Chengdu Travel Guide

Practical advice for your Chengdu trip. When to go, where to stay, how to get around, and the little things that make a trip smooth.

Before you go

Chengdu's Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is connected to the city center by Metro Line 10 (30 minutes). The newer Tianfu Airport (TFU) is farther out but served by Line 18 (50 minutes). Most international flights now land at TFU.

The best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures hover around 15-25°C. Spring brings flowers; autumn brings golden ginkgo trees. Summer is hot and humid but coincides with baby panda season. Winter is gray and damp but blessedly uncrowded.

Budget travelers can get by on 200-300 RMB per day (hostel + street food + metro). Mid-range travelers should plan 500-800 RMB (boutique hotel + restaurants + Didi). Luxury travelers will find five-star rooms from 800 RMB and world-class fine dining.