First Visit to Chengdu: Panda Base, Old Streets and Dujiangyan

A classic three-day trip: the Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley and People's Park, Wuhou Shrine and Jinli, plus a day trip to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain.

The common framework of most guides and travel agency three-day itineraries: one day for the Panda Base, Wenshu Monastery and Chunxi Road; one day for the old streets, teahouses and Three Kingdoms culture of Shaocheng; and one day to Dujiangyan and the front mountain of Qingcheng. Stay on Chunxi Road in Taikoo Li for easy metro transfers. The pace is moderate, suited to first-time visitors with limited time. Sanxingdui and Du Fu Thatched Cottage are saved for next time.

The Panda Base requires online real-name reservations. In summer heat, pandas are only active in the morning.

Day by day

Day 1 · Panda Base, Wenshu Monastery and Chunxi Road

Chengdu（Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding、Wenshu Monastery、Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li、Daci Temple）

Take Metro Line 3 early in the morning to Xiongmao Avenue and transfer to the direct shuttle, about 1 hour. In the afternoon, take the metro back; from Wenshu Monastery to Taikoo Li is walkable.

The Panda Base opens at 7:30. Arrive right away and finish before 11 a.m. If you land on an early flight, you can go straight there; otherwise, go the next day.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 2 · Shaocheng Teahouses, Wuhou Shrine and Jinli

Chengdu（Kuanzhai Alley、Shaocheng Neighborhood (Kuixinglou Street & Paotongshu Street)、People's Park & Heming Teahouse、Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Street、Jinjiang Theatre (Sichuan Opera)）

Metro and walking: from Kuanzhai Alley to People's Park is about 15 minutes on foot. Then take a taxi or metro about 15 minutes to Wuhou Shrine.

Heming Teahouse in People's Park has the most local atmosphere in the morning. Jinli is beautiful at night, and you can watch Sichuan opera face-changing in the evening.

Stay: Chunxi Road · Taikoo Li

Day 3 · Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain Day Trip

Chengdu（Dujiangyan Irrigation System、Guanxian Ancient Town & Nanqiao Bridge, Dujiangyan、Mount Qingcheng）

Take the intercity railway from Xipu or Chengdu Station to Dujiangyan, about 30 minutes. Between the sights, take a taxi or bus, about 20 minutes. Return to the city in the evening for Chengdu East Station.

On the front mountain of Qingcheng, it's best to hike up and take the cable car down. Schedule your return flight or high-speed train for the evening.

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