📜 Introduction.
After exploring Beijing, Luoyang and Xi’an, my 1-month journey across China led me to Chengdu, with this amazing tour of giants.
Originally, I had planned to spend just two days here, but a few unexpected hiccups (and a rather disorganised tour operator for my Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou trip) brought me back to Chengdu to visit some places that were supposed to be part of that tour.
To make things simpler, I’ve gathered all these experiences into a 3-day itinerary. It is a perfect tour of the giants for travellers who want to experience the city at a local pace, between giant pandas, historic alleys, spicy food and majestic Buddhas.
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Day 1: A Cup of Tea in the Park.
Coming from Xi’an, I arrived in Chengdu in the early afternoon. After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I began my visit in the most typical way possible: a cup of tea at Heming Tea House, located inside Renmin Park.
The name means People’s Park, and one of its most bizzarre corners is the so-called “marriage market”. Here parents (and sometimes grandparents) hang paper sheets describing their unmarried sons or daughters in hopes of finding them a potential partner. It’s still a vivid tradition (also in other Chinese cities), where social pressure to marry remains strong, especially after the age of thirty.
I then walked to Kuan Alley, a lively neighborhood filled with narrow lanes, small restaurants, and shops. For dinner, I tried some local street food from stalls serving classic Sichuan dishes.
- h 16.07 – Arrival in Chengdu
- h 17.30 – Tea break at Heming Tea House and visit to Renmin Park
- h 20.00 – Visit and dinner at Kuan Alley food stalls
Day 2: Visit at Leshan Giant Buddha.
On the second day, I went on a day trip to discover one of China’s most impressive wonders: the Giant Buddha of Leshan. You can easily reach it in less than a hour by train from Chengdu East Station. Once I arrived, I took a Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) to the Buddha site. I chose to admire it from the river point, opting for a boat tour rather than a hike, as the August heat was really intense! For this reason, I had to purchase the boat tour ticket on site, even though I had already bought the entrance.
Nevertheless, it was the best option. From the boat, you get a spectacular frontal view. In fact, this is the only way to fully appreciate the majesty of the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into the rock during the Tang dynasty and standing at the confluence of three rivers.
After the boat trip, I grabbed a quick lunch and returned to Chengdu in the early afternoon. Back in the city, I spent the rest of the day wandering through the Ancient Jinli District, one of Chengdu’s most charming historic streets, decorated with red lanterns and bustling with artisan shops and street food stalls.
For dinner, I treated myself to an authentic Sichuan hot pot at Samite Restaurant, far too spicy for me, but absolutely worth trying.
- h 09.28 – Train from Chengdudong (Chengdu East) to Leshan
- h 11.00 – Visit to the Giant Buddha by boat
- h 14.47 – Treno from Leshan to Chengdudong (Chengdu East)
- h 15.46 – Walk in Jinli Ancient Street
- h 20.00 – Sichuan hot pot dinner at Samite
Day 3: Giant Pandas and Red Pandas.
As I explain in more detail in my post 3 Days in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, I returned to Chengdu because I absolutely wanted to see the pandas in real life.
From my research, there are three main centers where you can observe them: the Chengdu Panda Base (within the city), the Yefang Research Center (in Dujiangyan), and the Wolong Panda Base (about 100 km from Chengdu). The latter is considered one of the most ethical and even offers volunteer programmes. However, keep in mind that you cannot hug, touch, or get too close to the pandas!
That said, Wolong is quite far, expensive, and difficult to reach. Moreover, the tour I had booked originally included a panda visit, so I thought two days in Chengdu would be enough.
As mentioned earlier, that visit didn’t happen. Due to time and distance, I eventually chose the Chengdu Panda Base, located about 10 km from the city center. This facility, which feels more like a zoo, hosts dozens of pandas, including red pandas. Unfortunately, because of the scorching summer heat, the giant pandas had already been moved indoors when I arrived. As a result, I only managed to see them sleeping and to observe the red pandas.
It wasn’t quite the experience I had imagined, but it was still worth it (at least to watch the adorable red pandas up close).
After another walk through Renmin Park, I took the train toward my next destination: Chongqing.
- h 09.30 – Visit to Chengdu Panda Base
- h 13.00 – Lunch
- h 19.08 – Train from Chengdudong (East) to Chongqingxi (West)
- h 20.45 – Arrival in a Chongqing
🛏️ Where to Stay in Chengdu.
I stayed for two nights at the Anyee Jinzhu Hotel, about 15 minutes by walk from the metro station near Tianfu Square. The total cost was €60, including breakfast.
For my final night back in Chengdu, I stayed at the Rushi (Chaowa) Hotel, located about 5 minutes by walk from the same metro station near Tianfu Square. The total cost was €39, also including breakfast.
🎁Use the refer code below to register on Trip.com to unlock your €10 discount🎁
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🍜 What to Eat in Chengdu.
- Sichuan Hot Pot: the city’s signature dish, at Samite restaurant
- Mapo Tofu: spicy tofu cooked with minced meat and fermented bean paste.
- Dan Dan Noodles: served with a rich sesame sauce, chili oil, and minced meat.
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.
- Round-trip train to Leshan: Trip.com (about €18)
- Leshan Giant Buddha: Klook.com (about €10)
- Boat tour: on site (about €14)
- Panda Research Center visit: on site (about €6.50)
💡 Travel Tips.
To make the most of your Chengdu experience, especially if you’re visiting in summer, avoid the hottest hours of the day and plan your excursions early in the morning. This way, you’ll escape the sweltering heat and crowds, and have a better chance to see the pandas before they’re moved indoors.
If you decide to visit the Yefang Panda Research Center, take the opportunity to explore other attractions in the area. For example, the Dujiangyan Dam, one of the oldest and most ingenious irrigation systems, and the spectacular Zhongshuge bookstore (a dreamlike place that seems to have come out of a magical world).
Finally, choose a hotel near Tianfu Square metro station. It’s the perfect base for getting around the city with ease.
🎈 Conclusion.
Chengdu is a city that enchants with its contrasts: ancient yet modern, lively yet wonderfully calm. Between its lush green parks, alleys glowing with red lanterns, the delicate scent of tea, and the fiery spice of Sichuan hot pots, every corner reveals an authentic glimpse of local life.
With this tour of the giants, you can explore Chengdu’s ancient quarters, see the giant pandas up close, and marvel at the grandeur of the Leshan Buddha, in just three days.
If you love places where culture blends seamlessly with everyday life, Chengdu will capture your heart just as it did mine.
💬 And you? Would you rather see the pandas or sail in front of the Leshan Giant Buddha? Tell me in the comments!
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