Day 1: Exploring Chengdu's Cultural Sites

Chengdu is a city rich in history and culture, so a great way to start your two-day trip is by exploring its cultural landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Wuhou Shrine, a memorial to Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. The shrine features beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient architecture, and several exhibitions about Chinese history.

Next, make your way to Jinli Ancient Street, located just outside the Wuhou Shrine. This charming pedestrian street is lined with traditional Chinese-style buildings, souvenir shops, and numerous tea houses and food stalls. Try some of the delicious local snacks like Shuangliu Maoxuewang (spicy pig’s blood curd) and Xibeiyoumian (noodles with yak meat).

In the afternoon, head to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a museum dedicated to the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. The museum is located in a charming park, which includes gardens, pavilions, and a replica of Du Fu’s house. The museum holds displays of not only Du Fu’s poetry but also ancient Chinese calligraphy, inscriptions, and historical literature. You could even try calligraphy and write down your own couplet as a souvenir.

Day 1 Evening: Sichuan Opera and Hotpot

In the evening, catch a performance of Sichuan Opera. The opera combines music, dance, comedy, and acrobatics and is famous for its unique face-changing techniques. You can appreciate the remarkable performance while sipping on some tea and eating some light snacks. An ideal place to enjoy Sichuan Opera would be Shufengyayun, which gives visitors a chance to experience a “Chuanxiang Yun” or “Sichuan Impression” that truly immerses them in Chengdu’s unique culture.

After the show, indulge in some hotpot, a must-try for anyone traveling to Chengdu. Hotpot is a traditional Sichuan-style meal that simmers meat, vegetables, and other ingredients in a boiling pot of savory broth. Popular hotpot restaurants in Chengdu include Guoqiaomixian, Xiaolongkan, and Haidilao. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, make sure to specify this beforehand.

Day 2: Pandas and Tea

On your second day in Chengdu, start by visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The facility is home to over 100 giant pandas, and visitors can watch them play, eat bamboo, and sleep. There’s even a chance to get up close and personal with the pandas by volunteering to clean their enclosures or feed them.

After your panda fix, head to the nearby Heming Teahouse to experience a traditional tea ceremony. The teahouse is in an old courtyard-style building with a beautiful bamboo garden and serves a wide range of teas. You could benefit from tea masters who can dole out a knowledgeable narration of the brewing process. Try some tea snacks and feel free to procure a tea set as a gift for your family.

Day 2 Evening: Street Food and Nightlife

In the evening, explore the street food scene in Chengdu. A great place to begin is the Kuanzhai Alley, a pedestrian street featuring traditional-style architecture, souvenir shops, and street food vendors. Local delicacies include Dan dan noodles, spicy rabbit, and Lai Tang Yuan, which are glutinous rice dumplings in sweet soup. Chengdu is also known for its beer and cocktails, so hit up a local bar like Jellyfish or Mooney’s for some Sichuan-style drinks.

Overall, Chengdu is a sensory adventure that won’t disappoint. Its food will tantalize your taste buds, its culture will captivate your mind, and its friendly locals will leave a long-lasting impression. Make sure Chengdu is on your bucket list for your next trip to China.