Transit Essentials
Chengdu has two international airports: Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU). Most international flights now land at the newer Tianfu airport.
Airports
- Tianfu International Airport (TFU): The new, massive airport located about 50km southeast of the city. Connected by Metro Line 18 (express).
- Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Closer to the city (16km), mainly for domestic flights now.
Luggage Storage
Both airports offer luggage storage services. At TFU, look for the "Left Luggage" counter in the Transportation Centre (GTC).
Curated Itineraries
📅 1 Day: Pandas & Hotpot
The classic Chengdu experience.
- 08:00: Head straight to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Go early to see them active!
- 12:00: Return to the city for lunch.
- 14:00: Relax in a traditional teahouse in People's Park. Get an ear cleaning if you dare!
- 18:00: Dinner: Authentic Sichuan Hotpot.
- 20:00: Stroll through Jinli Ancient Street or see the Anshun Bridge at night.
📅 2 Days: Culture & History
Dive deeper into the Shu Kingdom.
- Day 1: Follow the 1-Day itinerary.
- Day 2: Visit the Wuhou Shrine (dedicated to Zhuge Liang) and the Du Fu Thatched Cottage. In the evening, watch a Sichuan Opera face-changing show.
📅 3 Days: Giant Buddha
A spiritual journey.
- Day 1 & 2: Follow the 2-Day itinerary.
- Day 3: Take a high-speed train to Leshan (1 hour). See the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into a cliff face.
Getting Around Chengdu
🚇 Metro & Panda Base Access
Chengdu Metro has 13 lines. Key lines: Line 1 (major attractions), Line 3 (to Panda Base). Fares: ¥2-10. Metro to Panda Base: Line 3 to Panda Avenue + shuttle bus (total ~45 min).
🚕 Taxis
Starting fare: ¥8 for 2 km. Taxi to Panda Base: ¥30-50. Airport to city: TFU ¥120-180 (1 hr), CTU ¥40-60 (30 min).
🚄 High-Speed Rail
Chengdu East to Leshan (Giant Buddha): 1 hr, ¥54. To Xi'an: 3 hrs, ¥263. To Chongqing: 1.5 hrs, ¥97.
Budget Breakdown
Budget: ¥200-350/day | Mid-Range: ¥500-850/day | Luxury: ¥1,500+/day
Panda Base entry: ¥55. Hotpot meal: ¥50-150. Chengdu is very affordable with incredible food value¥hotpot here is cheaper and more authentic than anywhere else!
Culinary Delights
Must-Try Dishes
- Hotpot: The soul of Chengdu. Spicy, numbing, and social. Dip meats and veggies in the boiling broth.
- Mapo Tofu: Soft tofu set in a spicy chili-and-bean-based sauce, usually with minced meat.
- Dan Dan Noodles: Noodles with a spicy sauce containing preserved vegetables, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions.
Where to Eat
Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li have endless options. For street food, try Kuanzhai Alley.
Where to Stay
- Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li: The fashion center. Great shopping, food, and metro access.
- Wenshu Monastery: Quieter, more traditional vibe with budget options.
- Tianfu Square: The geographical center of the city.
Chengdu Transit FAQ
Is the food too spicy?
It can be! But you can usually ask for "wei la" (mild spicy). Also, many dishes are not spicy, like tomato-broth hotpot or sweet snacks.
How far is the Panda Base?
It's about 10km from the city center. You can take the Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue station and then a short shuttle bus.