Chengdu

Chengdu pairs panda visits and old temples with hot pot, teahouses and evening walks in old lanes, a practical first stop in Sichuan.

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Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China, on the western edge of the Sichuan Basin. The city had 20.9 million residents at the 2020 census, so it feels large and busy, but its teahouses, parks and old lanes give it a slower side. Sichuan cuisine, built on chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, is the city's best-known food, and Chengdu holds UNESCO City of Gastronomy status. Hot pot, mapo tofu and Dan Dan noodles are the dishes to try first.

The city has kept its name and location since the Kingdom of Shu founded it, and the Tang poets Li Bai and Du Fu lived here. Giant pandas are bred at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 58 km from downtown. Sightseeing, food and time in teahouses all fit into one stay. Spring (March to April) is sunnier and warmer by day than autumn, while July and August are hot, humid and the rainiest months.

Chengdu in five

See the pandas at openingThe Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding opens early, and the pandas are most active in the morning. Book a real-name ticket ahead.
Know which airport you land atChengdu has two: Tianfu (TFU) far to the southeast and Shuangliu (CTU) closer in. Both connect to the metro.
Order hot pot by the spice levelAsk for a split pot with a mild broth if you are not used to Sichuan pepper and chili.
Confirm your entry rule before booking flightsChengdu has direct international flights, so many visitors land here first. Check the visa-free rules for your passport before you buy.Visa-free entry to China
Pair Chengdu with Xi'an by fast trainHigh-speed trains link the two in about 3 to 4 hours, so a route from the Terracotta Army to the pandas needs no flight.Xi'an

Things to do in Chengdu

See all attractions in Chengdu

Temple · ChengduWenshu Yuan Monastery

Traditional chinese house amidst lush greenery

Museum · ChengduMuseum of Contemporary Art Chengdu

Sight · ChengduDaci Temple Community Culture Entertainment Association

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to ChengduPut the places you like in Chengdu on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU); metro to both
Getting there: High-speed trains from Xi'an about 3–4 hours, Chongqing about 1–1.5
Getting around: Metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps
Best base: Near Chunxi Road or People's Park for the metro
Time needed: 3 days with Leshan

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Poor

JanuaryPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh11°Low4°Cold, grey
FebruaryPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh13°Low6°Cold
MarchPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh19°Low11°Mild
AprilRain14 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Mild
MayRain13 rainy daysHigh27°Low19°Warm
JuneRain13 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Humid
JulyRain22 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh31°Low23°Hot, wet
AugustRain20 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh31°Low24°Hot, wet
SeptemberRain16 rainy daysHigh27°Low20°Warm
OctoberRain15 rainy daysHigh21°Low16°Mild
NovemberPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh17°Low11°Cool, grey
DecemberPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh12°Low6°Cold

Average daily high and low in Chengdu, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Chengdu

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 15°
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 5 km/h
Chance of rain: 30%

Sichuan

04:40 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+8

Today19°14°30%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 30%.
Wed21°13°6%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 6%.
Thu22°14°24%Thursday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 24%.
Fri19°15°29%Friday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 29%.
Sat18°14°82%Saturday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 82%.
Sun18°13°82%Sunday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 82%.

Updated 04:31 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.661 CNY

Amount

Converted to

CNY · Chinese Yuan

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Leshan Giant Buddhaabout 1 hour by high-speed trainA 71 m Buddha cut into the cliff above three rivers.
Mount Emeiabout 1.5 hours by high-speed trainSacred mountain with temples and a cable car to the summit.
Dujiangyanabout 1 hour by trainAn ancient irrigation system still in use.

Before you go to Chengdu

Panda base and Leshan toursEarly entry and transfers with a guideCompare tours

Stays near Chunxi RoadMetro-linked central basesCheck availability

eSIM for ChengduMaps and ride apps for two airportsRead the guide

Travel insurance for SichuanCover for Emei hikes and day tripsRead the guide

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Rules for Chengdu, checked

Check visa and visa-free entry rules with the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you fly.Source
Hotels register foreign guests. Hand your passport to reception at check-in and keep the registration card you are given.
Declare cash and goods on your arrival form when asked. Customs rules on currency and food are set by China Customs, so check them before you travel.
Bring prescription medicines in their original packs with a doctor's note. Check the rules on carrying medicines with your embassy before you fly.

Plan around Chengdu

All of China

Visa-free entry, payments, trains and cities

Read the guide Xi'an

Terracotta Army, 3 to 4 hours by fast train

Read the guide Beijing

Forbidden City and the Great Wall

Read the guide Lhasa

The flight gateway to Tibet; permit and tour needed

Read the guide China visa-free entry

The 30-day list and the 240-hour transit

Read the guide Phones and eSIM for China

Data that works around blocked apps

Read the guide Tibet

Permit, organized tour and altitude

Read the guide

Chengdu FAQ

What time should I go to see pandas in Chengdu?

At opening. The pandas feed and move in the morning and sleep through the afternoon heat.

Is Chengdu food very spicy?

Much of it is, with chili and numbing Sichuan pepper. Ask for mild (wei la) or a split hot pot.

When is the best time to visit Chengdu?

April, May, September and October. Summers are hot and wet; winters are cold and often grey.

How many days do you need in Chengdu?

Two to three days: one for the pandas and the city, one for a day trip to Leshan or Mount Emei, and an evening for hot pot.

Which Chengdu airport should I use?

Tianfu (TFU) is far to the southeast and Shuangliu (CTU) is closer to the city. Both connect to the metro, so check which one your flight uses before you choose a hotel.