FULL ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Chengdu and explore the ancient Jinli Street. Enjoy a traditional Sichuan meal at a local restaurant and visit the Wuhou Shrine.
Day 2:
- Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and explore the People’s Park. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Jinjiang River and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Day 3:
- Visit the Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum and take a walk through the picturesque Wuhou Temple. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Chengdu’s renowned hot pot restaurants.
Day 4:
- Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha and explore the nearby Lingyun Temple. Enjoy an evening stroll through Kuanzhai Alley and sample some of the city’s famous street food.
Day 5:
- Explore the Dufu Poetry Garden and visit the nearby Wenshu Monastery. Sample some of Chengdu’s famous spicy snacks at Chunxi Road Night Market.
Day 6:
- Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and explore the nearby Qingyang Palace and Temple. Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hotpot dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7:
- Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng, an ancient Taoist mountain located near Chengdu. Explore the stunning landscape and visit some of its many temples.
Day 8:
- Visit Mount Emei, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains located near Chengdu. Explore its many temples, pagodas, and monasteries.
Day 9:
- Take a day trip to Huanglongxi Ancient Town and explore its narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese architecture. Enjoy a traditional Sichuan dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10:
- Spend the day exploring Mount Qingcheng or Mount Emei and take in the stunning views from their peaks.
Day 11:
- Visit the Chengdu Zoo and explore its many exotic animals from around the world. Enjoy an evening stroll through Tianfu Square, one of Chengdu’s largest public squares.
Day 12:
- Depart from Chengdu after a wonderful 12-day journey filled with fun, adventure, and exploration!
SUGGESTED RESTAURANTS:
For traditional Sichuan cuisine, try Chen Mapo Tofu (try their Mapo Tofu!), Yulin Restaurant (try their Chongqing Hotpot!), or Ba Shu Feng (try their Ma Po Tofu!). For hot pot restaurants, try Hai Di Lao Hot Pot (try their Spicy Hot Pot!), Xiao Nan Guo Hot Pot (try their Lamb Hot Pot!), or Haidilao Hot Pot (try their Chongqing Hot Pot!). For street food, try Kuanzhai Alley (try their spicy snacks!), Chunxi Road Night Market (try their spicy noodles!), or Jinli Street (try their spicy dumplings!).
WHERE TO STAY:
For luxury accommodations, try Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu or The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Chengdu. For mid-range accommodations, try Grand Hyatt Chengdu or InterContinental Century City Chengdu. For budget accommodations, try Xianle Inn Chengdu or Home Inn Plus Chengdu South Railway Station Metro Station.