Planning a family trip to China and looking for the best Chengdu itinerary ideas? As the capital of Sichuan province and the beloved home of giant pandas, this city has so much more to offer than panda cuddles and themed souvenirs. With its leafy parks, modern conveniences, and relaxed pace, Chengdu is one of the most family-friendly destinations we’ve explored in China.
We recently spent 7 days in Chengdu with our toddler and quickly discovered it’s a city that makes traveling with little ones surprisingly easy. In this post, I’ll share our favorite experiences, practical tips, and the best things to do for families visiting for the first time.
For more tips on visiting China for first timers, check out my other blog post: 14+ Essential Tips for Visiting China in 2025
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1. Where is Chengdu in China?
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, and it’s one of those places that feels both big and surprisingly laid-back at the same time. With over 20 million people, it’s actually the fourth most populous city in China—but somehow it manages to keep a relaxed, almost unhurried vibe that makes it really enjoyable for families.
The city is best known as the home of giant pandas, but that’s only part of the story. Chengdu is also famous for its incredible Sichuan cuisine, green parks, and teahouses where locals spend hours sipping tea and playing mahjong. It’s even been called the “happiest city in China” several years in a row, which definitely reflects how it feels to walk around.
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Getting to Chengdu
Getting to Chengdu is easier than you might think. The city is well connected with direct international flights and China’s amazing high-speed rail system. From many parts of Asia, you can hop on a direct flight, and within China, the fast trains make Chengdu an easy stop on a bigger trip.
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Our Flight Experience with Sichuan Airlines
For us, we flew directly from Ho Chi Minh City with Sichuan Airlines. Honestly, the flight experience was better than I expected for the price. We were served proper hot meals—fish noodles or chicken rice—along with milk, bao buns, and plenty of snacks. My toddler especially loved that the flight attendants wore panda aprons, which was a cute touch that set the tone for our trip right away.
The only downside? Delays. Both our flights were delayed, and on the way back the delay stretched into almost a full day, which meant we had to rebook onto another flight. Luckily, it didn’t cost us extra, but it’s something to be prepared for if you’re flying with this airline.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re booking flights within China, consider using Trip.com. Since it’s a Chinese platform, prices are often lower than on international booking sites, and changes or rebookings are usually easier (and cheaper) to manage—super helpful when you’re traveling with kids and plans can shift unexpectedly.
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2. Best Time to Visit Chengdu with Kids
Chengdu has four very distinct seasons, and each one comes with its own pros and cons when you’re traveling with children:
- Spring (March–May): One of the best times to visit. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C (50–77°F), with blooming flowers and pleasant days for walking. Spring showers are common but usually short.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and the rainiest season. Temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F). Expect frequent downpours, thunderstorms, and sometimes flooding in low-lying areas. We visited in the last week of June, and out of our 7 days, it rained on 3!
- Autumn (September–November): Another ideal time for families. Temperatures sit between 15°C and 25°C (59–77°F), skies are clearer, and the air feels crisp. Parks are especially beautiful with autumn colors.
- Winter (December–February): Damp and chilly rather than snowy, with lows around 3–5°C (37–41°F) and highs around 10°C (50°F). Not the most comfortable for little kids, as the cold is often “wet” and can feel harsher than the thermometer suggests.
💡 Travel Tip: If you do visit in summer like us, keep a few indoor activities in your itinerary so you can easily swap plans when the rain starts. Avoid visiting Chengdu during Chinese holidays such as Chinese New year, Golden Week (October 1–7), or Labor Day (May 1–3)
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3. What to eat in Chengdu with your family
Food in Chengdu is all about Sichuan cuisine—bold, fragrant, and famously spicy. But traveling with a toddler (and being someone who doesn’t eat spicy food myself), I quickly learned a few tricks to make mealtimes enjoyable for the whole family.
The most useful phrase we learned was “Wǒmen bù néng chī là de” (我们不能吃辣的), which means “We can’t eat spicy food.” Most restaurants were kind enough to suggest milder dishes or prepare non-spicy versions just for us. This made eating out much easier, even in small family-run eateries.
Of course, we couldn’t skip trying the iconic Sichuan hotpot. My husband braved it with a moderate level of spice, but even then it was a bit much—he ended up with a light stomachache afterward!
The good news is, Chengdu offers so much more than just fiery hotpot. We loved all the noodle dishes—especially beef noodles and tofu noodles—which were both flavorful and filling without being overwhelmingly spicy. And of course, street food in Chengdu is generally cheap, tasty, and fun to try.
Overall, we found the food scene in Chengdu to be very family-friendly. Even when we picked random little eateries, the meals were consistently good. For parents, it’s reassuring to know you won’t go hungry—even if you need to dial down the spice.
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7-Day Chengdu Itinerary Ideas (Family-Friendly)
Day 1 – Arrival, Hotel Check-In & Chengdu’s Trendy Shopping Streets
Arrival & Getting Into the City
We landed at Chengdu Tianfu Airport around noon and headed straight for the metro to reach our hotel near Tianfu Square. The journey took about an hour with one change of station—smooth and fairly straightforward, even with a toddler in tow.
For public transport, ticket machines in metro stations have English options, and you can pay either with cash or via Alipay. Even easier: if you already have Alipay set up, you can simply scan your payment code at the gate, and the fare is deducted automatically.
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Where We Stayed
We checked into the Tianfu Courtyard Hotel, where we booked a panda-themed room—complete with playful panda décor that my toddler absolutely loved. The highlights were our lush green balcony, and a robot that delivered take-away food to our door! Best of all, the hotel was only a 5-minute walk to Tianfu Square metro station, which made getting around so convenient. Their breakfast options were limited, but you can opt for a room booking only with no breakfast.
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Evening Stroll: Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li & IFS
After a restful nap (a must when traveling with little ones), we headed out to explore Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Chengdu’s buzzing shopping district. The street is full of colorful stores, snack stalls, and restaurants—perfect for an evening wander.
Right next door is Taikoo Li, an open-air shopping complex with stylish boutiques, cafés, and art installations.
Just across the street, IFS (International Finance Square) is another landmark mall—and the home of Chengdu’s most famous Instagram spot: the giant panda climbing the wall. To get the best shot, head inside the mall, take the lift to the 7th floor, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the panda sculpture.
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Dinner & Sweet Treats
For dinner, we ducked into a random local eatery near Chunxi Road and ordered three simple dishes—nothing fancy, just hearty Chinese food that hit the spot after a long travel day. We then dropped by a dessert place and ordered a yummy panda themed tofu soup. My toddler totally loved it!
💡 Travel Tip: Since Google Maps doesn’t work properly in China, we relied on Amap (the local equivalent of Google Maps) and found it very accurate. Apple Maps works too – I’ve heard it’s about 80% reliable. You can also order Didi (similar to Uber) straight from the Alipay app when you need to get somewhere quickly.
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Day 2 – Parks, Old Streets & Chengdu by Night
Morning: People’s Park
We started our morning at People’s Park, one of Chengdu’s largest and most beloved green spaces. It’s the kind of place where you really feel the city’s slower pace of life. Families stroll along shaded paths, older locals gather for tai chi, and children play under the trees.
There’s plenty to see here:
- Souvenir stalls selling panda-themed everything (toys, shirts, keychains—you name it).
- The quirky “marriage market”, where parents hang up handwritten notes with their adult children’s details in hopes of matchmaking.
- Snack stalls dotted around the park. To be honest, we found them overpriced and not very tasty, so better to save your appetite for later.
The real highlight, though, is the tea culture. People’s Park is well known with teahouses—simple plastic chairs, bamboo tables, and locals sipping away for hours. We settled into one and ordered a pot of jasmine tea while our toddler happily munched on snacks we’d brought along. You can also order the traditional tea performance at your table, where waiters pour hot tea from a long-spouted teapot with incredible flair.
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Midday: Kuan & Zhai Alley
From the park, it’s just a short walk to Kuan and Zhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys). This historic district is made up of beautifully preserved old streets, lined with courtyards, shops, and street food stalls. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s also charming, and we enjoyed wandering the narrow lanes, peeking into craft shops, and sampling a few local snacks. Definitely a must in all Chengdu itinerary ideas!
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Evening: Anshun Bridge & Tangba Street
After a rest back at the hotel, we headed out again in the evening to see Anshun Bridge, one of Chengdu’s most photogenic landmarks. It’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals, and we found it surprisingly peaceful to walk along the riverside with a toddler in tow.
Nearby, Tangba Street is a lively area full of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. Did you know that Time Out magazine once ranked Tangba Street 19th on its list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world? We didn’t stay out late, of course, but it was fun to grab an early dinner here and soak up the lively atmosphere. The variety of food is great—everything from Sichuan hotpot to fusion eateries—and it’s stroller-friendly enough for an early evening walk.
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Day 3 – History, Temples & Chengdu’s Trendy Side
Morning: Chengdu Museum
We started our day at the Chengdu Museum, which is free to enter but requires registration. If you have WeChat, you can simply scan the QR code at the entrance to book your ticket. Since I don’t use WeChat, I went to the counter, showed a photo of my passport, and was issued a free paper ticket in less than five minutes.
A few things to note:
- The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Opening hours can change—best to check their official site before you go.
- They offer an English audio guide device for 20 CNY if you want more context.
The museum is large—five floors filled with exhibitions on Sichuan’s history, archaeology, art, and culture. If you’re into museums, you could easily spend three to four hours here. But since we were visiting with a restless toddler, we didn’t linger too long at the artifact-heavy exhibits. Instead, we headed straight to the 5th floor, which turned out to be the most toddler-friendly part of the museum. It features puppetry and shadow play exhibitions that are colorful, interactive, and a lot more engaging for little ones.
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Afternoon: Daci Temple
After lunch, we made our way to Daci Temple, one of the more famous Buddhist temples in Chengdu. The temple complex is serene, with traditional architecture, golden statues, and the sound of monks chanting in the background.
To be honest, I wasn’t particularly impressed, as I’ve visited similar temples before, but I think it’s still a worthwhile stop if you’re less familiar with Buddhist traditions. It’s also a nice cultural addition if you’re looking to round out your Chengdu itinerary ideas with something beyond pandas and shopping streets.
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Evening: Dongjiaojiyi Road (东郊记忆)
For the evening, we explored Dongjiaojiyi Road, which quickly became one of our favorite discoveries in Chengdu. Unlike Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li, this area isn’t tourist-heavy at all—it’s a creative hub where young locals gather. Imagine an open, industrial-style space full of trendy coffee shops, indie fashion brands, lifestyle stores, and street art corners. It has a vibrant, youthful energy that feels both authentic and modern.
We saw groups of friends shopping, couples taking photos, and plenty of dog owners hanging out with their pups. My toddler had a great time too—there was so much to see, and the open walkways meant she could run around safely.
It’s also a fantastic spot for Instagram-worthy photos, with colorful murals, neon lights, and quirky storefronts. For dinner, you can either try one of the casual diners here or head to the nearby Paradise Walk mall for more upscale dining options.
💡 Travel Tip: On Amap or DiDi, search using the Chinese name 东郊记忆 (Dongjiaojiyi) if you can’t find it in English. It’s a bit out of the way from central Chengdu, but well worth the trip for its unique vibe.
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Day 4 – Panda Day at the Chengdu Research Base
Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
No trip to Chengdu would feel complete without a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. It’s about 15 km from the city center, and while there are transfer buses from Chunxi Road, we opted for a DiDi ride instead. With a toddler whose nap and wake times are unpredictable, it was just easier to go on our own schedule.
At the entrance, we had to show our passports at the ticket counter to buy entry tickets. The process was a little confusing since it’s not really set up for non-Chinese speakers, so I’d recommend keeping a translation app handy. Honestly, looking back, it might have been easier to book a private tour through Klook or Trip.com—they often include transport, skip-the-line help, and an English-speaking guide.
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Once inside, the excitement quickly gave way to the reality of just how popular this place is. It was absolutely packed, and despite our hopes, we only managed to see two pandas—both fast asleep! The big tip here is to arrive before 9 am, when pandas are usually out munching on bamboo. Later in the day, they tend to nap or retreat to the shade. We arrived too late and missed that lively window.
Another thing to note: the base is huge. Walking it all with a toddler would have been exhausting, so we decided to get tickets for the electric buggy shuttles. The catch? You can only buy them using a Chinese phone number. Since we don’t have one, we had to ask a kind Chinese couple to help us purchase the tickets and paid them back in cash. Without the buggy, it would’ve been way too much walking, especially on a hot or rainy day.
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Afternoon: Back to the Hotel
By the time we left the Panda Base, the sky opened up and it started pouring. We were completely worn out anyway, so we skipped other plans and headed straight back to the hotel for a long rest. Flexibility is key when following any set of Chengdu itinerary ideas—especially with kids. Sometimes you just have to surrender to the weather when traveling with little ones!
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Evening: Tianfu Square Underground Mall
In the evening, once the rain slowed, we kept things simple and strolled around the Tianfu Square Station underground mall. It’s surprisingly big, with plenty of shops and eateries to explore. We grabbed a light dinner, let our toddler run around a bit, and called it an early night. After the busy morning, it was exactly the low-key evening we needed to recharge.
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Day 5 – History, Old Streets & the World’s Biggest Building
Morning: Wuhou Shrine
We began our day at Wuhou Shrine, a historic site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the brilliant military strategist and chancellor of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. Entry is 50 CNY, and while most locals book tickets online, we simply showed our passports at the ticket counter and had no trouble buying them on the spot. The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Inside, you’ll find peaceful courtyards, beautiful old architecture, and an iconic red wall that’s one of the most photographed spots in Chengdu. It does get crowded, so if you want a good photo without too many people in the background, try arriving early in the day.
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Late Morning: Jinli Pedestrian Street
Just next door to the shrine is Jinli Pedestrian Street, which feels a bit like Kuan & Zhai Alley—but bigger, busier, and not less commercial. The narrow lanes are filled with shops, tea houses, snack stalls, and souvenir stands.
We popped into two different tea shops and ended up buying several varieties to bring home—Chengdu tea has such a clean, fragrant taste. For lunch, we had a simple bowl of noodles at one of the tea houses and sampled a few street foods, though I have to admit, the snacks here weren’t the most memorable.
The real charm of Jinli is in the atmosphere: small lotus ponds, stone bridges, and traditional-style architecture that make for great photos. I’d recommend spending about two hours wandering, shopping, and sipping tea, but consider heading elsewhere for a proper meal.
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Evening: New Century Global Center
In the evening, we switched gears and headed to the New Century Global Center, officially the largest building in the world by floor area. Getting here is easy since the mall sits directly above Jincheng Plaza metro station, but because it’s a bit far from downtown, we opted for a 30-minute DiDi ride instead.
The scale of this place is jaw-dropping. It has hundreds of shops and restaurants, from international luxury brands to quirky local stores. There’s even an indoor water park with slides, though we didn’t have time to try it. Still, for a rainy day in Chengdu, this mall is perfect—it’s spacious, stroller-friendly, and full of things to do. Our toddler was more than happy just running around in the wide hallways and watching the colorful displays. For families looking for Chengdu itinerary ideas that mix shopping, play, and indoor comfort, this place is definitely a great option.
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Day 6 – A Day Trip to Dujiangyan
On our 6th day in Chengdu, we decided to take a day trip to Dujiangyan, a historic city about an hour away that’s full of surprises.
Morning: Getting to Dujiangyan
From Chengdu, it usually takes at least 1.5 hours by public transport, but we found it easier to just book a DiDi. The ride took around 1 hour and cost 130 CNY total (90 CNY fare + 40 CNY road toll). Honestly, for the convenience with a toddler, it was totally worth it. Once in Dujiangyan, you can walk between many of the main sights or grab another DiDi, since public transport isn’t as seamless as in Chengdu.
Here are some cool places to visit in Dujiangyan:
1. Dujiangyan Panda Base
This is often called the “alternative” to the Chengdu Research Base, but some travelers actually prefer it. It’s said to be less crowded, shadier, and with pandas awake longer during the day. In addition, you can also volunteer here and get to know these pandas better! Sadly, we didn’t make it there this time, but it’s high on our list for our next visit—especially after our not-so-successful panda viewing at the Chengdu base.
There are multiple tours from Chengdu for a day at Dujiangyan Panda Base:
One Day Volunteer at Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dujiangyan Panda Base and all other attractions below – 1 day tour from Chengdu
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2. The Selfie Panda Statue
Next up, we visited the adorable Selfie Panda Statue, which has become an iconic photo spot situated in the middle of the Yangtianwo square. It’s surrounded by little snack shops, and although touristy, it was still fun for a quick stop and a few pictures.
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3. Ancient Town of Guan County
From the statue, it’s just a 700-meter walk to reach the ancient town, marked by its old entrance gate and walls. The street is lined with traditional-style houses, though strangely, many of the shops sell modern clothes and toys that feel out of place. Still, we enjoyed wandering around, taking in the mix of old and new. We stopped for lunch at a tiny noodle eatery, and the flavors were fantastic—simple, hearty, and very affordable (15 – 20 CNY).
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Nap & Tea Time
Traveling with a toddler means finding downtime, so we slipped into a cozy teahouse for a break (see photos below). The tea, harvested on nearby Qingcheng Mountain, was fragrant and refreshing. The atmosphere was calm and soothing—perfect for my toddler’s nap and a quiet moment for me to sip tea and read a book.
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Evening: More Ancient Street & Blue Tears
As we strolled toward the part of the ancient street near Qingcheng Mountain, the vibe changed completely. Suddenly, the shops were more interesting—selling traditional cakes, local teas, and artisanal snacks. We picked a highly rated restaurant for dinner, and it turned out to be one of our best meals in China.
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Afterward, we continued walking and discovered the Blue Tears—a unique sight where the river, part of Dujiangyan’s ancient irrigation system, glows an electric blue at night thanks to the lights on the bridge. It was packed with people snapping photos, but still worth a quick stop to experience the glow.
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Dujiangyan Zhongshuge Bookstore
If you have extra time in Dujiangyan, don’t miss the Zhongshuge Bookstore. This surreal space is designed with mirrored ceilings and curved bookshelves, creating the illusion of an infinite library. It was recently named one of the top 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world by 1000 Libraries—and it’s the only one in Asia to make the list. The store is located inside a local mall and even has a children’s play area and a café. We didn’t manage to fit it in this trip, but it’s already on our must-visit list for next time.
💡 Travel Tip: Dujiangyan works best as a full-day trip, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Plan your return journey early to avoid late-night traffic back to Chengdu.
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Day 7 – A Panda-Themed Goodbye
Morning: Xuankehui Panda Bookstore & Food Streets
For our final morning in Chengdu, we visited the Xuankehui Panda Bookstore, a small but charming spot about 1 km from Chunxi Road. Most of the books here are in Chinese, so we didn’t pick any up, but the souvenir section had some adorable finds, and the café inside served some cute panda cupcakes—a sweet little treat before heading home.
The real stars of the bookstore, though, are the big panda statue out front and the stuffed panda inside. Families and young locals line up to snap photos here, and of course, we joined in too.
Afterward, we wandered the nearby streets and discovered that the entire area is packed with local eateries. We ducked into a random spot for lunch, and it turned out to be delicious and surprisingly affordable. From what I’ve heard, this area really comes alive at night, with neon lights glowing and people gathering after work—it must be even more vibrant then.
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Afternoon: Chengdu Tianfu Airport
In the afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to Chengdu. We headed to Tianfu International Airport, which is modern, spotless, and surprisingly calm for such a big hub. The international terminal wasn’t crowded at all, which made traveling with a toddler much easier.
We had some time before boarding, so we strolled around, browsed the shops, and took a few last photos.
💡 Travel Tip: The walk from the check-in counters to the gates is quite long here. If you’re flying out of Tianfu Airport, make sure to arrive early and give yourself extra time to get through security and reach your gate without stress.
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Other Attractions in Chengdu If You’re Staying Longer
If you have a few extra days and are looking for even more Chengdu itinerary ideas, there are plenty of places worth exploring beyond the main highlights:
- Sichuan Science and Technology Museum – Located right on Tianfu Square, this museum is interactive and fun for families, especially those traveling with older kids who love hands-on exhibits.
- Tianfu Art Park – A stunning modern park that’s home to two major art museums. The architecture alone is worth the visit, though it’s a bit far from downtown.
- Jianshe Road Night Food Market – A lively street market where you can sample authentic Sichuan street food late into the night.
- Sichuan Museum – If the Chengdu Museum only whetted your appetite, head here to dive even deeper into Sichuan’s history, culture, and art.
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage – A tranquil spot dedicated to China’s famous poet, Du Fu. The gardens are peaceful, and it’s a nice break from the busy city streets.
- SKP Chengdu – A massive luxury shopping mall where high-end brands meet futuristic architecture, especially in the evening.
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Other Day Trips from Chengdu
If you have more time in Chengdu and want to explore beyond the city, these mountain escapes are excellent additions to your Chengdu itinerary ideas:
- Qingcheng Mountain – Just about an hour away from Chengdu, this lush green mountain is considered the birthplace of Taoism. It’s famous for its serene temples, shaded hiking paths, and misty atmosphere. A great choice if you’re looking for a peaceful nature escape that’s not too far from the city.
- Emei Mountain – One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, Mount Emei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s larger and farther than Qingcheng, requiring at least a full day or even an overnight stay. Highlights include ancient temples, the Golden Summit, and encounters with wild monkeys along the hiking trails.
- Siguniang Mountain – Nicknamed the “Four Sisters Mountain,” it’s farther out (about 4–5 hours by car), but worth it for stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, and trekking opportunities. This trip is better suited for adventurous travelers or those who want to experience Sichuan’s natural beauty beyond the lowlands.
- Leshan – Famous for the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue carved into a cliff face overlooking the river. It’s about 1.5–2 hours from Chengdu
💡 Travel Tip: While Qingcheng Mountain can be done as a true day trip, both Emei and Siguniang are better enjoyed with at least one overnight stay, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
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7 day Chengdu Itinerary Ideas | Top Family-friendly Things to Do and See
Our week in Chengdu was full of pandas, teahouses, ancient streets, and plenty of toddler-friendly surprises. What struck me most was how relaxed and family-friendly the city feels, even though it’s one of the largest in China. From sipping tea while locals play mahjong, to chasing pandas (both real and statues!), to discovering vibrant neighborhoods and cozy eateries, Chengdu turned out to be the perfect balance of culture, nature, and fun.
If you’re planning a trip with little ones—or even without—hopefully these Chengdu itinerary ideas give you a clear picture of how much this city has to offer. Whether you stick to the highlights in six days, or extend your stay to explore the mountains and surrounding towns, Chengdu is a place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.
For us, it was love at first panda paw, and I can’t wait until the day we return.
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