumsy and cute movements and cuteness will surely melt your heart. If you want to see the giant pandas in action, which is when they are most active, it is better for you to arrive early in the morning. Aside from giant pandas, the base also breeds red pandas, birds and other wild animals, offering a complete scope of animal viewing experience. Please bring out your camera and capture these irreplaceable moments.
Must-try food nearby: After leaving the panda base, go to a local restaurant around and try the “panda-shaped” pastry, which is not only cute in shape but also delicious. You might also try the Sichuan-style roast chicken, which combines Sichuan’s own special spiciness with tender chicken. It’s just too good!
Afternoon: Chunxi Road and International Finance Square
Go to Chunxi Road in the afternoon, one of Chengdu’s richest commercial streets. You will find out how Chengdu has become modernized. Both sides of the road are high-end shopping malls, international brand stores and local fashion boutiques. You are either a shopaholic or you want to experience the busy atmosphere, you can be fulfilled by Chunxi Road.
A short walk from Chunxi Road is the International Finance Square. The landmark here is the famous “climbing panda” sculpture outside the building. The signature piece of artwork has now become a symbol of Chengdu and a mandatory photo stop for tourists. You can queue to take a photo with the panda’s head, or attempt other angles at the side to take more artistic photos.
Must-try food: Don’t forget to try street snacks when walking on Chunxi Road and International Finance Center. Try the spicy cold noodles, which are cold and pungent. You can also try traditional Sichuan dumplings with rich stuffing.
Evening: Kuanzhai Alley
Go to Kuanzhai Alley at night. The ancient alleys are the best of the old and new Chengdu. Restaurants, bars, cafes and shops line up the alleys. Along the cobble street, appreciate the ancient Sichuan houses and feel the vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening for dinner, you may just stroll into a nearby restaurant and enjoy some Sichuan local cuisine. Spicy fragrant mapo tofu is one thing you will have to consume. Twice-cooked pork with the savory taste and the crunchy texture is another thing you will have to consume. You can proceed after dinner to a nearby teahouse and enjoy some local teas such as the green tea or jasmine tea and listen to some traditional Sichuan music. If you want, you can even play mahjong with the locals.
Day 2
Morning: Wuhou Temple Museum
The second day starts with a visit to the Wuhou Temple Museum. The museum was built in honor of Zhuge Liang, the legendary war strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. There are ancient pavilions, temples, and gardens in the museum that typify Chinese construction and cultural exhibits.
Walk through serene courtyards, see statues of the traditional figures, and gain an understanding of the history and myths of the Three Kingdoms period from displays. The museum offers multilingual guides to explain the cultural background of the sites. It is a good site for history buffs to learn about the history of ancient China.
Must-try local dishes nearby: There are some small restaurants nearby Wuhou Temple Museum. Worth a try is the Sichuan braised beef noodles, whose tender and delicious beef, al dente noodle, and thick and spicy soup are all excellent. Another hot local product is the hot pot flavored potato chips, a local innovation that fuses the spicy taste of Sichuan hot pot with crispy potato chips. A must-try!
Afternoon: Jinli Ancient Street
In the afternoon, tour Jinli Ancient Street. The pedestrian street is lined with Sichuan folk buildings, exhibiting to mankind the view of ancient Chengdu. Strolling along the bluestone road, the fragrance of Sichuan traditional food is in the air.
Shop at the handicraft stores, road stalls that sell snacks and souvenirs. Do not shy away from trying some of the local cuisine. Spicy kebabs made up of chicken, beef, and vegetables as primary ingredients are a favorite. Sugar-coated fruits with red bean paste or sesame stuffing are a delightful sweet treat for sweet lovers. There is also an old-fashioned street, with teahouses and theaters in which you can view the traditional Sichuan opera show, including the impressive face-changing and fire-breathing acts.
Evening: Food Streets Local
At night, visit local street food streets such as Shilihe Food Street. Here you can experience various kinds of Sichuan street food. From spicy hot pot, you can choose your favorite ingredients and experience the distinctive spicy flavor of Sichuan cuisine, to barbecue, there are grilled meat of all kinds and grilled vegetables, there is always one for you. Don’t forget trying some local desserts, such as the osmanthus cake which is sweet and moist, cooling and delicious.
Notes
Transportation: The public transportation of Chengdu is very well constructed, including subways, buses and shared bikes. The subway covers all the main sites of interest and is most easy to use. You can pre-download the proper transportation apps to search for routes and prices beforehand. While taking a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter or negotiate the price in advance to prevent high fares.
Cultural etiquette: When visiting cultural sites such as temples, respect local customs and taboos and avoid making loud noises or engaging in inappropriate behavior. In teahouses, follow local tea drinking etiquette. When communicating with locals, be polite and friendly; a smile can often transcend cultural differences.
Conclusion
Following this two-day tour route, if you are visiting Chengdu for the first time, you can not only visit the city’s most representative attractions, but also taste a variety of delicious Sichuan cuisine. Keep these tips in mind and you will have a smooth and enjoyable trip in Chengdu.
We are one of the leading travel agencies in Sichuan Province and also provide customized travel services. If you want to travel without worries, please contact Chengdu Travel Agency. Wish you a happy trip in advance!
