Chengdu Panda & Sichuan Cuisine Journey
Meet adorable giant pandas and savor the fiery flavors of Sichuan in China's most relaxed capital
About This Route
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous for giant pandas, fiery hot pot, and a laid-back lifestyle. From watching pandas play at the Research Base to exploring ancient temples and tea houses, this 7-day journey will immerse you in the unique charm of southwest China.
What You'll Experience:
- Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha
- Experience authentic Sichuan hot pot and mapo tofu
- Explore Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alleys
- Visit Wuhou Temple and Du Fu Thatched Cottage
- Relax at a traditional Sichuan tea house
7-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Chengdu Welcome
Morning: Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Jinjiang or Wuhou district. Afternoon orientation.
Afternoon: Explore Jinli Ancient Street for traditional snacks and crafts.
Evening: Welcome dinner featuring Sichuan cuisine.
Giant Panda Research Base
Morning: Early visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see pandas when they're most active.
Afternoon: Visit the Chengdu Museum to learn about Sichuan's history.
Evening: Sichuan hot pot dinner.
Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip
Full Day: Day trip to Leshan to see the magnificent Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wuhou Temple & Du Fu Cottage
Morning: Visit Wuhou Temple, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the famous strategist of the Three Kingdoms period.
Afternoon: Explore Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former home of China's great poet Du Fu.
Evening: Relax at a traditional Sichuan tea house with a Sichuan opera performance.
Kuanzhai Alleys & Local Life
Morning: Explore Kuanzhai Alleys, historic alleys restored with boutique shops and restaurants.
Afternoon: Visit People's Park and relax at Heming Teahouse.
Evening: Try Sichuan street food and snacks.
Sichuan Cuisine & Cooking
Morning: Visit a local market to learn about Sichuan ingredients.
Afternoon: Sichuan cooking class to learn how to make mapo tofu and other dishes.
Evening: Farewell dinner with a variety of Sichuan specialties.
Departure
Morning: Final breakfast, last-minute souvenir shopping, or a final visit to a favorite tea house.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure, with wonderful memories of Chengdu's pandas and flavors.
Gallery
What Travelers Say
Amanda Foster
Seattle, WA | May 2026
Holding a baby panda was the best experience ever! Sichuan hot pot is incredibly delicious too! Our guide, Li, gave us great recommendations for local restaurants.
Kevin Zhang
Sydney, Australia | May 2026
Leshan Giant Buddha is breathtaking. Chengdu's relaxed vibe and amazing food make it the perfect destination. I loved the tea house experience!
Natalie Brown
Chicago, IL | April 2026
The cooking class was so much fun! Now I can make mapo tofu at home. The pandas were absolutely adorable - worth every minute!
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal with mild temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cool.
Getting Around
Chengdu has a good subway system. Taxis and Didi are convenient. Biking is also popular in the city.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss Sichuan hot pot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, dan dan noodles, and Sichuan dumplings. Be prepared for spicy food!
Cultural Tips
Learn basic Mandarin phrases. Chengdu has a relaxed pace - take time to enjoy tea houses. Ask for "not spicy" if you can't handle heat.