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July 25, 2025
5-Day Chengdu Travel Guide for Couples: City Exploration & Mid-Range Budget
Explore pandas, ancient culture, and spicy Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu with this curated itinerary
Couples TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 成都市
Location: Sichuan Province, Southwest China
Famous For: Giant Pandas,Sichuan Cuisine,Ancient Heritage Sites
Daily Cost: ¥400-600 per person
Best Season: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Why Visit Chengdu?
Chengdu 成都市 offers couples a perfect blend of nature, history, and culinary delights. From adorable pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to serene tea houses in 宽窄巷子, this city combines modern comforts with traditional charm. Explore ancient water systems at Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Scenic Spot and savor fiery Sichuan hotpot at Hejiang Garden. With its walkable districts and mid-range luxury hotels, Chengdu 成都市 creates unforgettable romantic moments.
Best Time to Visit Chengdu
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with blooming flowers. Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking 青城山 and visiting Jinli Ancient Street.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C). Ideal for early-morning panda viewing at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and evening strolls at Kuanzhai Alley.
🍁Autumn: Cool breezes (18-25°C) with autumn foliage at Qingcheng Mountain. Excellent time for cultural tours at Sanxingdui Museum.
❄️Winter: Mild winters (5-12°C). Great for indoor experiences like Sichuan opera at Chunxi Road and hot springs near 峨眉山.
Arriving and Leaving Chengdu
Metro (Lines 1-12, ¥2-8), ride-hailing (¥15-40/km), bike-sharing (¥1-3/hour). Most attractions accessible within 45 minutes via main roads.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport [Recommended]
30km southwest of city center with direct metro Line 10 (¥10, 40 mins). Taxis cost ¥100-130 (60 mins). Over 200 international flights weekly.
Chengdu East Railway Station
20km east of downtown. High-speed trains connect to Chongqing (¥269, 2 hrs), Kunming (¥589, 6 hrs), and Xi'an (¥629, 4.5 hrs). Metro Line 7 available.
Where to Stay in Chengdu: Best Neighborhoods
Qingyang District
Near Dufu Thatched Cottage Museum and Wenshu Monastery. Mid-range options: Chengdu Marriott Hotel Shuangliu (from ¥700), Tianfu International Hotel (from ¥500).
Wuhou District
Close to Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. Popular choice: Chengdu Century City Jianguo Hotel (from ¥900).
Jinniu District
Near Chengdu North Railway Station. Budget-friendly: Hilton Chongzhou (from ¥400).
Top Things to Do in Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
See over 80 pandas in natural habitats. Must-visit: nursery viewing (8-11 AM) and new research pavilion.
Jinli Ancient Street
1,800-meter historical street with lantern decorations, folk performances, and souvenir shops.
Dujiangyan Irrigation Project
2,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site still functioning today. Walk the Yuzui Weir and Fengxi Mountain trail.
Tips
Visit panda nurseries before 10 AM for active babies. Book Sichuan opera tickets in advance through hotel concierge.
What to Eat: Chengdu Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Hejiang Garden
Courtyard restaurant serving traditional Sichuan dishes in historic building. Must-try: Spicy crayfish (¥98).
2. Lan's Café
Modern take on Sichuan flavors. Romantic setting with fusion dishes like black pepper quail (¥68).
3. Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
Luxury hotpot chain with free manicures and snacks. Signature: Tom Yum broth (¥128/base price).
Signature Dishes
1. Sichuan Hot Pot
Signature spicy broth with sliced mutton and blood tofu. Best with sesame paste dipping sauce.
2. Dan Dan Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles in pork mince sauce topped with preserved vegetables and chili oil.
3. Tea-Smoked Duck
Duck smoked with tea leaves and spices, served with crispy skin and sweet plum sauce.
Chengdu Itinerary 5 Days & Romantic Experiences
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Yuyuan Teahouse:Try traditional Sichuan breakfast: rice noodles with preserved egg
Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:Observe baby pandas in nursery area
🥗Lunch at Lan's Café:Try signature tea-smoked duck
Explore Kuanzhai Alley:Visit local artisan shops and tea parlors
🍽️Dinner at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot:Enjoy interactive hotpot experience
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Zhangla Maocai:Experience local breakfast culture with spicy maocai
Tour Wuhou Shrine:Explore China's largest Three Kingdoms museum
🥗Lunch at Hejiang Garden:Dine in traditional courtyard setting
Walk Jinli Ancient Street:Shop for Sichuan embroidery and handcrafts
Sichuan Opera at Shangri-La Theatre:Experience famous face-changing performance
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Early breakfast before departure
Drive to Dujiangyan:1-hour scenic drive through mountain roads
Guided Tour of Dujiangyan:Learn ancient irrigation techniques from local expert
🥗Lunch at Qingcheng Shan Restaurant:Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine with mountain views
Explore Qingcheng Mountain:Visit Taoist temples and forested trails
Return to Chengdu:Relaxing dinner at hotel
DAY 4
Tea Ceremony at Wenshu Monastery:Learn tea appreciation in historic temple
Sichuan Embroidery Workshop:Create personalized embroidered souvenir
🥗Lunch at Biang Biang Noodles:Try regional noodle variations
Chunxi Road Shopping:Visit flagship stores and modern art galleries
🍽️Romantic Dinner at Shangri-La:Sky garden dining with city views
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Leisurely breakfast with skyline views
Chunxi Road Markets:Purchase Sichuan pepper and chili products
🥗Lunch at Golden Dragon Restaurant:Classic Mapo Tofu and dumplings
Transfer to Airport:Check-in and departure preparation
Chengdu Travel FAQs
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