Day 1: Charm of Ancient Shu and Hot Springs Relaxation
*Accommodation: Stay at a luxurious courtyard-style hotel near Qingchengdao Hot Springs, such as Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain.
*Itinerary:
- Sanxingdui Museum (Daytime): Situated in Guanghan, Sichuan, approximately 40 kilometers from Chengdu city China, the Sanxingdui Museum is one of the most significant, well-preserved, and culturally rich ancient civilization sites in Southwest China and a must see spot on this 5 days Chengdu itinerary. The museum houses two primary exhibition halls: the Exhibition Hall and the Restoration Hall, each providing a detailed look at the Sanxingdui archaeological discoveries and the latest research. The first section traces nearly a century of archaeological efforts and breakthroughs at Sanxingdui. The second section delves into the natural environment, social structures, craftsmanship, and political systems of the ancient Shu Kingdom. The third section showcases an awe-inspiring collection of Sanxingdui artifacts, offering a window into the spiritual world of the ancient Shu people.The museum features over 1,000 relics, including bronze objects, gold and silver treasures, and ceramics. Key items on display include the famous bronze tree, a gold scepter, and the renowned golden masks, all regarded as national treasures. You can immerse yourself in the splendor of this Chengdu historical site and this ancient civilization, gaining a profound appreciation for the Shu culture.
(Opening Hours: Exhibition Hall: 08:30–18:00, last entry at 17:00; Restoration Hall: 09:00–17:00. Closed on New Year’s Eve. During Golden Week, public holidays, and peak vacation months (January, February, July, August), extended hours are 08:30–20:00, with last entry at 18:00.) - Dujiangyan Qingchengdao Hot Springs (Haosheng Hot Springs) (Evening): Nestled at the foot of Mount Qingcheng on Qingcheng Mountain Avenue, Qingchengdao Hot Springs is a sought-after Chengdu hot springs destination that blends health and relaxation. The mineral-rich springs originate from deep within the mountain, renowned for their ability to promote circulation, reduce fatigue, and enhance skin health. The hot springs offer a range of pools, from large to small, indoor to outdoor, as well as Open-air baths, each providing its own therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the hot springs offer an array of wellness treatments such as specialized spa services, foot reflexology, milk baths, rose baths, peony baths, jasmine baths, and traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Surrounded by the tranquil natural beauty of Mount Qingcheng, the hot springs create a peaceful and picturesque setting, providing the perfect environment for relaxation. A dip in the springs, followed by a spa treatment or massage, this is a best body’s rejuvenation and relaxation in this Chengdu itinerary planning.
(Opening Hours: All year round, Monday to Friday: 14:00–22:00; Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–22:30)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Gold thread noodles, bean curd rice noodles, sesame sweet bean curd, etc.
Lunch: The Baojingzhai restaurant inside the Sanxingdui Museum.
Dinner: Firewood chicken, ginkgo stewed chicken, pot-side steamed bun, etc.
*Accommodation: Stay at a new Chinese-style hotel near Nanqiao, Dujiangyan, such as XHYEE Uvilla Resort Culture
*Itinerary:
- Dujiangyan Yuzui Paragliding Club (Morning): Located in Longchi Town, Dujiangyan, the Yuzui Paragliding Club is perched above the Yuzui area, giving it its name, this is one of the exciting places in Chengdu for adventure seekers to explore. With three takeoff zones and a maximum altitude of 850 meters, the club offers an unparalleled and exhilarating paragliding experience, it is the worth a try things to do Chengdu. From the sky, you’ll not only feel the rush of flying but also enjoy a sweeping aerial view of Dujiangyan, Zhipingpu Reservoir, and Qingcheng Mountain. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of Dujiangyan’s landscapes from above. Choose from flight heights of 350 meters, 750 meters, or 850 meters. The club also provides photo and video services, ensuring you capture every thrilling moment of your flight adventure. (Opening Hours: All yearround, 9:30–18:00)
- Dujiangyan Scenic Area (Afternoon): After taking in the panoramic views of Dujiangyan from above, it’s time to explore this Chengdu historical site, ancient engineering marvel up close. The Dujiangyan Scenic Area boasts several attractions, and we recommend an efficient route that lets you experience both the iconic sites and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System: enter the park through Qinyan Tower, passing by Erwang Temple, Anlan Lesteribirdg, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (Yuzui, Feisha Weir, Baopingkou).
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the best places to visit in Chengdu, created by Li Bing and his son over 2,000 years ago, consists of three major components: Yuzui, Feishayan and Baopingkou. This ingenious project solved crucial issues of water diversion, flood control, and sediment removal. After a detailed introduction, you’ll appreciate the engineering brilliance and ancient wisdom behind this ancient system.
Qinyan Tower offers the best vantage point for viewing the entire Dujiangyan area, including the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Anlan Lesteribirdg, and Erwang Temple.
Erwang Temple, dedicated to Li Bing and his son, provides deep insights into the history and culture of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
Anlan Lesteribirdg, located above Yuzui, is the longest surviving ancient suspension bridge in the world. From the bridge, you can enjoy stunning views of the Min River and the surrounding landscape, while reflecting on the history and cultural significance of this ancient structure.
(Opening Hours: Summer: 08:00–18:00, Winter: 08:00–17:30) - Nan Qiao (Evening): Situated on the inner channel of the Min River below Baopingkou, Nan Qiao is an elegant and majestic ancient corridor-style bridge and famous Chengdu tourist attraction linking Nan Street and Fuxing Street. The bridge exudes a profound historical aura. At night, the bridge is illuminated, casting a golden glow that reflects off the surrounding greenways and the Min River’s surface. It’s best place to experience Chengdu at night when you visiting Chengdu. From Nan Qiao, you can enjoy beautiful river views and witness the mesmerizing “blue tears” phenomenon, where the river’s shimmering waters, illuminated by the lights, appear as crystalline blue tears, creating a soft, mysterious ambiance under the night sky.
(Opening Hours: All year round, Open all day)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Sweet water noodles, red oil dumplings, and vegetarian pepper noodles.
Lunch: Stir-fried velvet mushrooms with cured pork, crispy local fried fish, and spicy rabbit meat
Dinner: Western Sichuan cured Copper Hot Pot
*Accommodation: Stay at a modern and elegant hotel near Jinli Ancient Street, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu.
*Itinerary:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Daytime):Nestled on Panda Avenue in Chenghua District, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a key center for giant panda conservation, breeding, and cultural education, also an iconic Chengdu tourist attraction and important spot in many Chengdu itinerary. The base includes the Giant Panda Museum, Giant Panda Nursery Houses, several panda villas, and red panda enclosures. Let’s star with this Chengdu Panda tour.
In the Sun and Moon Giant Panda Nursery Houses, you can watch the adorable panda cubs up close. The panda villas, such as Villa 1 and Villa 2, are where adult and young pandas live. Here, you can see them play, munch on bamboo, and sunbathe. The Giant Panda Museum offers an immersive experience into the world of pandas, showcasing everything from historical research to the species’ conservation efforts.
Additionally, the base houses red pandas, known for their striking reddish-brown fur and golden rings around their tails. At the Red Panda Enclosures, you can watch these playful creatures as they frolic about. The Panda Theatre also features an original musical, Panda, which tells the story of five panda warriors protecting their homeland from adversity. The performance integrates elements of Sichuan opera, traditional juggling, and hip-hop, offering a vibrant cultural experience along with your visit.
(Opening Hours: 11/1–2/28: Morning tickets, 8:00–12:00; Afternoon tickets, 12:00–16:30 (park closes at 17:30).
3/1–10/31: Morning tickets, 7:30–12:00; Afternoon tickets, 12:00–17:00 (park closes at 18:00)) - Jinli Ancient Street (Evening): Jinli Ancient Street, located along Wuhouci Street in Chengdu’s Wuhou District, is part of the Wuhou Shrine Museum. This street perfectly blends Three Kingdoms history with Sichuanese folk culture, making it one of the best places to visit in Chengdu. The street is lined with teahouses, courtyards, residential homes, opera stages, and inns—a perfect and famous places in Chengdu to immerse yourself in the region’s folk culture.
Notable attractions in this Chengdu historical site include the Jinli Ancient Opera Stage, where Sichuan opera performances are held year-round, Jiupin Snack Street, offering a variety of local treats, and the Folk Memory Wall, which features traditional art from western Sichuan.
At night, Jinli Ancient Street comes alive with colorful lanterns and neon lights, which reflect off the street’s cobblestones, grey tiles, and intricate wooden carvings. Strolling through the illuminated streets, you’ll feel the deep history of Chengdu’s culture, offering a truly unique experience.
(Opening Hours: All year round, Open all day)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Fermented rice powder, fermented rice eggs.
Lunch: Stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork, dry-fried bamboo shoots, and twice-cooked pork with bamboo shoots at a restaurant within the panda base.
Dinner: Street food in Jinli Ancient Street, such as San Da Pao (Sichuan-style rice balls), Boboji (Sichuan-style skewers), grilled pig trotters, and Chuan Chuan Xiang (spicy skewers).
*Accommodation: Stay in a hotel near the Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera Theatre, blending Eastern courtyard style with French flair, such as the Chengdu Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel.
*Itinerary:
- Jinsha Site Museum (Daytime): Located on Jinsha Site Road in Chengdu’s Qingyang District, the Jinsha Site Museum is a famous Chengdu historical site, dedicated to preserving, researching, and exhibiting the Jinsha culture and the ancient Shu civilization. The museum is divided into several sections, including the Relics Hall, Exhibition Hall, the Cultural Relics Protection and Restoration Center and the Garden Area. The Relics Hall showcases the site’s large sacrificial activity area, while the Exhibition Hall has five distinct sections: “Primitive Homeland” recreates the ecological environment of the Chengdu Plain 3,000 years ago. “King Palace at a Glance” offers a glimpse into the social life of the ancient Shu Kingdom. “Immortal Heaven and Earth” displays religious artifacts such as gold, bronze, jade, stone, ivory, and kneeling stone statues, used in Shu religious ceremonies. “Peak of Perfection” exhibits over 30 exquisite items unearthed from the Jinsha site, including the iconic the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament. “Seeking Answers” traces the development of ancient Shu culture before the Qin Dynasty, exploring the origins and significance of the Jinsha site. As one of the top places to visit in Chengdu, you can marvel at finely crafted artifacts from the Shu Kingdom, learn about its social, religious, and artistic achievements, and admire the impressive craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
(Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00, with ticket sales and entry ending at 17:00. Closed on Mondays, except public holidays and during peak seasons like January, February, July and August.) - Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera Theatre (Evening): The Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera Theatre, located within the historic Qintai Road and Qingyang Palace architectural complex, is a cultural hub for traditional performances and folk arts. As one of the birthplace venues of Sichuan opera, the theater attracts numerous visitors with its stunning performances by talented opera artists. The opera theatre regularly stages Sichuan opera opera highlights, acrobatics, shadow puppetry, face-changing (Bian Lian), fire-spitting, stick puppetry, and rolling lights—providing an unforgettable cultural experience. Relax in a bamboo chair, sip traditional tea, and immerse yourself in the captivating performances, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere of ancient Sichuan art. The venue also offers hands-on experiences, such as trying on Sichuan opera costumes and makeup, giving you a taste of the performance’s glamour. Other traditional services, including ear-cleaning, ancient massages, and back tapping, provide a full immersion into Sichuanese customs, and these activities are the worth trying things to do in Chengdu.
(Opening Hours: All year round, 14:00–21:30)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Crispy pork intestines, cold tossed pork intestines, and pork intestine noodles.
Lunch: ChengDu Wen Ya Zi, sweet and sour crispy fish, and glutinous rice duck.
Dinner: Sichuan hotpot.
*Accommodation: Stay at a stylish and elegant city hotel near the Jinjiang Night Cruise, such as the Niccolo Chengdu.
*Itinerary:
- Heming Tea House (Morning): Nestled within Chengdu’s People’s Park in the Qingyang District, Heming Tea House is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved Chengdu tea houses, boasting a history that spans over a century. This iconic establishment exemplifies Chengdu’s traditional garden-style tea houses, offering a peaceful escape into the heart of local tea culture. The tea house has wide selection of renowned teas is available, including Zhuyeqing, Keemun, Biluochun, Huangya, and Meishan Mao Feng. Alongside tea, you can savor Chengdu’s famous snacks, such as Zhong Shui Jiao (dumplings), Dan Dan Noodles, Long Chao Shou (wontons), as well as small bites and delicate desserts. The tea house also hosts traditional performances, including the mesmerizing face-changing act from Sichuan opera, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Relax in the tranquil ambiance, sip your tea, watch the expert tea ceremonies, and enjoy the cultural richness of Sichuan opera—this is the perfect place to experience Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle and warm hospitality, making it one of the best places to visit in Chengdu.
(Opening Hours: 8:00–21:00) - Kuan Zhai Alley (Afternoon): Kuanzhai Alley, located in the Qingyang District of Chengdu, is a historical and cultural gem, reflecting the city’s rich heritage and urban life. The alley’s architecture is a unique blend of traditional western Sichuan style with modern design elements, offering a harmonious mix of ancient charm and contemporary flair. Comprising three parallel lanes—Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley—the area features historical landmarks such as Kailu (traditional Chengdu-style houses), the Horse Tethering Stone, Brick Culture Wall, and Western-style buildings. Not only is Kuan Zhai Alley a living museum of Chengdu’s architectural heritage, but it’s also a vibrant cultural hub. Explore these Chengdu historical sites, enjoy traditional performances like ear-cleaning massages and face-changing, taste classic Chengdu street foods such as Zhong Shui Jiao and Dan Dan Noodles, and browse charming local shops. This is the place to experience the true flavor of old Chengdu.
(Opening Hours: All year round, Open all day) - Jinjiang Night Cruise (Evening): The Jinjiang Night Cruise offers a delightful evening on the river, with departures from Huoshui Park Pier in the north and concluding at Donghu Park in the south. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Chengdu’s most iconic landmarks, such as Dongmen Bridge, Lan Kwai Fong, Hejiang Pavilion, Music Square, and Anshun Bridge. As night falls, the riverbanks light up with lanterns and vibrant illuminations, creating a dazzling scene. The buildings along the river, bathed in soft lighting, fuse the old and new, showcasing Chengdu’s unique blend of historical allure and modern vibrancy. During the cruise, enjoy live performances, savor hotpot onboard, take plenty of photos, and explore the new MR (Mixed Reality) feature for an immersive experience. This is an ideal way to enjoy the nighttime beauty of Chengdu while learning about the city’s cultural history and the Jinjiang River’s role in it, making it a highlight of this Chengdu itinerary 5 days.
(Opening Hours: All year round, 18:00–22:00)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Tea snacks from Heming Tea House.
Lunch: Salt-baked crawfish, spicy crab, and spicy prawn.
Dinner: Chongqing noodle with meat sauce and peas, Miao-style Rice Noodles, and Specialty Pork Intestine Noodles.
