Chengdu Fun Trip | 3 Days 2 Nights Family Trip, Enjoy the Slow Life of Sichuan
Chengdu, a city known as the "Land of Abundance," attracts global tourists with its unique slow pace of life, profound cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine. For families planning a trip with children, Chengdu not only boasts the world-class giant panda, but also rich historical sites and vibrant local culture. XOOTOUR's experienced destination columnist has carefully planned a 3-day, 2-night Chengdu itinerary to provide a comfortable, educational, and enjoyable travel experience, ensuring that all family members can fully appreciate the leisurely charm of Sichuan.
Day 1: Visiting National Treasures and Strolling Through the City
Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
As one of the world's most important giant panda conservation institutions, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a top choice for family trips. It is recommended to enter the park as soon as it opens in the morning, when the pandas are most active, offering the chance to observe their adorable feeding and playing scenes. The base boasts a beautiful environment, nestled among bamboo groves, making it an ideal place to learn about the pandas' habits and participate in science education. The park is quite large; taking a sightseeing bus can save energy.
Lunch: Around the base or back to the city
There are light meals available around the base, or you can choose to return to the city and experience authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery and Kuanzhai Alley
Wenshu Monastery is one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples in Chengdu, boasting a serene and elegant environment. The temple has a teahouse where you can relax and enjoy tea, experiencing the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu residents. Afterwards, head to Kuanzhai Alley, a historical and cultural conservation area of Chengdu, comprised of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. Kuan Alley showcases the everyday life of old Chengdu, Zhai Alley blends fashion and tradition, while Jing Alley has a more modern feel. Here you can sample various snacks, purchase unique souvenirs, and experience the unique charm of old Chengdu.
Dinner: Featured restaurants around Kuanzhai Alley
Kuanzhai Alley and its surrounding area are home to a wide variety of delicious food, from traditional Sichuan cuisine to creative fusion dishes.
Day 2: History, Culture, and Local Customs
Morning: Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former residence of Du Fu, the great realist poet of the Tang Dynasty, during his exile in Chengdu. With its elegant environment and lush greenery, it's an excellent place to learn about Chinese poetry and culture and experience historical atmosphere. The garden includes buildings such as the thatched cottage, the Poetry History Hall, and the Grand Elegance Hall, making it suitable for introducing children to Du Fu's life and poems, providing a cultural enrichment experience.
Lunch: Around Du Fu Thatched Cottage or near People's Park
You can choose to dine near the thatched cottage or head to the People's Park area to find delicious food.
Afternoon: People's Park
People's Park is Chengdu's most representative urban park and the best place to experience the slow pace of Chengdu life. The Heming Teahouse, a century-old establishment within the park, offers a chance to enjoy a cup of covered-bowl tea while watching locals play mahjong or get their ears cleaned. The park also features attractions such as the Jinshui Stream, artificial hills, and a bonsai garden, making it a great place for families to relax and unwind.
Dinner: Qintai Road or Chunxi Road shopping district
Qintai Road is famous for its Han Dynasty-style architecture and jewelry and jade shops, and there are also many distinctive restaurants nearby. Chunxi Road, on the other hand, offers more modern dining options.
Day 3: Exploration of the suburbs (choose one)
Option 1: Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Panda Valley
Morning: Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Dujiangyan, a large-scale water conservancy project built by Li Bing and his son, the governors of Shu County in the Qin State during the Warring States period, is still in use today and is a World Cultural Heritage site. Its water management philosophy of "taking advantage of the terrain and adapting to the times" is still highly regarded. Visitors can tour core projects such as the Fish Mouth, Feisha Weir, and Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Gate) to experience the wisdom of the ancients and the grandeur of the engineering. It is recommended to take a sightseeing bus or electric vehicle to reduce walking.
Lunch: Dujiangyan city
There are many restaurants in Dujiangyan city where you can enjoy local delicacies.
Afternoon: Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (Panda Valley)
Panda Valley is a transitional area for giant pandas at the Dujiangyan Base, designed to help them adapt to the wild. Compared to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the environment here is more natural, with fewer tourists, allowing for closer and quieter observation of the pandas. Some areas also house other animals such as red pandas.
Transportation: Take the intercity train from Xipu Station in Chengdu to Dujiangyan Station. After exiting the station, you can transfer to a bus or taxi to reach various attractions.
Option 2: Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning: Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
The Leshan Giant Buddha, a World Cultural Heritage site, was carved during the Tang Dynasty and is the world's largest stone-carved seated Maitreya Buddha statue. It is recommended to take a boat tour to see the entire Buddha, which is more relaxing for families with children and offers a unique perspective, allowing for a better appreciation of the Buddha's grandeur and solemnity. If choosing the walking path, be aware that there are many steps and large crowds, so please be patient while waiting in line.
Lunch: Around Leshan Scenic Area or in the city center
Leshan is famous for its local delicacies such as tofu pudding and pot-boiled chicken, which are worth trying.
Afternoon: Return to Chengdu
Transportation: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station or Chengdu South Station to Leshan Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach the scenic area.
Transportation and travel tips
- City transportation: Chengdu has a well-developed subway network that covers major attractions, offering convenient and fast service. Ride-hailing services such as Didi Chuxing are also available.
- Suburban transportation: When traveling to Dujiangyan or Leshan, it is recommended to choose high-speed rail or intercity train, which are faster and more comfortable.
- Giant Panda Base: Be sure to book tickets in advance through official channels, especially during holidays. Entering the park in the early morning is the best time for viewing.
- Dining: Sichuan cuisine is known for its numbing spiciness, but most restaurants allow you to adjust the spiciness level according to your preference; you can tell the server when ordering. We recommend trying classic snacks such as hot pot, skewers, dan dan noodles, and Zhong dumplings.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guide:
- Avoid buying overpriced souvenirs at the entrance of scenic spots; instead, choose reputable shops in places like Kuanzhai Alley.
- Be wary of strangers who approach you on the street offering day trips or "free" experiences.
- When trying snacks, choose shops with good hygiene and many customers.
- In summer, pay attention to sun protection and hydration; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm.
- For families with children, it is recommended to avoid overly packed schedules and allow sufficient rest time.
- Essential items: comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, rain gear (Chengdu weather is unpredictable), commonly used medicines, and a power bank.
We hope this carefully designed 3-day, 2-night family itinerary in Chengdu will provide valuable reference for your trip to Sichuan and Chongqing. We wish you a wonderful and memorable time in Chengdu!