How Many Days Should I Spend in Chengdu?

Chengdu, the gateway to Sichuan's pandas and spicy cuisine, offers endless discoveries - but how long should you stay? Whether you're squeezing in a layover or planning an immersive trip, here's your perfect Chengdu itinerary based on experience level and interests.

Quick Answer: Ideal Trip Lengths

• First-time visitors: 3 full days (covers all highlights)

• Stopover travelers: 1-2 days (pandas + city essentials)

• In-depth explorers: 4-5 days (adds day trips to Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain, or Qingcheng Mountain + Dujiangyan Irrigation System)

• Food pilgrims: Add 1 extra day (for cooking classes/market tours)

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

1. The 24-Hour Blitz (Perfect for Layovers)

Must-sees:

• Morning: Chengdu Panda Base (opens 7:30 AM)

• Afternoon: Wuhou Temple + Jinli Ancient Street

• Evening: Hot pot dinner at Chuanxiong Hotpot

Pro Tip: Book a private driver through Klook to maximize time.

2. The 2-Day Essential Experience

Day 1:

• AM: Panda Base + Kuanzhai Alley

• PM: People's Park tea houses + Sichuan Opera face-changing show

Day 2:

• AM: Leshan Giant Buddha day trip

• PM: Jinsha Site Museum + Tongzilin nightlife

3. The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary (Most Recommended)

Day 1: Pandas + Culture

Day 2: Day trip to Dujiangyan Panda Valley

Day 3: Food tour + Qingyang Temple

Bonus: Add a evening river cruise on Day 3.

4. The 4-5 Day Immersion (For Foodies & Adventurers)

• Extra days allow for:

  -Cooking class at Sichuan Culinary School

  -Hiking at Qingcheng Mountain

  -Overnight in Pixian for Doubanjiang (bean paste) workshops

Factors Affecting Your Stay

1. Panda Priorities:

   -Base visit: 3-4 hours

   -Volunteering: Full day required

2. Food Exploration:

   -Basic tasting: 2 meals

   -Deep dive: Add cooking class day

3. Day Trips:

   -Leshan: 6-8 hours

   -Dujiangyan: 5-7 hours

Sample Time Allocation

Activity                                    Time Needed

Panda Base	Half day
Hot pot meal	2 hours
Tea house experience	1-2 hours
Sichuan Opera	3 hours
Leshan Buddha	Full day

When to Extend Your Stay?

Consider extra days if you:

• Want to see newborn panda cubs (June-August)

• Plan to visit Huanglong National Park and Jiuzhaigou National Park (add 3-4 days)

• Join a multi-day Sichuan food tour

• Plan to visit Mount Siguniang (add 3 days)

• Plan to visit Bipenggou Valley (add 3 days)

• Plan to visit Daocheng Yading and Western Sichuan (add 5-8 days)

Tour Recommendation

For time-crunched travelers, Local Chengdu Tours offers:

• Express 1-day "Pandas & Hot Pot" itineraries

• Private drivers to maximize limited time

• Skip-the-line panda base tickets