Chengdu, located in China’s Sichuan province, is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural scenery. Here are three different-themed two-day itineraries for exploring the city:
Cultural and Historical Chengdu:
Day 1: Ancient Chengdu
- Wuhou Shrine: Start your day at this historic shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about Chinese history.
- Jinli Ancient Street: After Wuhou Shrine, head to Jinli Ancient Street. This bustling street is lined with traditional architecture, teahouses, souvenir shops, and street food stalls.
- Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show: In the evening, enjoy a performance of Sichuan Opera’s famous face-changing art at a local theater.
Day 2: Panda and History
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Spend your morning observing adorable giant pandas in a semi-wild environment and learning about panda conservation efforts.
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage: Explore the former residence of Du Fu, a famous Tang Dynasty poet. The cottage features beautiful gardens and a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Culinary Adventure in Chengdu:
Day 1: Sichuan Cuisine Exploration
- Sichuan Hotpot: Start your culinary adventure with a Sichuan hotpot experience. Choose from spicy or non-spicy broth and a variety of ingredients to cook at your table.
- Wide and Narrow Alleys: In the evening, head to Wide and Narrow Alleys to try local street food, including Sichuan snacks like mapo tofu, spicy skewers, and fried rabbit.
Day 2: Sichuan Cooking Class
- Sichuan Cooking Class: Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Sichuan dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Dan Dan noodles, and more.
- Sichuan Opera Teahouse: In the evening, visit a traditional Sichuan teahouse for a cup of tea and a Sichuan face-changing opera performance.
Natural Beauty and Relaxation in Chengdu:
Day 1: Chengdu’s Parks
- Wangjianglou Park: Start your day with a visit to this beautiful park along the Jinjiang River. It’s known for its bamboo gardens and tranquil atmosphere.
- Renmin Park: Explore Renmin Park, also known as People’s Park, and take a leisurely boat ride on its serene lake.
- Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show: End your day with a thrilling Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.
Day 2: Day Trip to Qingcheng Mountain
- Qingcheng Mountain: Take a day trip to Qingcheng Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Taoism. Hike the scenic trails, visit ancient temples, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System: On your way back to Chengdu, stop by the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient engineering marvel that has been in use for over 2,000 years.
These themed itineraries offer a diverse range of experiences in Chengdu, whether you’re interested in history, food, or nature. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant and culturally rich city!
