Description
What You will Do
Day1
From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., experience the history and culture of Chengdu and the slow life, and taste local snacks.
From 13:00 to 15:00 in the afternoon, feel the leisure life of Chengdu citizens and appreciate the teahouse culture.
From 15:30 to 18:00 in the afternoon, go shopping and experience the modern urban life of Chengdu.
Destination Highlight
Kuanzhai Alley: As Chengdu’s best-preserved Qing Dynasty historic district, Kuanzhai Alley comprises three parallel lanes – Kuan Lane, Zhai Lane, and Jing Lane. This area not only preserves the traditional Sichuan-Western residential architecture with its blue bricks and gray tiles but also seamlessly blends the city’s cultural heritage with modern creativity. Strolling through the cobblestone alleys, visitors can admire intricate carvings on traditional courtyard gate lintels while discovering design-forward cultural shops. The evening visit is particularly recommended: as lanterns gradually light up the streets, the aroma of Zhongxiao dumplings wafts through the lanes, while street performers ‘erhu melodies intertwine with folk songs from local bars, creating the quintessential Chengdu nightlife scene. Don’t forget to craft a floral paper at “Jianshan Academy” or immerse yourself in storytelling sessions at old teahouses, experiencing the unique charm of Chengdu’s leisurely lifestyle.
Chunxi Road: The heart of Chengdu’s commercial heartland, radiating from its century-old “Golden Street” axis to landmarks like IFS, Taikoo Li, and Yinshe Plaza. After snapping a selfie with the iconic climbing panda sculpture on IFS’ rooftop, visit the underground “Fangsuo” bookstore – a converted garage space housing 150,000 books. At Taikoo Li’s winding path through Shamao Street, Tang Dynasty-era Daci Temple’s crimson walls create a poetic dialogue with luxury boutiques ‘glass facades. As night falls, spicy hot pot vendors light red lanterns on Huaxing Street, where Michelin-starred diners meet street-side rabbit-head snackers, painting Chengdu’s unique consumer culture in vibrant strokes.
Day2
From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., observe the national treasure giant pandas up close and learn about their conservation and breeding work.
From 13:00 to 15:00 in the afternoon, visit the shrine of Zhuge Liang, prime minister of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, and experience the culture of the Three Kingdoms.
From 15:30 to 18:00 in the afternoon, visit Jinli Ancient Street, taste Chengdu snacks and buy special souvenirs.
Stay in Jiuzhaigou
Destination Highlight
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The world’s largest research facility for captive giant pandas features a 1,500-acre park replicating natural habitats. In the Moon Nursery, fluffy panda cubs nestle like stuffed animals, while adult pandas in their living quarters playfully munch bamboo shoots with comical antics that make visitors chuckle. The 2024-new Panda Tower showcases traditional bamboo weaving techniques, offering panoramic views of the bamboo forest from its summit. Join the limited-time “Panda Volunteer Program” (requires advance booking) to assist keepers preparing special rice cakes and cleaning enclosures – earn a volunteer badge with paw prints! Don’t miss the Red Panda Eco-Paradise where these fiery-cheeked creatures boldly approach visitors seeking treats.
Wushou Temple-Jinli area
The Wu Hou Temple, China’s only shrine complex dedicated to both sovereign and minister, stands amidst red-walled pathways lined with ancient cypresses. Its halls preserve 1,800 years of Three Kingdoms history through Tang dynasty steles, Ming plaques, and Qing couplets. The Three Marvels Stele attracts crowds of rubbing enthusiasts, while Yue Fei’s handwritten “Memorial on the Expedition” glows faintly in its glass display case. Adjacent Jinli Ancient Street enchants at dusk: thousands of lanterns light up the area as Sichuan opera drums resound before shadow puppet stages, where master sugar artists whip delicate phoenixes with nimble fingers. A must-try is the Three Kingdoms Feast at Jieyi Building – Zhuge-style grilled fish paired with a fruit platter shaped like “Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats”, even featuring chopsticks resembling zhangba (a traditional Chinese longbow). Souvenirs include vacuum-packed Mapo beef or panda-pattern scarves woven by artisans at Shu Brocade workshops.
Day3
From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., the world natural heritage, famous for its colorful lakes, waterfalls and primitive forests, is breathtaking in its changing landscape throughout the seasons.
At 17:00 in the afternoon, take the high-speed train back to Chengdu (about 30 minutes drive) to end the pleasant journey.
Jiuzhai Valley
This UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the “Fairyland”, has become even more magical after earthquake restoration. The Longhai Lake resembles a sapphire cascading from the mountainside, displaying shifting hues of peacock blue to jade green with sunlight. The calcified deposits in Wuhua Lake form abstract underwater paintings, while autumn foliage reflections resemble spilled paint palettes. The newly opened Huohua Lake boardwalk offers close-up views of nature’s miraculous healing process —— where the original breached dam walls are now encased in renewed calcified formations. Prayer flags flutter in Tibetan monasteries, while elderly women weave “cross” patterned woolen fabrics on looms. During Tibetan New Year celebrations, visitors can witness lamas scattering barley seeds onto sacred peaks during the ritual of “Wesang”. A recommended stay at Shuzheng Cluster Lakes’ Tibetan-style homestay allows visitors to explore Mirror Lake’s starry reflections under the cover of dawn with flashlights.
