2 Days Classic Chengdu Tour: Meet Old & Modern Chengdu

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you fulfill your panda dream.

Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than giant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you’re interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas’ secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation, and closed on Mondays.

After lunch, it’s time to take a leisurely stroll inside Chengdu Renmin Park (Chengdu People’s Park) like a local and enjoy the city’s slow lifestyle. You can watch locals square dancing, practicing Taiji, singing Chinese folk songs, playing traditional Chinese musical instruments, as well as playing Chinese chess and boating on the lake. Don’t miss the blind date corner (a marriage market) where parents of unmarried adults flock to the park to find a partner for their daughter or son. Then, order a cup of fragrant jasmine green tea (a favorite of Chengdu locals) while sitting in a time-honored tea house, such as Heming Tea House. Chat with your friends, try Chengdu Ear Cleaning by professional ear cleaner, and see locals having fun playing mahjong.

Later, enjoy a historical trip to explore the renowned Wuhou Temple (the Temple of Marquis Wu). Walk in the footsteps of legendary figures from the classic novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and delve into the intriguing stories of this pivotal period in Chinese history. Wuhou Temple is the only temple in China where a ruler and his officials are worshipped together. The temple is famous for its dedication to Zhuge Liang, a prominent military strategist and politician of the Shu Han kingdom (221AD – 263AD), revered as a symbol of wisdom and loyalty. Start your tour at the Han Zhao Lie Temple, dedicated to Liu Bei, the emperor who founded the Shu Han state and was known for his charisma and leadership skills. Continue to the main hall of Wuhou Temple, where you can discover the fascinating life story of Zhuge Liang, who devoted himself to the Shu Kingdom until his death. Marvel at the 24 civil and military generals depicted in the novel as you explore the temple’s intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. Also, be sure to visit Sanyi Temple to learn about the famous story of “The Oath of the Peach Garden”, which tells the tale of three sworn brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, who pledged to support each other and fight against tyranny and injustice. Don’t miss the chance to take brilliant photos at the Red Wall, and if time allows, pay a visit to the Hui Mausoleum, where Liu Bei is buried.

When the sun sets, the nightlife on Jinli Street becomes even more charming. Known as the “Chengdu Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Scroll” and ranked at the top of the world’s most beautiful streets by CNN Travel in 2021, Jinli Street was first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) and was then known as “Shu Jinli”. Walking on Jinli Street, you can appreciate the brilliant Chinese Traditional buildings of Qing Dynasty style (1616-1911), buy all kinds of souvenirs (Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, calligraphy, and paintings), try delicious local snacks (Dan Dan Noodles, Egg Pancake, Bon Bon Chicken, Sweet Potato Noodles with Pork Intestines, Iced Jelly, Sour and Spicy Tofu Pudding), and discover intangible heritages like Sugar Painting, Shadow Puppy Play, Sichuan Opera Show…

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu downtown.

On this day, start your day with a delightful morning visit to Wenshu Monastery, a 1400-year-old temple dedicated to honoring Manjushri Bodhisattva, the Symbol of Wisdom. It is one of the four great temples of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China. Before entering the temple, take a moment to capture the beauty of the Red Wall. Once inside, stroll leisurely through the temple’s beautiful Qing Dynasty-style buildings and marvel at the Heavenly Kings Hall, Three Saints Hall, Grand Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, and Scripture Library in that order. The temple’s buildings, such as the bell tower and corridor, are seamlessly integrated with the main complex, creating a peaceful and immersive atmosphere where you can explore and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism. If you like, indulge in the delicious vegetarian food served inside the monastery, which is both healthy and satisfying.

Later, move to the Chengdu Museum, the largest comprehensive museum in Chengdu where you could learn about the ancient and modern history of Chengdu. It has a collection of 200,000 objects. You will travel through history from the pre-Qin period (the Paleolithic period to 221 BC) to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). It starts with the masks of Sanxingdui, continues with the stone statues of ancient Shu, the pottery of the Sui and Tang dynasties, and the porcelain of the Ming and Qing dynasties – presenting a complete developmental history. Besides, enjoy exploring the intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan, including Sichuan opera, puppet shows, shoulder-pole Chinese opera, shadow puppetry, Sichuan cuisine, and teahouse culture, among others.

After uncovering Chengdu’s rich history, prepare to be awe-struck by the city’s dazzling modern landscape. Chengdu is affectionately known as “Tianfu”, meaning “Heaven City”. Make your way to the Tianfu Square, centrally located in Chengdu’s commercial district. Don’t miss sighting iconic landmarks nearby like the imposing Chairman Mao’s statue and the intriguing Sichuan Science and Technology Museum. As you take in the dynamic scenery, you’ll understand why Chengdu is celebrated as both “The Land of Abundance” and China’s most livable city.

Then, revel in a leisurely stroll down Chunxi Road, appreciating the giant panda sculpture playfully scaling the sleek facade of the Chengdu International Finance Square (IFS). This whimsical juxtaposition elegantly captures Chengdu’s blend of old and new. Afterwards, meander through the bustling lanes of Taikoo Li Chengdu, a harmonious fusion of global and local influences. Browse lavish boutiques showcasing luxury brands while soaking in the vibrant energy of this chic shopping district. Visit the 1300-year-old Daci Temple, hidden amidst the modern cityscape. Stroll peacefully through the grounds, order a cup of tea, and find your own inner quiet in the heart of the bustling city.

After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel, or we can take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!