2020 Latest Chengdu Five-Day Four-Night Travel Guide

Chengdu, one of China's top ten ancient capitals, with its long-standing food culture endowing the city with unique charm and soul. Even strolling on the streets, you can occasional smell the aroma of hotpot wafting by. Malatang, hotpot, grilled meat, skewers... all the Sichuan cuisine you can imagine is here. For a true 'foodie' who loves Sichuan food, it feels like entering a 'food paradise', overflowing with happiness.

In ancient times, Chengdu was known as the 'Land of Abundance'. Today, with its towering high-rises and concentration of top-tier brands, Chengdu has transformed into an international fashion metropolis. On the bustling streets, you can always see faces of various skin colors. Here are beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, tempting Sichuan cuisine, and the beloved panda babies adored by all... There is always a reason to fall in love with it.

Because the trip was leisurely, the itinerary was not too tightly packed, focusing on eating and playing at a relaxed pace until fully satisfied.

D1: Kuanzhai Alley—Taikoo Li

D2: Jinli—Wuhou Shrine—Du Fu Thatched Cottage

D3: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

D4: Mount Qingcheng

D5: Dujiangyan

D1 Kuanzhai Alley—Taikoo Li

Play: Kuanzhai Alley—Taikoo Li

Eat: Jiyu Thai Seafood Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch), Hao Yingxiong (Taikoo Li Branch)

Stay: Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

Kuanzhai Alley is a must-visit in Chengdu. Composed of three parallel alleys—Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley—it features buildings styled after Qing Dynasty courtyard houses, exuding a unique charm. Both sides are lined with various specialty shops offering food, creative souvenirs, traditional culture displays, and even adorable panda graffiti on the walls.

Address: Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Opening hours: All day

Transport: Metro Line 4, Kuanzhai Alley Station

Representative attraction of Zhai Alley: 'Zhai Alley Backward Glance'

Taikoo Li feels similar to Taikoo Li in Beijing; I didn't take many photos while wandering around. The main purpose here was to eat, so let's focus on food.

Food recommendation: Jiyu Thai Seafood Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

Jiyu Thai Seafood Hotpot (Taikoo Li Branch)

Address: No. 1 Gate, Yangzhan Expo Phase 2, Jingronghui, No. 169 Xiadong Street, Chengdu

Transport: Walk 380m from Exit B, Chunxi Road Station, Metro Line 2/3

This hotpot restaurant is extremely popular in Taikoo Li. Originating from Phuket, Thailand, it catches eyes with its Insta-style duplex layout, fresh and simple color scheme, surrounded by greenery, and artistically arranged spaces that offer visual comfort.

We ordered the signature fresh-ingredient Tom Yum Goong pot. A coconut is freshly cracked and poured into the broth along with a fresh coconut juice and a bag of mixed fresh ingredients. After boiling, the broth is rich in flavor, with a delicate and layered taste. The dipping sauces include classic Thai style, signature lemon mint, and localized options like secret Sichuan pepper and dry chili powder, catering to local tastes.

All seafood and spices used are air-shipped daily from Thailand. Shrimp balls, fish balls, and luncheon meat are handmade on the spot, offering fresh, tender, and unique flavors. My favorites were the fresh crab, abalone, and shrimp—live crab and abalone cooked in the pot, exceptionally fresh.

The restaurant offers an unlimited complimentary area: if you order a set meal according to the number of diners, desserts, snacks, and staples are free. Highly recommend some beautiful and delicious desserts and staples: molten lava cake, coconut bowl, mango sticky rice, and rabbit pudding.

Additionally, the service from the waitresses is super attentive—they help peel shrimp shells and even hold a light for photos. I absolutely adore this place.

Hao Yingxiong·Self-Service Grilled Oyster Shop

Address: 2nd Floor, No. 25, Building 23, Section 4, Hongxing Road, Chengdu

Transport: Walk 500m from Exit E2, Chunxi Road Station, Metro Line 2/3

If you love oysters, don't miss Hao Yingxiong in Chengdu. It's close to Taikoo Li, convenient after shopping. The group-buy price is only 98 yuan per person, offering unlimited grilled oysters, other meats, and seafood like scallops, mussels, fresh shrimp, clams, ribs, squid, chicken wings—enough to satisfy you completely. Additionally, there is a self-service area for fruits, desserts, and snacks, all free.

All seafood is cleaned and shelled in an open kitchen, layered with ice for freshness. Before grilling, you can start with a pot of steamed cooked oysters, open the shells, dip in sauce, and eat while waiting. Fresh oysters are large, thick, and generous. They are topped with a secret minced garlic sauce, grilled until tender and flavorful.

The shop is fresh, simple, literary, with green soft leather seats for comfort. The staff are hardworking, help with grilling and techniques, and are friendly. Tables are cleaned promptly. The ventilation system is excellent, so no lingering smoke odor.

Stay: Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel is located in the city center—Shaanxi Street, southwest corner of Tianfu Square. It is about 930m from Metro Lines 1 and 2, 327m from People's Park, 350m from the famous Heming Teahouse (inside People's Park), 290m from the pig trotter food street, 1.3km from Kuanzhai Alley, 1.8km from Wuhou Shrine and Jinli, 1.6km from Chunxi Road, and 2.5km from Taikoo Li. Location is excellent with convenient transportation. Nearby are educational institutions, key schools, high-end businesses, office buildings, provincial education department, human resources department, public security department, Shishi High School, City Center, Renhe Spring, etc., all within walking distance.

The hotel has over 90 rooms of various types. Inside, there is Shaanxi Guild Hall (a provincial-level key cultural relic, built during the Kangxi period with a plaque inscribed by Yu Youren). The 300-year-old antique architectural style blends with modern fashion, exuding ancient Shu culture charm. It surrounds a classic Chinese garden courtyard, offering a quiet and elegant retreat amid the city.

Address: No. 130 Shaanxi Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu [Near Tianfu Square/Yanshikou Commercial Area, Kuanzhai Alley/Traditional Chinese Medicine College area]

Transport: Walk 560m from Exit E, People's Park Station, Metro Line 2

D2 Jinli—Wuhou Shrine—Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Play: Jinli—Wuhou Shrine—Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Eat: By the Roadside (Zhimin Road Branch), Fisherman Fish Cub (Zhimin Road Branch)

Stay: Chengdu Ximu Shanju Hotel (Shaanxi Street Branch)

Address: No. 231 Wuhou Shrine Street, Chengdu

Opening hours: All day

Transport: Buses 1, 57, 304, 306, 335 direct

Jinli is one of the oldest and most commercial streets in Western Shu history, famous since the Qin-Han and Three Kingdoms periods. It is a 550-meter street, themed on folk and Qing Dynasty Western Sichuan lifestyle, combining Three Kingdoms culture and Chengdu folk customs, showcasing the unique essence of Chengdu culture. Lotus ponds, study rooms, Sichuan opera face-changing, creative shops, inns, snack bars—it attracts a constant stream of tourists year-round.

Wuhou Shrine is the most famous memorial site for Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei, and heroes of Shu Han. It is the most influential Three Kingdoms museum in China and the only joint temple for an emperor and his minister. It stands as a historical monument recording the Three Kingdoms era over 1,700 years ago. Jinli is adjacent to Wuhou Shrine and can be visited on the same day.

Address: No. 231 Wuhou Shrine Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Opening hours: Summer: 7:30–21:00; Winter: 8:00–18:30

Ticket: Adults 60 yuan, Students 30 yuan

Transport: Buses 1, 10, 57, 82, 301, 334, 335, 123, 521, 901, 904

Address: No. 37 Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu

Opening hours: (May–Oct): 8:00–18:30; (Nov–Apr): 8:00–18:00

Transport: Buses 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, 165, 170, 309, 319

Du Fu Thatched Cottage is hailed as a 'sacred site in Chinese literary history'. It was the residence of Tang dynasty poet Du Fu after he fled to Sichuan to avoid the An Lushan Rebellion. He lived here for four years and wrote over 240 poems.

Despite his impoverished state, he harbored ambitions to serve the world, linking his suffering to the people's misery and the nation's crisis, elevating it into a noble sentiment of concern for the country and people, which became an inexhaustible source for his poetry.

Thatched huts, red walls, green tiles, green bamboo, epic hall… Quiet and elegant, exuding an aura of ancient literati. Walking around and rereading the poems from school textbooks in the epic hall brings a sense of familiarity and rekindles memories.

Fisherman Fish Cub Pebble Fish Hotpot (Zhimin Road Direct Store)

Address: No. 48, Building 2, Zhimin Road, Chengdu

Transport: Walk 190m from Exit B, Xinnanmen Station, Metro Line 3

Business hours: Mon–Sun 11:30–24:00

This place is famous for its unique pebble fish hotpot, attracting many customers. The shop's style is traditional Shu fisherman rustic, retro and dignified. Old wooden doors and windows, hanging conical hats, straw rain capes, black-and-white photo frames—all elements exude simple and natural familiarity, like walking into a fisherman's home for a delicious fish feast.

At the entrance, there is a row of glass fish tanks with different species: silver carp, triangular bream, spotted catfish, longsnout catfish, red sand fish, etc., choose according to preference. After selection, fish are freshly killed and sliced, ensuring perfect freshness. Tables and chairs are made of bamboo. A lazy Susan is designed on the table for snacks; small detail is thoughtful.

Let's talk about the most characteristic pebble pot base, symbolizing 'stone brings good luck'. There are three flavors: classic red pot, ancient sauerkraut pot, lemon ginger pot (choose lemon ginger if you don't eat spicy). The server brings a cast-iron pot with pebbles heated to over 300°C, places fresh fish slices, pours in broth, covers, and after a few minutes, it's ready. Fish slices cooked with pebbles, dipped in special sauce, are tender, smooth, and incredibly delicious.

Apart from fish, various snacks and cold dishes are highly recommended: honeyed small tomatoes, mini crispy fish, farm-style cold jelly, orange steamed buns, purple rice glutinous rice cake, honey pickled radish, and red oil chicken feet.

By the Roadside Mala Tang (Zhimin Road Branch)

I've eaten at other branches before, but this is my first time tasting authentic Chengdu flavor.

Address: No. 48 Zhimin Road, Chengdu (Exit B, Xinnanmen Station, Metro Line 3)

Transport: Walk 170m from Exit B, Xinnanmen Station, Metro Line 3

Business hours: Mon–Sun 11:00–next day 01:00

I knew this place was popular. To avoid queues, I came with a friend early at 4pm. The shop's design style is nostalgic: blue-painted wooden small tables and chairs, gray cement walls, red slogans, a small general store, old-fashioned street lamps and bulbs… In the bustling, lively space, three or five friends gather around a small square table, chatting while enjoying spicy street food. The red pot is boiling, aroma of skewers permeates… The scene feels like traveling back to the warm, happy slow time of childhood.

A vast selection of skewers is in the refrigerated area, neatly arranged. Seafood, meatballs, meat, vegetables—rich in variety. Pick according to taste. After eating, the sticks are weighed for billing. Besides skewers, there are also single dishes. I strongly recommend their fragrant beef, braised brain, hotpot vermicelli, potato slices, and iced jelly. Add a large bottle of soy milk to relieve spiciness—perfect.

Play: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Eat: Chengdu Chike (Zhimin Road Branch)

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Address: No. 1375 Panda Avenue, North Outer, Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Opening hours: 07:30–18:00

Ticket: Adults 52 yuan, Students 27 yuan

Transport: Take buses 1, 49, 53, 63, 64, 69, 71, 83 to Qinglongchang Bus Center, then transfer to bus 198 or 87 to the Base.

Summer visit to the base to see the long-cherished 'national treasure' panda babies. They are the cutest, most adorable animals, capturing countless fans worldwide. Giant pandas naturally have eye shadow-like markings; they look round and chubby but become agile little chubsters when climbing trees. Red pandas look like cats but larger, with long ringed tails, very eye-catching.

The base is 10km from the city, easily accessible. Taxi is more convenient. Tickets can be purchased in advance; scan QR code at entrance.

Note: Get up early. We arrived at 11am and many pandas were already asleep.

Chengdu Chike (Zhimin Road Branch)

The dishes are very authentic and typical of Chengdu. New dishes are introduced from time to time.

Address: No. 48 Zhimin Road, Chengdu

Transport: Walk 180m from Exit B, Xinnanmen Station, Metro Line 3

Business hours: Mon–Sun 11:30–14:00, 17:00–22:00

Mandarin Duck Boiled Beef: Two flavors, half spicy, half non-spicy. When served, hot vegetable oil is poured over, sizzling and fragrant. The beef is especially delicious.

Special Grilled Fish Slices: Generous portion. Unlike traditional grilled fish slices, these are served skewered and soaked in sauce, tender and smooth, fresh not greasy, not as spicy as expected. I was too busy eating to ask about the method.

Sauerkraut Fish Soup: Complimentary soup with the grilled fish slices. Sour, fresh, and appetizing.

Chive Dipping Duck Intestines: Intestines are very clean, served with special chive dipping sauce, no fishy taste. At first glance, it looked like cold noodle skin.

Konggan Rice: Originates from Sichuan dialect, a regional dietary memory over 2,000 years old. Cooked rice mixed with diced potatoes, long beans, carrots, and cured meat. Very tasty; I ate two bowls.

Shiso Braised Chicken Feet: Soft and sticky, melt-in-the-mouth.

Baba Duck Head: Spicy enough to make you cry, both spicy and satisfying. Not for those who can't handle spice.

Brown Sugar Tofu Pudding: Topped with soft-cooked red beans, sweet and delicious.

D4 Mount Qingcheng

Play: Mount Qingcheng

Eat: Mount Qingcheng Town

Stay: Dujiangyan Mount Qingcheng Zitong Small Yard

Mount Qingcheng, birthplace of Chinese Taoism, one of Chengdu's top ten scenic spots. Peaks surround and overlap, with dense green forests. 'Moist without rain, cool without wind', it is known as the 'most secluded place under heaven', a popular summer retreat in Chengdu.

Address: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province

Opening hours: 08:00–19:00

Ticket: Adults 80 yuan

Transport: Take a train from Xipu Station directly to Mount Qingcheng Station.

On a rainy day at Mount Qingcheng,

I deliberately chose the 'front mountain' route which takes less time,

Walking through misty mountains,

The light was dimmer on the rainy day,

Climbing step by step along slippery, narrow stone stairs,

It creates an atmosphere of 'a winding path leading to a secluded spot'.

After reaching the highest point, Laojun Pavilion (1260m),

The wind blew away the clouds, revealing the beautiful contours of the mountains,

I love the wonders of nature,

Not only for its inherent beauty,

But also for the little surprises it gives unexpectedly.

Dujiangyan Mount Qingcheng Zitong Small Yard

This inn is in the town. After booking online, contact the owner in advance; they will pick you up at the Qingchengshan High-speed Rail Station and also drop you off at Mount Qingcheng for free. The inn is cozy, clean, and comfortable. The only downside is that you can wander the town's night market in the evening.

D5 Dujiangyan

Play: Dujiangyan

Eat: De'er Braised Meat Skewers (Oak Forest Branch)

Address: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province

Opening hours: Winter: 8:00–17:30; Other seasons: 8:00–18:00

Ticket: Adults 80 yuan

Transport: Taxi from Mount Qingcheng to Dujiangyan (cost 34 yuan)

Dujiangyan ecological water conservancy project, built in 256 BC, is the oldest large-scale water project in the world. For over 2,000 years, it has continuously played a role in flood control and irrigation. Its construction transformed ancient Sichuan Basin from flood-prone, destitute hills and wastelands into the later Land of Abundance.

Marco Polo wrote in his travels: 'The Dujiang River flows rapidly, with many fish, and boats carrying goods travel up and down in great numbers,' vividly depicting the prosperity along the ancient riverbanks.

De'er Braised Meat Skewers (Oak Forest Branch)

Address: No. 75, Oak Fruit Square, B1 Floor, No. 23 Oak Forest East Road, Chengdu

Elegantly decorated, quiet atmosphere, large floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious and comfortable dining area. The dishes are innovative, and there is a wide variety of liquors.

Different from traditional grilled meat, here all skewers are hung inside a large jar, covered and braised. Charcoal is at the bottom of the jar, ensuring even heat, locking in moisture and aroma. It is also eco-friendly, and the skewers turn out especially delicious.

Pickled Chicken Feet: Top recommendation, marinated well, chewy and addictive.

Air-dried Potato Shreds: Very long potato shreds placed on a special wooden rack. Crispy, sour-sweet with a bit of spice.

Black Pepper Beef Short Ribs: Braised short ribs, moisture locked in, excellent texture.

Finger-licking Lamb Ribs: Selected lamb, perfect grilling, endless aftertaste.

February Melon: Crisp, tender, with a light sweetness.

Mushrooms: Thick, fresh, delicious.

Additionally, three dipping sauces are provided for different skewers.

I love the feeling—drinking beer, eating small skewers, feeling the flow of time in the slow pace.

Chengdu is truly a city where you never want to leave.