📋 Trip Overview
14 Nights · Sep 14–28, 2026 · Tour + DIY
✈️ Flights
| Flight | Route | Date & Time | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3U3994 | KUL → TFU | Sep 14, 4:50am → 9:25am | Wilson + Wife |
| 3U3995 | TFU → KUL | Sep 28, 9:40am → 1:05pm | Wilson + Wife |
Booking: AliTrip 51928464629780 · PNR PJ2YG0 · Conf 876-4884618989
🏨 Hotel Bases
Sep 14🏨 Chengdu · 1 night (tour start)
Sep 15–16🏨 Jiuzhaigou · 2 nights (tour)
Sep 17🏨 Chengdu · 1 night (tour)
Sep 18🏨 Emeishan · 1 night (tour)
Sep 19–27🏨 Chengdu · 9 nights (tour Days 6–7 + DIY)
📅 Schedule
| Day | Date | Plan | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 Sep Mon | Arrive · 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi / 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù evening | Tour |
| 2 | 15 Sep Tue | 叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi → 黄龙 Huánglóng → 藏家 Zàngjiā night | Tour |
| 3 | 16 Sep Wed | 九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu full day | Tour |
| 4 | 17 Sep Thu | 岷江源 Mínjiāng Yuán → 藏寨 Zàngzhài → 松潘古城 Sōngpān Gǔchéng → CD | Tour |
| 5 | 18 Sep Fri | 峨眉山 Éméi Shān — 金顶 Jīndǐng + 清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé + 猴区 Hóuqū | Tour |
| 6 | 19 Sep Sat | 乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó → CD | Tour |
| 7 | 20 Sep Sun | 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān AM + 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn PM | Tour |
| 8 | 21 Sep Mon | Rest / easy recovery | DIY |
| 9 | 22 Sep Tue | Flex — see Tips (三星堆 Sānxīngduī top pick) | DIY |
| 10 | 23 Sep Wed | Flex / Spa day | DIY |
| 11 | 24 Sep Thu | Flex / Hidden gems | DIY |
| 12 | 25 Sep Fri | 🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū (Mid-Autumn) | DIY |
| 13 | 26 Sep Sat | 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (world's largest building) + Show | DIY |
| 14 | 27 Sep Sun | Pack + final shopping | DIY |
| 15 | 28 Sep Mon | Fly Home ✈️ | — |
🍚 Tour Meals Included
| Day | Date | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 15 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner (藏家 Zàngjiā hotpot) |
| 3 | 16 Sep | Breakfast · Dinner (lunch own — carry snacks) |
| 4 | 17 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 5 | 18 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner |
| 6 | 19 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 7 | 20 Sep | Breakfast · Lunch |
| 8 | 21 Sep | Breakfast only |
Day 1 of 15 · Tour
14th September 2026 (Monday)
Arrive Chengdu + Free Evening Chengdu
🌧️ Cloudy · 24°C · Humid
✈️ Flight 3U3994
RouteKUL → TFU (Kuala Lumpur → Chengdu Tianfu)
Depart4:50 AM local time
Arrive9:25 AM Chengdu time (UTC+8)
🚌 Tour: 专人接站 Zhuānrén Jiēzhàn (dedicated pickup)
🚗 Airport Pickup → Hotel
IncludedTour driver meets you at arrivals — look for name sign
FallbackDiDi ~¥80–120 · 40–50 min · Metro Line 19 ¥8–10
11 AM
🏨 Check In — Chengdu Hotel
Tip: Early check-in depends on availability — ask politely. If not ready, leave bags and rest in lobby or start walking.
Evening free
🌆 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi · 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù
宽窄巷子Historic alley district · lanterns at night · Metro Line 4
春熙路Main shopping street + 太古里 Tàigǔlǐ upscale mall · IFS panda
Jet lag4:50am departure = awake since ~2am. Keep it light, sleep early. Real touring starts tomorrow — early coach.
🍽️ Day 1 Food
LunchNear hotel — 龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu wontons (春熙路 Chūnxi Lù) or 冒菜 Màocài
Dinner宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi street food · 三大炮 Sān Dà Pào, 糖油果子 Tángyóu Guǒzi
MealsOwn expense today (tour meals start Day 2)
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 2 of 15 · Tour
15th September 2026 (Tuesday)
叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi → 黄龙 Huánglóng → 藏家夜 Zàngjiā Yè Jiuzhaigou
❄️ Huanglong 5–15°C · big altitude jump
🚌 Chengdu → 叠溪海子 Diéxī Hǎizi → 黄龙 Huánglóng
叠溪海子Diexi Lake — landslide lake on the way up, photo stop
黄龙Huanglong Scenic Area — UNESCO travertine pools
Sights五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí · 飞瀑流辉 Fēipù Liúhuī · 雪宝顶 Xuěbǎo Dǐng · 黄龙沟 Huánglóng Gōu · 争艳池 Zhēngyàn Chí · 迎宾池 Yíngbīn Chí · 黄龙洞 Huánglóng Dòng · 映月彩池 Yìngyuè Cǎichí
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner included
⚠️ Altitude warning
🏔️ Huanglong = 3,500m, same-day from 500m Chengdu
Reality~12h day, coach + altitude. Walk SLOWLY at 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí. Mild breathlessness is normal.
OxygenCans sold at entrance (~¥20–30). Buy one even if you feel fine.
ClothingLight down jacket — 5–15°C up top while Chengdu is 25°C
Cable carTake it up, walk the boardwalk down — saves the climb at altitude
Evening
🔥 藏家体验 Zàngjiā Tǐyàn — Tibetan Family Night
What土火锅 Tǔ Huǒguō (Tibetan hotpot) + 锅庄歌舞 Guōzhuāng Gēwǔ (circle dance) + 篝火 Gōuhuǒ (bonfire)
VibeTouristy but fun. Join the dance, drink the 青稞酒 Qīngkē Jiǔ if offered (or politely decline).
🏨 Overnight — Jiuzhaigou town Jiuzhaigou
Altitude~2,300m. Sleep arrives fast after a 12h day.
Day 3 of 15 · Tour
16th September 2026 (Wednesday)
九寨沟 Jiǔzhàigōu Full Day Jiuzhaigou
☀️ Crisp mountain morning · 8–18°C
🏞️ Jiuzhaigou Valley — the big day
The hits五花海 Wǔhuā Hǎi · 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí · 诺日朗瀑布 Nuòrìlǎng Pùbù · 树正群海 Shùzhèng Qúnhǎi · 长海 Cháng Hǎi · 熊猫海 Xióngmāo Hǎi · 珍珠滩瀑布 Zhēnzhūtān Pùbù · 芦苇海 Lúwěi Hǎi · 犀牛海 Xīniú Hǎi · 老虎海 Lǎohǔ Hǎi
LayoutY-shaped valley, shuttle bus + flat boardwalks. No climbing required.
Best light五花海 Wǔhuā Hǎi in morning sun — the postcard shot
MealsBreakfast + Dinner included · Lunch NOT included
⚠️ Lunch gap
🍱 Lunch on your own inside the valley
Option 1诺日朗 Nuòrìlǎng tourist center cafeteria — pricey, mediocre, but convenient (~¥50–80)
Option 2Grab extra breakfast pastries + snacks before entering. Recommended.
📷 Photo strategy
📸 Shuttle routing trick
InsiderShuttle to the far end (长海 Cháng Hǎi / 五彩池 Wǔcǎi Chí) FIRST, then work back — you walk against the crowd all day
镜海 rule镜海 Jìnghǎi (Mirror Lake) reflections die after ~10am when wind picks up — hit mirror lakes early or late
SeptemberEarly autumn color starting at high elevations — greens + golds mix
🎭 Evening option
《九寨千古情》Jiǔzhài Qiāngǔqíng — the show you want to see
StatusAgency reply pending on timing + price. You can self-book on 美团 Měituán / 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng (~¥280–320).
WhenTonight if energy allows — you sleep at 沟口 Gōukǒu (valley entrance town), show is ~20 min away
🏨 Overnight — Jiuzhaigou town Jiuzhaigou
Day 4 of 15 · Tour
17th September 2026 (Thursday)
岷江源头 Mínjiāng Yuántóu → 藏寨 Zàngzhài → 松潘古城 Sōngpān Gǔchéng → Chengdu Chengdu
☀️ Mountain pass morning · highway day
🚌 Return leg — culture stops
岷江源头Source of the Min River — short photo stop on the pass
藏寨Tibetan village + 碉楼 Diāolóu watchtowers + traditional houses
松潘古城Songpan ancient town — old walls, gate towers, tea-horse-road history
MealsBreakfast · Lunch included
⚠️ Heads up
🛍️ Shopping stop likely
PatternTour 藏寨 Zàngzhài visits often include a silver/Chinese-medicine shop stop — 30–45 min
PlaySmile, look, buy nothing. Prices 3–5x market. (Agency claims 纯玩 no-shopping — verify on the coach.)
Legit buys松潘 Sōngpān street yak jerky (¥30–50/bag) and 藏红花 Zànghónghuā small packs are fine from street stalls
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Tomorrow: Emei day — another early coach. Repack tonight, charge devices.
Day 5 of 15 · Tour
18th September 2026 (Friday)
峨眉山 Éméi Shān — 金顶 Jīndǐng + 清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé + 猴区 Hóuqū Emeishan
🌤️ Summit 5–12°C · cloud sea chances good
⛰️ Emei Golden Summit (金顶 Jīndǐng)
Summit48m 十方普贤 Shífāng Pǔxián golden statue · 金银铜殿 Jīn Yín Tóng Diàn · 云海 Yúnhǎi (cloud sea) + 佛光 Fóguāng if lucky
World's largest朝拜中心 Cháobài Zhōngxīn pilgrimage centre — make a wish
Altitude3,099m. Jacket essential. Boardwalk + cable car, no serious climbing.
Mid-mountain
🌿 Afternoon — the scenic loop
Stops白龙洞 Báilóng Dòng (White Dragon Cave) · 清音阁 Qīngyīn Gé (twin bridges + stream) · 一线天 Yīxiàntiān · 黑龙江栈道 Hēilóngjiāng Zhàndào · 生态猴区 Shēngtài Hóuqū
MonkeysNO plastic bags in hand, no loose phone. They grab. Buy ¥5 monkey food only if you want the full chaos experience.
MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner included
🏨 Overnight — Emeishan Emeishan
Day 6 of 15 · Tour
19th September 2026 (Saturday)
乐山大佛 Lèshān Dàfó — 山是一尊佛 Shān Shì Yī Zūn Fó Leshan
☁️ Overcast · 25°C
🗿 Leshan Giant Buddha
Biggest71m stone Buddha, carved 713 AD — "the mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain"
Route凌云寺 Língyún Sì 大雄宝殿 Dàxióng Bǎodiàn → 九曲栈道 Jiǔqū Zhàndào (down the cliff beside the Buddha) → Buddha feet
Views三江汇流 Sānjiāng Huìliú (three rivers converge) · 灵宝塔 Língbǎo Tǎ
MealsBreakfast · Lunch included
⚠️ Saturday crowds
🚶 九曲栈道 Jiǔqū Zhàndào queue
RealityThe cliff stairway is single-file — Saturday queue can be 30–60 min
Tour timingGuided groups usually enter early — stick with the guide, don't linger at the back
Back in Chengdu
🌆 Evening — free
OptionFirst proper DIY evening — 玉林路 Yùlín Lù food street or rest
Leshan food?If the tour lunch stop allows, try 甜皮鸭 Tiánpí Yā / 钵钵鸡 Bōbō Jī — see Things to Consider page for the hit list
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 7 of 15 · Tour
20th September 2026 (Sunday)
青城山 Qīngchéng Shān AM + 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn PM Chengdu
☁️ Misty mountain AM · 24°C
⛰️ 青城山 Qīngchéng Shān (AM)
WhatBirthplace of Taoism — "青城天下幽 Qīngchéng Tiānxià Yōu" (the most serene mountain under heaven)
ExpectMist, ancient trees, temple courtyards. Guide leads the front-mountain highlights.
PM
💧 都江堰 Dūjiāngyàn (PM)
What2,300-year-old irrigation system, still working, no dam — pure engineering genius. UNESCO.
Sights二王庙 Èrwáng Miào · 安澜索桥 Ānlán Suǒqiáo (rope bridge) · 鱼嘴分水堤 Yúzuǐ Fēnshuǐ Dī · 飞沙堰泄洪道 Fēishāyàn Xièhóngdào · 西游记 Xīyóujì filming site
Fun factCrossing 安澜索桥 Ānlán Suǒqiáo = classic wobbly photo op
MealsBreakfast · Lunch included
Bonus: Sep 20 is a national make-up workday — locals at work, noticeably quieter than a normal Sunday.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Tour done! Tomorrow starts 7 DIY days. Tonight: celebratory hotpot? 蜀大侠 Shǔ Dàxiá or 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (see Tips page).
Day 8 of 15 · DIY
21st September 2026 (Monday)
Rest + Easy Recovery Chengdu
Recovery day
😴 Slow start after 6 tour days
BreakfastHotel breakfast included (last tour meal)
AMSleep in. You've earned it — 6 consecutive tour days with 3 altitude jumps.
PMEasy walk: 人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán tea + ear cleaning, or 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn temple + vegetarian lunch
Low effort options
🍵 The Chengdu slow afternoon
Classic人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán → 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè one bowl of tea = your seat all day + free refills. Ear cleaning masters circle the tables.
Alt水木和 Shuǐmùhé foot massage (~¥165, unlimited 糖水 Tángshuǐ + snacks) — recovery-appropriate
Full plan?See Tips & Options page (menu) for the full must-see list
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 9 of 15 · DIY
22nd September 2026 (Tuesday)
Flex Day — 三星堆 Sānxīngduī Top Pick Chengdu
Recommended
🏺 三星堆博物馆 Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn — my #1 DIY pick
WhyNew 2024 building, world-class. 3,000-year-old bronze masks that look alien. THE wow museum in China.
Getting there成都东 Chéngdū Dōng → 广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi HSR 30 min + taxi/¥18 · or direct tourist bus
TimeHalf day. Book tickets on official WeChat 公众号 Gōngzhònghào or Trip.com ahead.
Alternatives
📋 Not museum people?
熊猫基地Xióngmāo Jīdì (Panda Base) 7:30am opening — pandas active 8–10am only. Line 3 direct.
武侯祠 + 锦里Wǔhóu Cí (Wuhou Shrine) red walls 8am, 锦里 Jǐnlǐ lanterns evening · ¥50
Spa day水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán ~¥368 24hr all-you-can-eat resort — full day version
More ideasSee Tips & Options page in menu
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 10 of 15 · DIY
23rd September 2026 (Wednesday)
Flex Day — Spa / Tea / Hidden Gems Chengdu
Pick one lane
📋 Three ways to spend today
Spa lane水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán (24hr buffet spa, ¥368) or 水木和 Shuǐmùhé (foot + Thai, ¥165) — post-tour recovery continues
Culture lane成都博物馆 Chéngdū Bówùguǎn (free, Tianfu Square) + 东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì industrial park + 大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn evening opera
Hidden lane彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn (coal-stove locals tea house, 30–40 min out) — the real Chengdu
Evening
🎭 Show night option
蜀风雅韵Shǔfēng Yǎyùn ¥150–580 · classic opera + face changing · book ahead on Trip.com/Klook
大戏台茶馆Dàxìtái Cháguǎn ¥150–200 · includes tea + 6 snacks · at 东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì · more casual
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 11 of 15 · DIY
24th September 2026 (Thursday)
Flex Day — Hidden Gems Chengdu
Off the tourist path
💎 Hidden gems day
官塘新村Guāntáng Xīncūn — rice-paddy art village + 蜀锦博物馆 Shǔjǐn Bówùguǎn + 荥窑 Xíngyáo — near-empty, ~1hr out
道明竹艺村Dàomíng Zhúyì Cūn — bamboo weaving village, free entry, DIY workshop (Chongzhou)
洛带古镇Luòdài Gǔzhèn — 簪花 Zānhuā costume photos (¥100–300) — atmospheric, huge hit with Chinese visitors
漆器 DIY成都漆器工艺厂 Chéngdū Qīqì Gōngyìchǎng (蜀华街72号 Shǔhuá Jiē 72) — make a lacquer bookmark/chopsticks to take home
In-city望平街 Wàngpíng Jiē riverside + 玉林路 Yùlín Lù evening — locals' Chengdu
Food
🌶️ Tonight: proper hotpot
Go蜀大侠火锅 Shǔ Dàxiá Huǒguō (big group experience) or 玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng (skewers, cheaper)
Protocol油碟 Yóudié = sesame oil + raw garlic — it's the cooling antidote, not a sauce. Order 鸳鸯锅 Yuānyāng Guō. 毛肚 Máodǔ = 7-sec dips (七上八下 Qī Shàng Bā Xià).
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 12 of 15 · DIY
25th September 2026 (Friday)
🌙 中秋 Zhōngqiū — Mid-Autumn Festival Chengdu
🌕 Full moon
🌙 Mid-Autumn — how to spend it
Classic龙泉山 Lóngquán Shān — Didi up, mooncakes + tea, moonrise ~7–8pm with locals
Easy安顺廊桥 Ānshùn Lángqiáo riverside night walk — bridge lit gold, bars along 锦江 Jǐnjiāng
LocalTea house + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā season — whole city smells of it) + moon cakes
Daytime
🛍️ Shopping (if not done)
Where春熙路 Chūnxi Lù · 太古里 Tàigǔlǐ · IFS (7F rooftop panda photo)
MooncakesEverywhere today — accept them; egg-yolk lotus ones are the good ones
Book dinnerMid-Autumn = restaurants full. Reserve or eat early.
⚠️ HolidaySep 25–27 (Fri–Sun) is the official 3-day Mid-Autumn national holiday — crowds everywhere. Book museums (成都博物馆 Chéngdū Bówùguǎn needs reservation), panda base, shows NOW for these 3 days.
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 13 of 15 · DIY
26th September 2026 (Saturday)
新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn + Last Show Chengdu
🏆 The world's largest building — don't miss it
🌐 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (New Century Global Center)
Why1.76M m² — the WORLD'S LARGEST building by floor area (Guinness). You'll see it from the metro — the dome is 500m long.
Inside天堂岛海洋乐园 Tiāntángdǎo Hǎiyáng Lèyuán — huge INDOOR water park + wave pool under a glass dome (¥130–180) · IMAX · skating rink · InterContinental hotel · 600+ shops
Best forIndoor beach vibe — perfect escape if weather turns, and it's a mall so shopping + lunch + AC all in one
Getting thereMetro Line 1 → 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn (Jincheng Plaza) — the station opens DIRECTLY into the building
TimeHalf day to full day. Water park ~2–3h, rest is mall.
Last full weekend day
📋 Finish the list
UnfinishedWhatever you missed — 三星堆 Sānxīngduī, pandas, 武侯祠 Wǔhóu Cí — today's the buffer
Tea彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn if not yet done — the authentic one
Wet market菜市场 Càishìchǎng 7–9am — real local life, cheap fruit, great photos
Evening
🎭 Show — last chance
Pick蜀风雅韵 Shǔfēng Yǎyùn (classic) · 大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn (opera + dinner combo) · 芙蓉国粹 Fúróng Guócuì (backup)
Book NOWMid-Autumn holiday weekend (Sep 25–27 official 3-day) — shows/restaurants/museums all need advance booking
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu Chengdu
Day 14 of 15 · DIY
27th September 2026 (Sunday)
Pack + Final Prep Chengdu
Departure prep
🎒 Pack + Final Check
MorningSort shopping · pack bags · weigh luggage (23kg limit)
Overweight?Ship via 顺丰 Shùnfēng SF Express — cheaper than excess baggage
Final buysHotpot base 火锅底料 Huǒguō Dǐliào, tea, panda stuff — supermarket run
Farewell
🍵 Last rituals
AM人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán 鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — one final 盖碗茶 Gàiwǎn Chá + ear cleaning
Lunch龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu (春熙路 Chūnxi Lù) — wontons · 钟水饺 Zhōng Shuǐjiǎo · 赖汤圆 Lài Tāngyuán
Decision
🏨 Tonight — city or airport hotel?
Flight9:40 AM Sep 28 — city departure means leaving ~6:30 AM
Airport hotelTFU is 45–60km out — airport hotel tonight = stress-free morning
TransferAgency confirmed pickup from your Chengdu hotel on Sep 28, no extra charge — confirm exact pickup time (~6:30–7:00am)
🏨 Overnight — Chengdu / Airport hotel
Day 15 of 15
28th September 2026 (Monday)
✈️ Fly Home
☀️ Sunny · 27°C
✈️ Flight 3U3995 — TFU → KUL
RouteTFU (Chengdu Tianfu) → KUL (Kuala Lumpur)
Depart9:40 AM local time
Arrive1:05 PM Kuala Lumpur time (UTC+8)
🛫 Checklist
✅ Departure
☐ BagsUnder 23kg each? Excess shipped via SF?
☐ DocumentsPassport, boarding pass
☐ SouvenirsPanda items, tea, 火锅底料 Huǒguō Dǐliào, lacquerware DIY
☐ Liquids>100ml in checked bag
TimingArrive airport 7:30 AM · international departure flow
🇲🇾 Home
ArrivalKUL 1:05 PM
NoteYou dodge Golden Week entirely — country starts moving Sep 30 🎉
🐼🌶️🏔️
Chengdu + Sichuan 2026
Sep 14–28 · 14 Nights · Wilson + Wife
💡 Tips & Must-See Options
Wilson's picks — DIY days, for consideration
🏆 Top 3 Non-Negotiables
1. 🏺 三星堆博物馆 Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn
Why3,000-year-old bronze masks that look alien. THE wow museum in China. If you do one DIY excursion, this is it.
How成都东 Chéngdū Dōng→广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi HSR 30min · half day · book ahead
2. 🛕 文殊院 Wénshū Yuàn Wenshu Monastery
WhyFree, working monastery, few tourists. Vegetarian restaurant inside (香园 Xiāngyuán) is legitimately good. Back gardens, free incense, quiet.
NearYour hotel area (Wenshu) — walkable
3. 🍵 People's Park slow morning
WhyFree refills, mahjong tables, marriage market corner, ear cleaning masters circling. Peak Chengdu.
When8–10am weekday for calm
🏛️ City Sights Worth Slotting
大慈寺 Dàcí Sì Daci Temple
Odd1,600yr temple INSIDE Taikoo Li mall. Red walls, no crowds, wild contrast.
武侯祠 + 锦里 Wǔhóu Cí + Jǐnlǐ
TrickRed wall alley at 8am opening or queue 30min. 锦里 Jǐnlǐ at NIGHT (lanterns) — Kuanzhai at 9am instead.
IFS climbing panda 🐼
TrickElevator to 7F rooftop garden = front-facing shot. Street level = panda butt only.
东郊记忆 + 安顺廊桥 Dōngjiāo Jìyì + Ānshùn Lángqiáo
EveningIndustrial-chic park (pair with 大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn opera) then riverside night walk, bridge lit gold.
🌐 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn — the WORLD'S LARGEST BUILDING
Must1.76M m² Guinness record holder. Metro Line 1 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn opens straight into it. Indoor water park 天堂岛 Tiāntángdǎo + IMAX + 600 shops. Half day.
💎 Hidden Gems (local research)
彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn
WhatCoal-stove locals tea house · ¥10–15 all day · 30–40min out · zero tourists
官塘新村 Guāntáng Xīncūn
WhatRice-paddy village + 蜀锦博物馆 Shǔjǐn Bówùguǎn + 荥窑 Xíngyáo · ~1hr · near-empty
道明竹艺村 Dàomíng Zhúyì Cūn · 洛带古镇 Luòdài Gǔzhèn
WhatBamboo weaving DIY (free entry) · 簪花 Zānhuā costume photos ¥100–300
成都漆器工艺厂 DIY Chéngdū Qīqì Gōngyìchǎng
WhatLacquer bookmark/chopsticks, 1.5–2h, take home · 蜀华街72号 Shǔhuá Jiē 72 · ¥30 entry
望平街 + 玉林路 Wàngpíng Jiē + Yùlín Lù
WhatLocals' riverside evening strip · old neighborhood bars & food stalls
🍜 Food Knowledge
Hotpot protocol
油碟 YóudiéSesame oil + raw garlic — cooling ANTIDOTE, not sauce. 毛肚 Máodǔ = 七上八下 Qī Shàng Bā Xià 7-sec dips. 鸳鸯锅 Yuānyāng Guō split pot, no shame.
Try at least once
Wild双流老妈兔头 Shuāngliú Lǎomā Tùtóu (spicy rabbit head) — worth it for the story
Street蛋烘糕 Dànhōng Gāo carts (cream + meat floss ¥5–10) · 冰粉 Bīngfěn with every spicy meal
Breakfast甜水面 Tiánshuǐmiàn / 素椒杂酱面 Sùjiāo Zájiàng Miàn streetside · ¥12 · better than hotel breakfast
Ordering hack
No Chinese reading?Menus have photos — point-and-order works everywhere. 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / 美团 Měituán deals = 30–50% off walk-in price.
🧠 Practical Tricks
PayAlipay + WeChat Pay, link foreign cards BEFORE flying. Cash nearly dead.
TrainsPassport = ticket, needed at station gates same as flights.
Scams"Friendly" tea ceremony / calligraphy invites near 锦里 Jǐnlǐ / 宽窄巷子 Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi — polite no, walk on.
Weather20–28°C + osmanthus (桂花 Guìhuā) season. Compact umbrella always.
Nap culturePost-lunch foot-massage nap = legitimate itinerary item.
✨ Things to Consider
Spas · Ear Cleaning · Tea · Eats · Shows — reference
🧖 Spas / Massage + Unlimited Food
🌡️ 水裹汤泉 Shuǐguǒ Tāngquán (Shuiguo Spa)
Price~¥368/pax · 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng discount · unlimited fruits, ice cream, hot food
Best forFull-day lounge + eat. Can spend 18hrs.
💆 水木和足道 Shuǐmùhé Zúdào (Shuimu He)
Price~¥165/pax · unlimited 糖水 Tángshuǐ + drinks + snacks
Best forProper massage, snacks as bonus
👂 Ear Cleaning (采耳 Cǎi'ěr)
人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán masters
Price¥30–60 · 10–30 min · blue uniforms, sterilized tools
TipMorning weekday, combined with tea house sitting
🍵 Tea Houses
鹤鸣茶社 Hèmíng Cháshè — iconic
¥10–20103 years old, 人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán, touristy but historic
小桃园 Xiǎotáoyuán — ceremony
~¥18–20Michelin Bib Gourmand, tea master guided, book via Klook
彭镇老茶馆 Péngzhèn Lǎo Cháguǎn — authentic
¥10–15Coal stove, locals only, the real thing, 30–40min out
🥢 Must-Eat: Chengdu
玉林串串香 Yùlín Chuànchuàn Xiāng · 蜀大侠火锅 Shǔ Dàxiá Huǒguō
Skewers/HotpotThe two essential Chengdu meals
降龙爪爪 Xiánglóng Zhuǎzhuǎ · 烤匠麻辣鱼 Kǎojiàng Málà Yú · 龙抄手 Lóng Chāoshǒu
Local hitsBraised chicken paws · 椒麻 jiāomá fish · classic wontons
建设路小吃街 Jiànshè Lù Xiǎochī Jiē
Night marketStudent area, cheap + real, evening walk
🥢 Must-Eat: Leshan (tour day 6 free moments)
赵鸭子甜皮鸭 Zhào Yāzi Tiánpí Yā · 冯三孃跷脚牛肉 Féng Sānniáng Qiāojiǎo Niúròu
¥40/¥30–501939 非遗 fēiyí (intangible heritage) candied duck · signature beef soup
九九豆腐脑 Jiǔjiǔ Dòufunǎo · 游记肥肠 Yóujì Féicháng
¥15/¥25Leshan-style tofu pudding · 1855 intestine shop
🎭 Shows
蜀风雅韵 Shǔfēng Yǎyùn
¥150–580#1 classic · book Trip.com/Klook
大戏台茶馆 Dàxìtái Cháguǎn (东郊记忆 Dōngjiāo Jìyì)
¥150–200Opera + 变脸 Biànliǎn (face changing) + tea + 6 snacks · nightly · casual
芙蓉国粹 Fúróng Guócuì
¥150–350Backup if sold out
九寨千古情 Jiǔzhài Qiāngǔqíng (Day 3 evening)
~¥280–320Songcheng spectacle — 千古情 Qiāngǔqíng franchise, Jiuzhaigou Tibetan/Qiang edition. Book on 美团 Měituán / 大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng.
🚇 Transport Guide
DIY days logistics
🚌 Days 2–7
Tour coachEverything covered — just be on time at the hotel lobby
🚇 Chengdu Metro (DIY days)
App天府通 Tiānfǔtōng WeChat mini-program / Alipay QR · or physical card at any station
Hours~6:00 AM – 11:00 PM · ¥2–9
Line 2人民公园 Rénmín Gōngyuán · 春熙路 Chūnxi Lù · most tourist spots
Line 1→ 锦城广场站 Jǐnchéng Guǎngchǎng Zhàn = 新世纪环球中心 Xīnshìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (world's largest building) direct
To TFULine 19 · 45–60 min · ¥8–10
🚕 DiDi / Taxi
DiDiIn WeChat/Alipay app · enter destination in Chinese · most rides ¥15–25
SaveHotel Chinese name in favorites before first ride
🚄 Trains (if adding excursions)
Apps12306 official or Trip.com · passport needed to book AND at gates
三星堆Sānxīngduī: 成都东 Chéngdū Dōng → 广汉北 Guǎnghàn Běi · 30 min · ¥18
TipBook 1–2 days ahead. Morning trains 8–10 AM most convenient.
💳 Payment
AlipayLink Malaysian card before flying — easiest for foreigners
WeChat PaySame setup
CashRarely needed. ATM fallback: 中国银行 Zhōngguó Yínháng / ICBC
📱 Connectivity
eSIMChina Mobile/Unicom · ~¥100–150 for 15 days data
Maps高德地图 Gāodé Dìtú (Amap) — essential
TranslateGoogle Translate (Chinese downloaded) · WeChat translate works too