Sichuan Province – Chengdu

Sichuan – Chengdu

Though Sichuan is known for its spicy food, this province
is also home to China’s iconic Giant Pandas in Chengdu, as well as
Taoist mountains and the Sichuan Opera.

Itinerary Highlights

`/ qingcheng shan`

Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Taoism. The hike is often busy but the surroundings are peaceful. The pagoda at the peak presents stunning views of the park below and serves as a great resting spot.

`/ giant panda base`

See Giant Pandas doing what they love best – sleeping and eating bamboo! This base is working to increase panda populations and works hard to educate visitors on this fascinating animal.

`/ chengdu people park`

Though every city in China has a People Park, this one stands out as you can try the famous Sichuan ear cleaning whilst sipping on tea from the popular tea bars.

`/ leshan buddha`

Under an hour out of Chengdu, Leshan Buddha stands at 71m and was built back in the Tang Dynasty. This is a crowded attraction, but spectacular nonetheless.

Suggested Itinerary

Recommended time (4 days)

*NOTE: Sichuan is also home to stunning nature. Places like Jiuzhaigou are
accessible from Chengdu but require more time due to distance.
Chongqing is easily accessible from Chengdu.

Day 1

From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, take Airport Shuttle Line 2 to Tianfu Square.
10rmb
45 mins

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel

If you’d like to experience a Sichuan performance like the opera or fan dancing, book this on arrival with your hostel.

Seeing as most places have opening hours to consider, I’d suggest spending the first day exploring the city itself.

Jump onto Metro Line 2 and head to the People’s Park. You’ll quickly find the ear cleaning and tea drinking spots!

Chengdu is also home to the world’s biggest building by floor space (1.7 million m²) – New Century Global Center, on Metro Line 1.

If you’re brave, try some Sichuan Hot Pot for dinner.

Chengdu also boasts a great music scene, so you can head to Jiuyuanqiao Bar Street in the evening.

Day 2

Wake up nice and early and head to Metro Line 1 to Chengdu Railway Station. Whilst you’re here, I recommend buying your ticket for Leshan, too.

From here, get the fast train to Qingcheng Shan Railway Station.
10rmb
30 mins
Then get on Bus 101 to the mountain.
2rmb
10 mins

Head along the beautiful tree-lined road to the entrance.
110rmb entrance

There is an option to skip the more difficult part of the hike via the cableway.
60rmb return/35rmb single
I suggest persevering on foot. This also means you’ll escape the crowds.

The route is easy to follow and will be broken up with various Buddhist temples and pagodas along the way.

Head back to Chengdu the same way. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Xinnanmen Bus Station (also central).

Day 3

Trains to Leshan Buddha mostly leave Chengdu East Railway, though South Station is also an option.
50rmb
50 mins

Take Bus 302 to the entrance of the Buddha.
80rmb entrance
2-3 hours

You’ll be greeted with a lot of snacks and shops which you just pass through.

If you walk along the river, you can buy a ticket at the dock to take a river cruise to see the Buddha from a distance.
50rmb

When you reach the base of the Buddha, take the stairs up and marvel at the size/height.

Return to Chengdu following the same route.

*If you choose to head to Chongqing from here, there is luggage storage at the station.

Day 4

Time for pandas! To get to Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base
Take Metro Line 2 to Chunxi Road,
then Line 3 to Chengdu Zoo,
then Bus 655 to Xiongmao Jidi.
6rmb
1.5 hours
Alternatively, take a taxi
60rmb
45 mins

There’s a long walk to the entrance with food vendors.
60rmb entrance
2-3 hours

Make sure to stop and see the incubation area where you can learn all about the crazy reproductive system of pandas.

Head back to Chengdu and on to your next destination.