Chengdu is a living footnote to Sichuan charm: pandas bring the “cute,” hotpot brings the “soul,” and the city blends old-street bustle with gateways to Western Sichuan’s hidden realms. It’s both the laid-back home field of the famed “bashi” lifestyle and a diverse playground where culture and nature meet.
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12-seats car
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6-12people
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moderate intensity
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Chengdu
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autumn
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no
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English, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, etc.
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1
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80
Morning — Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It’s recommended to enter in the early morning when the pandas are more active, so you can watch them eating and playing. Then head to Kuanzhai Alleys to browse exhibitions and shop; check in at the “Brick Culture Wall” to view old photos and folk stories.
Afternoon — Walk or take a taxi from Kuanzhai Alleys to the Wuhou Shrine, which contains core halls such as the Hall of Liu Bei and the Hall of Zhuge Liang. Right next door is Jinli Ancient Street, where you can taste a variety of Chengdu snacks and watch traditional craft performances such as shadow puppetry and Shu embroidery.
Evening — Go to Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li; visit Fangsuo Bookstore and check in at the centuries-old Daci Temple, feeling the blend of ancient and modern in this commercial district.
Morning — Head to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. With a site guide, see the three main projects: Fish Mouth, Feisha Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel; climb Yulei Pavilion for a panoramic view of the project and the Min River, and sense the local reverence for Li Bing and his son. Afternoon — From Dujiangyan continue to Qingcheng Mountain (Front Range). Hike the trail and visit sights such as Wudongtian (Five Caves of Heaven) and Natural Painting, experiencing the mood of “Qingcheng, the most secluded under heaven.” Evening — Return to Dujiangyan city center, stroll Guanxian (Guankou) Ancient City, and taste local specialties.
Morning — Visit Wenshu Monastery to appreciate the solemnity of the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall. Then go to Eastern Suburb Memory (Dongjiao Memory), which houses many cafés, livehouses, and cultural–creative shops—great for photos and for soaking up the artsy atmosphere. Afternoon — Head to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, focusing on the Du Fu Memorial Hall, Chaimen (Thatched Gate), and Huajing (Flower Path). Dusk & Evening — Go to Jiuyan Bridge Bar Street to feel the fashionable nightlife vibe, then take the Night Cruise on the Jinjiang River. Depart from the pier and sail along Jinjiang, enjoying ancient architecture and modern landmarks illuminated on both banks.
