Day 1 in Chengdu
Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the spectacular sprawling city with a walk around the central heart of the city at Tianfu Square, which is surrounded by green parks, vibrant flowers, and glistening fountains. There is a large statue of Chairman Mao that stands 100 feet tall in the center of the square. Visit the surrounding restaurants and cafes around the square and enjoy some lunch, do some shopping and explore the winding alleyways that curve around the city center.
The sprawling People`s Park is found across from the square, one of the largest parks and the first public park in the city dating back to 1911. Take a walk around the lake, see the vibrant gardens and then visit the century-old Heming Teahouse, a local landmark for some delicious Chinese tea.
Take some time to visit some of the many museums in the city such as The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum featuring interactive exhibits on science, aerodynamics, space, mathematics, robotics, and physics. There are 20 permanent exhibition areas featuring 600 exhibits, you can see airplanes, flying saucers, 3D movies, robots and model rockets as well as ride a flight simulator.
The Sichuan Provincial Museum is the largest museum in the Sichuan Province boasting over 300,000 cultural relics including 1,399 that have been categorized at a national level. There are 14 exhibition halls spread over three stories with some of the most famous items on display like paintings from Zhang Qian, carved bricks from the Han Dynasty, and Basu Bronzes.
Step back in time and visit the historic Jinli Street, which dates back to the Qin Dynasty decorated by traditional buildings and lined by restaurants, shops, and bars, it was known as the `First Street of the Shu Kingdom`. Stroll along the ancient streets and narrow alleyways which are closed to traffic and stretch for over 1,800 feet, stop into the quaint shops and enjoy some of the authentic Sichuan cuisines.
Teahouses are one of the most popular attractions in the city, there are crowded teahouses found in every neighborhood, overflowing with locals playing cards, watching opera and gossiping. The art of tea dates back over 3,000 years and there are famous theatres and tea houses that put on a show for a few hours include music and puppetry. Enjoy a traditional evening out.
Day 2 in Chengdu
Wake up this morning and enjoy some breakfast at one of the many cafes found around the parks in the city, sip on a bottomless cup of tea. Head out to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base situated in the Futou Mountains. This is a very popular attraction in Chengdu established in 1987, the best time to visit is first thing in the morning when your chances are higher of seeing the Panda’s who like to eat and play in the morning hours. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close to these wonderful Panda`s in their natural habitat, see them chomping on bamboo, watch them gleefully playing or just being lazy bears.
Check out the small museum on site and learn about the giant panda bears, the base specializes in breeding with over 120 births recorded since they opened. Visit the restaurant for a snack and refreshment and grab a cuddly panda bear at the souvenir shop. The park opens at 7:30 am and feeding time occurs around 8:00 am - 9:30 am when the pandas are most active.
Head to the Baoguang Monastery also known as the Monastery of Precious Light, one of the top four Buddhist temples found in Western China. The temple dates back to the Han Dynasty and covers over 20 acres of land featuring 16 peaceful courtyards, 5 palaces and 1 pagoda made of wood and stone, there are over 500 statues of arhat and 13 of Sarira, spread throughout the grounds. Take some time to enjoy the grounds and the sights in a tranquil environment.
Next, take a trip to the beautiful vibrant Chengdu Botanical Gardens sprawling over 100 acres brimming with vibrant flowers and wide open green spaces. The park is listed as one of the top eight landscapes found in the city and was named `Embodied Treasures in a Green Sea` in 1990. Stroll throughout the tranquil gardens in the four designated areas; The Flower Appreciating, The Recreation Area, The Tree Woods and the Experimental Center with over 2,000 species and 1,000 woody plants with over 800 horticultural plants.
Visit The Chengdu Museum located in Tianfu Square in a 5 story building that consists of two towers and covers a total area of 16 acres. This massive museum is the biggest comprehensive museum in the city packed with historical and cultural relics. Be sure to visit the `Puppetry and Shadow Plays of China` exhibits on the highest floor and see over 600 ancient artifacts including gold, silver, pottery, and porcelain on display.
After a busy day on your feet, indulge in a foot and body massage, the city of Chengdu is famous for a relaxed, laid back lifestyle and massages are a popular pastime in the city. Sit back and relax in a private room while you sip on some tea and let your tension melt away with a massage or foot washing treatment.
As evening time approaches, head to West Pearl Tower the 1,112-foot tall communications tower in Chengdu. The iconic landmark features a revolving restaurant, a sightseeing floor, and an open observation deck. Head to the sightseeing floor and the outside observation deck for unparalleled views of the city. Then enjoy a unique dining experience at 339 Restaurant which is located at 669 feet above the ground and rotates giving you 360 panoramic views as the city sparkles beneath you.
If time and energy allow, take a relaxing evening walk along Chunxi Road, the pedestrianized shopping street is found in the heart of the city with over 700 shops. This is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in China dating back to 1924. There is an abundance of shops to suit every walk of life along with restaurants, coffee shops, tea houses, and street food stalls.
Day 3 in Chengdu
Start your day with a trip out to an authentic tea plantation, just a few hours outside Chengdu is the country`s oldest tea growing region of Mengdingshan. Take in the breathtaking scenery and tour the plantation with a local farmer who will provide you with the ancient tea making rituals while learning about the process of tea making and different types of tea`s produced here. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the tea plantation and sample some delicious teas.
Next, visit the ancient town of Huanglongxi and witness a taste of old China with quaint streets lined by 14th century Ming architecture. The historic town boasts exquisite temples, a working watermill, a covered bridge, and breathtaking scenery. Walk down the seven ancient cobblestoned streets with historical residences that now house traditional shops, craft workshops, restaurants, and teahouses. Enjoy some tea and snacks, shops for unique artifacts and souvenirs then stroll along the river or take a relaxing boat ride to see the traditional stilt houses.
On your last evening in the city visit one of the many restaurants in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy and taste some delicious, spicy Sichuan food. The city is renowned for its spicy cuisine with many local restaurants cooking their food with chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, try some authentic kung pao chicken or the famous Sichuan hotpot.
After dinner, watch a breathtaking Opera performance, Chengdu is the birthplace of Sichuan Opera dating back over 250 years ago. Witness a spectacular performance with glass shattering songs and other amazing performances including fire breathing.
Head to the Anshun Bridge, which translates to `Peaceful and Propitious`, an attractive covered bridge by the Jinjiang River dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. The bridge is lit up at night providing spectacular views and picture perfect opportunities by the riverbanks. The bridge was recorded in Marco Polo's writings in the 13th century.
There are some popular bars and nightclubs located along the river, stop in for a nightcap and take in the ambiance of the riverside at night.
Additional Days in Chengdu
If you are able to spend additional days in Chengdu be sure to visit the sprawling Jinsha Site Museum, the first important archeological discovery of the 21st century in China. This expansive museum features 5 exhibition halls displaying ancient items such as ivory, jade, gold, bronze and carved stones that were discovered at the site and date back to 1200 and 600 BC. There are 63 sacrificial spots, 6,000 pieces of precious relics, over 70 building spots and 3 centralized cemeteries on site.
Take a day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddhas in the world standing 232 feet tall carved directly out of the surrounding rock face. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was started by a Buddhist monk named Haitong in AD 713. Take some pictures with this awe-inspiring statue, it is so big that 10 people can fit on his big toe!!
Many festivals are hosted in Chengdu, including the Chengdu Lights Up for Lantern Festival during January and February with thousands of lanterns decorating the skyline. The Chengdu Flower Fair is held in February, a beautiful sight to see. The Shixiang Lake Tulip Festival and Chengdu International Peach Blossom Festival are two popular festivals held in March. The Xindu Lotus Festival runs through June, July, and August and The Releasing Water Festival take place in April.
Your Last Day in Chengdu
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.