Chengdu travel guide
Updated 9 November 2026
Laid-back capital of Sichuan, famous for giant pandas, spicy food and long afternoons in teahouses. A UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a 240-hour transit port with two airports.
Time needed2–3 days
Best timeMarch–June, September–November
Chinese name成都
240-hour transitYes — approved port
Visa-free entry to Chengdu
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: 11 cities in Sichuan: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya'an, Meishan, Ziyang.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: 11 cities in Sichuan: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya'an, Meishan, Ziyang.
Check your passport for Chengdu →
Top things to do
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Arrive at opening time when pandas are fed and most active. Book tickets online.
- People's Park teahouse. Sip tea, watch ear-cleaning and the famous matchmaking corner.
- Wenshu Monastery. Peaceful Buddhist temple with a vegetarian restaurant.
- Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Street. Restored old lanes; busy but fun in the evening.
- Sichuan opera. Face-changing performances, e.g. at Shufeng Yayun teahouse.
Getting around
Metro links both airports (Tianfu TFU is farther out — about an hour by metro) and the city. High-speed trains run to Chongqing in about an hour.
Where to stay
- Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li — Central, shopping and food
- Kuanzhai Alley area — Atmospheric and walkable
Hotels in Chengdu that accept foreigners Affiliate link
Day trips
- Leshan Giant Buddha
- Mount Emei
- Dujiangyan irrigation system and Mount Qingcheng
What to eat
- Sichuan hot pot
- Mapo tofu
- Dan dan noodles
- Chuan chuan (skewers)