Start the day with a hearty Sichuan breakfast at Jinli Street’s nearby eatery — try a bowl of warm douhua (soft tofu) and youtiao at a local stall before heading north to the Panda Base.
Taxi or Didi to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Bifengxia Gate recommended) — aim to arrive early for the most active panda viewing and quieter paths.
Enter the Panda Base and stroll through the outdoor enclosures; watch adult and baby pandas during feeding and morning play while learning about conservation at the visitor center.
Visit the nursery and indoor viewing rooms to see cubs and ask staff about volunteer or feeding-sponsor programs; take photos on the designated viewing platforms.
Walk the base’s gardens and gift shop; pick up a small panda-themed souvenir and grab a coffee or tea at the on-site café to warm up.
Return to city center (approx. 30-45 minutes by taxi) and head to Wuhou Shrine (Wuhouci); enjoy the historic grounds and Zhuge Liang memorial exhibits.
Explore Wuhou Temple’s main halls and the adjacent Jinli Ancient Street, soaking up Three Kingdoms-era atmosphere and browsing traditional crafts.
Lunch at Jinli Ancient Street — sit down at a local Sichuan restaurant such as Chen Mapo Tofu (or a recommended stall) to try mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and flavorful cold dishes.
Leisurely wander down Jinli Street’s alleys, sample snacks like guo kui or spicy rabbit head (if adventurous), and purchase tea at a specialty shop to take home.
Walk or short taxi to People’s Park (Renmin Park); join locals for a cup of tea at Heming Teahouse and observe tai chi, mahjong, and lively social scenes.
Stroll through the park to see the famous ‘Matchmaking Corner’ and relax by the lake; enjoy a second pot of tea and chat with teahouse staff about tea varieties.
Head to Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan) by taxi; explore the serene Buddhist temple, classical gardens, and the nearby vegetarian snack street.
Try a light vegetarian snack at a Wenshu Monastery teahouse — sample Buddhist-style cold dishes and a selection of local pastries while absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.
Return toward the city center and prepare for a Sichuan cooking experience or dinner; if you prefer a class, meet your group at a booked cooking school (recommendation: Sichuan Cookery or a local equivalent).
Participate in a short hands-on Sichuan cooking class focusing on classic dishes (mapo tofu, sichuan-style greens) or, if not taking a class, head to Shu JiuXiang Hotpot for a pre-dinner spicy hotpot experience.
Enjoy the meal you cooked or savor a communal hotpot at Shu JiuXiang/Haidilao — taste mala broth, try local pickles, and pair with a cold beer or chrysanthemum tea.
Take a digesting walk along Kuan Zhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys): admire restored Qing-era architecture, boutique shops, and optional tea or dessert at a courtyard café.
If energy remains, catch a Sichuan opera face-changing (Bian Lian) show at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse or a nearby performance venue for a cultural finale.
Return to your hotel in central Chengdu by taxi or Didi; enjoy a final nightcap at the hotel bar or a late stroll near Tianfu Square to see the city lights.
Relax and rest — reflect on a full day of pandas, temples, tea, and spicy cuisine; prepare for departure or onward travel the next day.