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Picture of Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Travel Guide for
Chengdu

China

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

Introduction

Chengdu, the lively capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, blends ancient history with modern charm. Famous for its spicy cuisine and laid-back teahouse culture, the city offers rich experiences for culture seekers and digital nomads alike.

In mid-November, you can expect cool, misty weather—perfect for cozying up in local cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. Wander through historic temples, visit the iconic Giant Panda Base, and enjoy affordable coworking spaces. Chengdu's friendly vibe and delicious street food make it an ideal spot to work, explore, and unwind.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates14-21 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyfestivals and eventssightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresvolunteeringfamily activitiesarts and culturenightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Key Facts

Location

Sichuan Province, Southwest China

Currency

Renminbi (Chinese Yuan) (CNY)

Religion

Buddhism, Taoism, folk religions

Population

16,000,000

Language

Mandarin Chinese (Sichuanese dialect)

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type A/C/I plugs

Time zone

UTCChina Standard Time (UTC+8)

Country code

+86

Internet access

Widespread broadband & 4G/5G, moderate cost

Climate

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

See More China Facts

Language:

Chinese

  • hello

    你好 (nee how)
  • goodbye

    再见 (dzai jyen)
  • yes

    是的 (shir duh)
  • no

    不是 (boo shir)
  • how much

    这个多少钱? (jer guh dwor shao chyen)
  • please

    (cheeng)
  • thank you

    谢谢 (shyeah shyeah)
  • excuse me

    对不起 (dway boo chee)

Map

Logistics

Chengdu is easily reached by air via Shuangliu International Airport, which offers many flights from major Asian and international cities. The airport is well connected to the city center by metro, shuttle buses, and taxis, making travel easy for digital nomads on a budget.

High-speed trains also link Chengdu with cities like Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing, and are reliable alternatives to flying. Long-distance buses are an affordable option for regional travel, though less comfortable than trains. November weather is generally mild, but bring layers for cooler evenings and some rain protection, as showers are possible.

Weather

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild and gray, while summers are hot, humid, and often rainy. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant with moderate temperatures but can be cloudy or damp.

From November 14 to November 21, expect cool, overcast days with temperatures between 8°C and 16°C (46°F–61°F). Rain is possible but usually light and infrequent during this period. Extreme weather is uncommon, so travel plans are rarely disrupted in mid-November. The misty atmosphere can actually enhance scenic visits and local cultural experiences.

Food & Drink

Chengdu is famed for its spicy Sichuan cuisine—don’t miss signature dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, hotpot, and street snacks such as rabbit heads and dandan noodles. Sample tea culture at People’s Park teahouses or enjoy local flavors at Jinli Ancient Street’s casual stalls, ideal for adventurous digital nomads.

For affordable sit-down meals, try popular chains like Chen Mapo Tofu, Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot, or the lively Yulin Night Market. Vegan and veggie options are available but may require specifying “no meat.” Tipping isn’t customary; good service is expected and included.

Chengdu’s nightlife includes trendy cafes like Maan Coffee and lively bars in the Kuanzhai Alley area. Spicy food is common, so let staff know if you prefer mild dishes. Wi-Fi is widely available, making it easy to work while sampling the local flavors.

A picture of Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish featuring crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and thin pancakes, all...

A picture of Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun (baozi) originating from Jiangsu province. Filled with hot soup and a...

A picture of Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and fermented black beans, all...

A picture of Hot Pot

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a communal dining experience involving a simmering pot of flavorful broth into which various raw...

A picture of Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and...

Accommodation

For digital nomads, Chengdu’s popular districts like Jinjiang and Wuhou are ideal. Here, you’ll find reliable mid-range hotels such as Niccolo Chengdu and The Temple House, which offer solid Wi-Fi and business amenities. If you prefer hostels, Flipflop Hostel and Chengdu Lazybones are backpacker favorites with coworking spaces and social vibes.

Booking.com, Agoda, and Ctrip are reliable platforms for finding accommodations. November is a less crowded season, so it’s easier to score deals, but book early for the best selection. Stay near Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li for easy access to great food, transport, and lively atmosphere—perfect for mixing work and exploration.

Itinerary

Ease into Chengdu’s vibrant atmosphere, acquainting yourself with local gastronomy, lifestyle, and culture while getting comfortable with the city’s pace.

Morning Stroll and Breakfast at People's Park

Ease into local life with a relaxed morning walk around People's Park. Sample Sichuanese breakfast snacks at nearby street vendors, watch locals play mahjong, and enjoy the tranquil lake views—a gentle introduction to Chengdu’s daily rhythms.

Savor Sichuan Flavors at Wide and Narrow Alleys

Discover Chengdu’s culinary scene while exploring the historic Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi). Sample local street food favorites like dan dan noodles and watch traditional performances in this lively, beautifully restored area.

Relax with Local Tea Culture at Heming Teahouse

Immerse yourself in Chengdu’s iconic teahouse ambiance at Heming Teahouse. Observe locals chatting or playing cards, and sip jasmine or green tea in a serene, leafy setting—a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the city vibe.

Half-Day Chengdu Back Alley Foodie Tour

Half-Day Chengdu Back Alley Foodie Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

During this 3-4 hours foodie tour, you’ll ramble through back streets and try the best local foods shop by shop on foot and learn traditional culture with an English-speaking local food expert. During this adventure, you will be taken into a journey of food lovers to explore some famous types of foods into back alleys of Chengdu, which is one of the most famous gourmet cities in the world, where you can experience 7-8 different foods or snacks with a tea break in local tea house, plus a HOT-POT dinner or Lunch at the end of the “Chilli Cool Foodie Tour”. We promise it will surprise you a lot and you’ll have a lot of fun and some unforgettable memories for you to take home! Join us for this rare experience!

5.0 (57 reviews)

From $80 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (413 reviews)
Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is not another walking tour. These small group tours whisk you off the beaten path by private tuktuk and offer unlimited beer and soda while you and your English speaking guide watch the city pass by. You will eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own. After 3-4 hours, you will finish at local bar to try some rice wine or beer with the locals!

From $69 USD

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4.9 (39 reviews)
Chengdu Private Sightseeing Tour with Panda Breeding Center Visit

Chengdu Private Sightseeing Tour with Panda Breeding Center Visit

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This private city sightseeing tour of Chengdu takes you to all the highlights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, People’s Park and Old Town. Spend several hours watching adorable pandas before your guide takes you by private vehicle to the famous Zen Buddhist monastery for lunch. Then stroll down Kuanzhai Alley, followed by relax at a teahouse in the park. Your full-day tour includes an optional upgrade to see the Sichuan culture opera show.

From $141 USD

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5.0 (12 reviews)
Half-day Private Mahjong course in Local Tea House

Half-day Private Mahjong course in Local Tea House

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

During this 3 hours mahjong course, you’ll be taken into an authentic local spice market to explore it and learn different species of Sichuan spices and ingredients that will be used in the Sichuan cuisine. After that, you’ll go to a cozy room with Chinese characteristics and learn how to play the famous traditional Chinese game, mahjong, with a English speaking guide. You’ll learn rules in an easy way and then test your mastery degree with a local tea. If you want to test your intelligence, you can not miss mahjong when you visit Chengdu.

From $60 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
Half-Day Chengdu Panda Research Base Private Tour

Half-Day Chengdu Panda Research Base Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You'll view the animals eating and at play in a carefully maintained habitat that is as close to their natural environment as possible. Chengdu's Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has been working hard to ensure a future for these beloved creatures. You will be picked up and dropped off from your Chengdu hotel. Highlights: 1.Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is home to over 80 of China's iconic pandas 2.Chengdu's Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has been working hard to ensure a future for these beloved creatures

From $138 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Private Chengdu Impression Day Tour including Panda Base

Private Chengdu Impression Day Tour including Panda Base

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This private Chengdu day tour takes you to explore the landmarks of Chengdu: Panda Base (also known as Chengdu Panda Base), Jinli ancient street (also know as Jinli Pedestrian Street), Wuhou Memorial Temple and Chengdu Renmin Park. A wonderful trip to Chengdu never finishes without visiting these four places. In the tour, you will have great opportunities to experience the best of this city and see the national treasure at Chengdu Panda Base.

From $51 USD

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3.8 (5 reviews)
Half-Day Tour at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Half-Day Tour at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Sichuan is the hometown of giant pandas and many giant panda research bases. Statistics show that 80% of the giant panda in the world are residing in this beautiful mountainous province in southwestern China with abundance of bamboo trees which is a primary staple for endangered giant pandas. Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base is one of the most popular tour programs in Chengdu, Sichuan.

From $95 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Chengdu City Tour of Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street

Chengdu City Tour of Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Chengdu, with its profound history, was once the place where the ancient Shu State was located. This guided city sightseeing trip brings you to the main downtown attractions, including Qingyang Palac, Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street. The private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

From $195 USD

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3.6 (109 reviews)
Shanghai Half Day Morning or Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

Shanghai Half Day Morning or Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Got only half a day to explore Shanghai? Discover the 'must-see' sights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Fresh Water Pearl Gallery and Shanghai Museum on the morning tour or The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, a silk mill and Shanghai's entertainment district on the afternoon tour. A guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai is a must for anyone visiting China's most modern city.

From $53 USD

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3.2 (6 reviews)
Shanghai Afternoon Sightseeing Tour including Huangpu River Cruise & OTV Tower

Shanghai Afternoon Sightseeing Tour including Huangpu River Cruise & OTV Tower

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The tour starts with the Oriental TV Tower, the unmistakable symbol of modern Shanghai. It overlooks the industry and commerce quickly developing on the banks of the Huangpu River. You will enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai from the main observatory and have the opportunity to orient yourself to the thriving metropolis you are about to discover. A cruise on Huang River gives you another way to see the Bund, the cultural district along the river. From this floating vantage point, you will see 80-100 year old buildings with diverse architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. Then you visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Here you will see the vision for the new Shanghai, complete with exhibits and an impressive scale model of the city planned for the future. Your final stop is Nanjing Road, the first commercial street in China. It is always bustling with excitement, with locals, business people and tourists alike.

From $137 USD

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4.8 (312 reviews)
Private Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour with Optional Volunteer

Private Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour with Optional Volunteer

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spend a morning with some of China’s most majestic mammals during a private tour of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center or the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center(only if "volunteer" option selected) from Chengdu. Accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, stroll through the research and breeding facilities while observing the pandas and learning about their breeding and life stages. Visit the red panda area to see these quiet but territorial creatures. Don't want to waste your time at the airport? Now you can take this chance to see lovely pandas with NO VISA required if you take international flight via Chengdu. Select Layover Panda Tour with private transfer between airport and panda base, easily make the most of your time with a simple click.

From $87 USD

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4.9 (111 reviews)
 Dujingyan Panda tour option Giant panda or Red Panda volunteer

Dujingyan Panda tour option Giant panda or Red Panda volunteer

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Dujiangyan Panda Base, a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to panda rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. Located in the mountains near Chengdu, this base is less crowded than the Chengdu Research Center and offers visitors a chance to see pandas in a more natural environment. Stroll through bamboo groves, watch giant pandas enjoy their daily activities, and learn how the sanctuary prepares pandas for possible release into the wild. For travelers seeking a deeper experience, you can upgrade to join the Discover Dujiangyan Panda Base – A tranquil sanctuary focusing on panda rescue and rehabilitation. Escape the Crowds – Enjoy a quieter, greener environment than the busy Chengdu Panda Base. Learn About Panda Conservation – Explore exhibits on panda research, care, and wildlife protection. optional panda volunteer program—step into the role of a panda keeper for a day, preparing food, smash bamboo , see keeper feeding pandas face by face ( charge extra 900CNY each onsite )

From $99 USD

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4.9 (102 reviews)
Visiting Dujiangyan Yaan Wolong Panda Base Optional Volunteering

Visiting Dujiangyan Yaan Wolong Panda Base Optional Volunteering

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Dujianyan Panda Base is one of the few bases offer panda volunteer program in China. The full day program include panda food making and features of documentary video of releasing panda to the wildness. Accompanied by a professional panda expert who will introduce you the topics of the panda discovery, the history of panda in China, the classification, and panda conservation. Dujiangyan Panda Base is dedicated to the study of disease control and rescue of wild pandas where you will contribute to the conservation of endangered panda bears! ***Starting from April 25, 2024, panda volunteers will not be allowed to enter the panda enclosure, and the arrangement of clean the panda enclosures & collect panda poop will be canceled. ***Any activities missed due to being late will not be rescheduled, and guests will bear the consequences.

From $190 USD

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4.7 (15 reviews)
Private Half-Day Tour in Sichuan Culture Show with Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu

Private Half-Day Tour in Sichuan Culture Show with Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

On this fabulous night out in Chengdu, watch the incredible Sichuan Opera and enjoy a hot pot dinner. Discover Sichuan customs as you join in the celebration of Sichuan theatrical traditions. The show includes acrobatics, music, humor and more!

From $100 USD

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4.8 (63 reviews)
Dujiangyan Panda Volunteering Experience with Lunch

Dujiangyan Panda Volunteering Experience with Lunch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

-Work closely with giant panda keepers, see the scene behind the stage -Contribute to conservation efforts of this vulnerable species -Hustle free:Hotel pick-up&drop-off, reservation service had included in the tour -TRIP NOTICE After covid, participants can not feed the panda anymore, but the rest behind-the-scene activities (prepare the bamboo, clean the cage, pick up panda pupu,make panda cakes... )are remain the same.

From $279 USD

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4.2 (17 reviews)
Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu

Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Want to impress your friends back home with a delectable Chinese meal made entirely by you? Then take part in this four-hour Chengdu cooking course and learn how to cook four different Sichuan meals and you'll be taught by a professional chef. The best part is you get to dine on your dishes and celebrate your new-found culinary skills with your fellow budding chefs.

From $84 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Chengdu Private Day Tour to Panda Base with Optional Volunteer

Chengdu Private Day Tour to Panda Base with Optional Volunteer

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Spend a morning with some of China’s most famous residents at the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center or the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center from Chengdu. Led by a professional panda keeper, meander through the facilities and observe the pandas while you learn about their breeding and life stages. Also, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Red Panda area to learn more about this quiet yet territorial mammal.

From $140 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Chinese tradional dancing show with sichuan banquet feast

Chinese tradional dancing show with sichuan banquet feast

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It is an immersive Han culture-themed dining and performance experience space that integrates gourmet cuisine, culture, and shows. Each exquisite dish resembles a beautifully crafted painting, and every performance is like a tunnel through time, transporting you back to the glorious heyday of the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties. With dance and music as the prelude and fine food as the medium, it weaves together the culture of Hanfu, Sichuan cuisine, and ceremonial music and dance performances, offering a uniquely immersive atmosphere of ancient-style banquet dining. Appreciate the grandeur ofancient times, admire the classical dances, witness the mag- nificent Han dynasty ceremonies, and savor the imperial banquet. In 'The Banquet Ode ofShu', let the dreamlike transition of dance take you through time, allowing you to feel the elegance and romance that transcends eras.

From $128 USD

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4.8 (4 reviews)
Private Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu

Private Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the best of Chengdu on a relaxing 3 hour bike tour! Hit the streets on a local hand-made bamboo bicycle to absorb the local flavors of this laid-back city. Cruise through back streets and alleys, and along the Jinjiang River past tea gardens full of locals displaying their pet birds. Along the way, spot Chengdu's historical landmarks and attractions such as Wuhou Temple, Jinli Street, Huaxi Medical Campus, Tianfu Square, People's Park, and Wenshu Buddhist Temple.

From $84 USD

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