Welcome to Chengdu, China’s laid-back capital of spice, tea culture, and of course—pandas. This three-day travel guide is designed for food lovers who want to experience the best of Sichuan cuisine while exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant street life.
Day 1: Old Streets, Tea Houses & Spicy Delights
Morning: Wander Through Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) & People’s Park
Start your day at Kuanzhai Alley, a charming district of restored Qing Dynasty streets. Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere. The area is split into three lanes:
- Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi) – Traditional teahouses and souvenir shops
- Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi) – Trendy cafés and boutique stores
- Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi) – Great for Instagram-worthy photos
After exploring, take a 15-minute walk to People’s Park, where locals gather for morning tai chi, dancing, and most importantly—tea. Stop by Heming Teahouse, order a pot of jasmine tea (¥20-30), and try your hand at ear cleaning (a quirky local tradition!).
Lunch: Feast on Street Food at Jinli Ancient Street
A 10-minute taxi ride brings you to Jinli, Chengdu’s most famous snack street. Must-try bites:
- Dandan Noodles (担担面) – Spicy peanut-sesame noodles
- Chuan Chuan (串串) – Skewered meats & veggies in chili oil
- Three Big Guns (三大炮) – Sticky rice balls with brown sugar
Eat light—you’ll need room for hotpot later!
Afternoon: History at Wuhou Shrine & Du Fu’s Cottage
Next, visit Wuhou Shrine (¥60), a temple honoring Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms era. Then, head to Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage (¥50), a peaceful retreat where China’s greatest poet once lived.
Dinner: Hotpot Heaven in Chunxi Road
For dinner, dive into Chengdu’s ultimate food experience—hotpot! Try Shu Jiuxiang (蜀九香) or Dalong Yi (大龙燚) and order:
- Sliced beef & pork belly
- Crispy duck intestine
- Mushroom broth (for a mild option)
Afterward, stroll through Taikoo Li, a high-end shopping area with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
Day 2: Pandas, Sichuan Cuisine & Mountain Views
Morning: Chengdu Panda Base
Get up early (7:30 AM) to see giant pandas at their most active. The Chengdu Research Base (¥55) lets you watch them munch bamboo, roll around, and even play in the nursery. Pro tip: Rent a shuttle cart (¥10) to save energy.
Lunch: Classic Sichuan Dishes
Head back to the city for a proper Sichuan meal at Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐). Order:
- Mapo Tofu (spicy & numbing!)
- Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
- Twice-Cooked Pork (回锅肉)
Afternoon: Day Trip to Qingcheng Mountain
Escape the city with a 1.5-hour drive to Qingcheng Mountain (¥90), a sacred Taoist site surrounded by misty forests. Take the cable car (¥60 round-trip) to save time, then hike to Shangqing Palace for stunning views.
Dinner: Spicy Skewers (Chuan Chuan Xiang)
Back in Chengdu, try “Yuan Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang” (袁记串串香), where you pick skewers and boil them in a fiery broth. Pair with iced plum juice to cool down!
Day 3: Ancient Engineering & Last-Minute Food Hunting
Morning: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
A 1-hour drive takes you to Dujiangyan (¥90), a 2,000-year-old water project still in use today. Walk across the Anlan Bridge and learn how this system saved Sichuan from floods.
Lunch: Local Eatery Near Dujiangyan
Stop at a small family-run restaurant for:
- Spicy rabbit head (兔头, a Chengdu specialty!)
- Cold jelly noodles (凉粉)
Afternoon: Shopping & Relaxing at IFS
Return to Chengdu and visit IFS Mall for souvenirs like Sichuan peppercorns or handmade embroidery. Grab “Lao Ma Tuo” (老妈蹄花)—a soothing pork trotter soup—before heading out.
Evening: Nightlife at Jiuyanqiao Bar Street
End your trip with cocktails at Jiuyanqiao, Chengdu’s buzzing bar district. If you’re still hungry, grab “Sweet Water Noodles” (甜水面) from a late-night stall.
Final Tips for Your Chengdu Trip
✔ Transport: Use Didi (China’s Uber) or the metro (cheap & efficient).
✔ Stay: Book a hotel near Chunxi Road for easy access to food.
✔ Budget: ¥2000-2500 per person (3 days, mid-range).
✔ When to Go: March-May for mild weather.
Chengdu is a city best enjoyed slowly—sip tea, savor spice, and let the panda-filled adventures unfold. Happy eating!
The article is compiled from the internet by passionate netizens: https://chengdutravelguide.com/the-ultimate-3-day-chengdu-food-culture-itinerary/
