Chengdu with Kids: Pandas and Museums

The city Panda Base, the Dujiangyan Panda Garden, the natural history museum and the science museum, with one highlight each day and no rushing.

Following the usual approach in family guides, plan only one main attraction each day. Enter the Panda Base early in the morning and visit the Chengdu Natural History Museum in the afternoon to see the dinosaurs. On another day, visit the China Giant Panda Garden in Dujiangyan, which is less crowded and has a better environment, and see the old town of Guanxian along the way. Put the science museum and the Polar Ocean Park at the start and end of the trip. Stay on Chunxi Road, with direct metro access. Suited to families with children aged 3–12 or with elderly relatives.

Reservations for the Panda Base and museums are tight during summer vacation, so book early.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival at Tianfu Square and the Science Museum

Chengdu（Tianfu Square、Sichuan Science and Technology Museum、Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li）

From Shuangliu Airport, take Metro Line 10 and transfer to Line 1 to Tianfu Square, about 50 minutes. Walk around in the afternoon.

The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is closed on Mondays and requires reservations.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 2 · Panda Base and Natural History Museum

Chengdu（Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding、Chengdu Natural History Museum）

Early in the morning, take Metro Line 3 and the direct shuttle to the Panda Base. In the afternoon, take a taxi about 20 minutes to the Chengdu Natural History Museum.

The park is large, so ride the sightseeing bus. You can also return to the hotel for a midday rest before visiting the museum.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 3 · Dujiangyan Panda Garden and Guanxian Old Town

Chengdu（China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, Dujiangyan Base、Guanxian Ancient Town & Nanqiao Bridge, Dujiangyan）

From Xipu or Chengdu Station, take the intercity railway about 30 minutes to Dujiangyan, then a taxi about 20 minutes to the Panda Garden. Return to the city in the evening.

The Panda Garden has fewer visitors than the city base, so children can observe pandas up close.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 4 · Polar Ocean Park Before Departure

Chengdu（Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park）

Take Metro Line 1 about 40 minutes to Ocean Park. In the afternoon, take a taxi about 30 minutes to Shuangliu Airport.

Schedule your flight for the evening or later. You can leave luggage in storage.

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