RECOMMENDED ITINERARY
Chengdu: pandas and city life
A suggested itinerary based in Chengdu. Allow 2 days.
A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.
Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.
Your suggested route
The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.
Day 1 · Morning · Panda Base
Book the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and arrive for a practical early session. Allow three to four hours including walking and internal transport if used. Choose a manageable section from the current map; animal activity and viewing positions cannot be guaranteed.
Day 1 · Afternoon · Lunch and rest
Return for a Sichuan lunch, then keep the afternoon lighter with a café or a short city walk. Do not add another distant wildlife site. The large morning grounds can be more tiring than the word ‘panda visit’ suggests.
Day 2 · Morning · People’s Park
Spend an unhurried morning in People’s Park, with time for tea and observing daily activity respectfully. Allow two hours rather than making a teahouse a five-minute photo stop. Ask prices before optional services and avoid intrusive photographs of residents.
Day 2 · Afternoon · One historic district
Have lunch, then choose Kuanzhai Alley for browsing or the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli area for a more history-focused afternoon. Give the selected district two to three hours. Finish with dinner nearby rather than attempting both areas and another attraction.
Visitor information and further planning
Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.
For more travel and everyday moments.
Follow @andypanel ↗