Start your first morning in Chengdu with a gentle stroll through People's Park, sip jasmine tea at a traditional teahouse and watch locals practice tai chi and mahjong; this is a perfect low-key introduction to Chengdu's relaxed pace. Afterward, wander to Chunxi Road for light shopping and sample street snacks like dan dan noodles and Sichuan-style breakfast dumplings at a bustling stall, easing into the city before afternoon explorations.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the historic lanes of [Kuanzhai Alley (Kuan Zhai Xiangzi)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Kuanzhai+Alley+%28Kuan+Zhai+Xiangzi%29+chengdu%0A+official+site)-browse boutique shops, try local tea at a courtyard teahouse, and watch craftsmen at work. Continue to [Sichuan Museum](https://www.google.com/search?q=Sichuan+Museum+chengdu%0A+official+site) for a concise introduction to regional art and archaeology, then relax with a Sichuan tea service at Zhang Da Coffee & Tea House nearby before an early evening snack crawl.
As daylight fades, head to Jinli Ancient Street to wander lantern-lit lanes, sample sweet and savory hawker treats like Sichuan-style sugar-coated hawthorn and spicy skewers, and soak in folk performances; stop for a drink at The Temple House's Tianfu Bar for a stylish nighttime atmosphere. Cap the evening with a soothing experience at Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot (mild broth option available) or a relaxed Sichuan tea ceremony at Heming Teahouse, easing into Chengdu's culinary culture before turning in.
Wake early for the best viewing at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch playful cubs at feeding time and learn about conservation at the onsite education center; arrive when the pandas are most active and stroll the bamboo-lined paths. Afterward, head to nearby Wuhou Shrine Park to explore memorial halls and tranquil courtyards, then refuel with a bowl of spicy-but-balanced dan dan noodles at the family-run Chen Mapo Noodle House nearby before the midday crowds.
After a morning with the pandas and Wuhou Shrine, wander over to Jinli Ancient Street to enjoy its restored Qing-era architecture, snack stalls, and handicraft shops; sample local favorites like sweet candied hawthorn and spicy rabbit head from street vendors while listening to occasional Sichuan opera snippets. Then duck into Sichuan Opera Museum for a short immersive look at face-changing culture and finish with a relaxed tea break at Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse, where you can watch a brief face-changing performance over jasmine tea before evening plans.
As dusk settles, wander to Anshun Bridge on the Jin River for riverside views and colorful night illumination, then hop into a table at Yu's Family Kitchen for a refined tasting of Sichuan small plates and signature mapo tofu. Finish the night with a relaxed drink at the cozy cocktail bar Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu or catch a live folk-music set at Living Room Livehouse, blending contemporary Chengdu nightlife with the day's cultural discoveries.
Begin with a peaceful walk through Zhaojue Temple, where morning chants and the scent of incense set a contemplative tone before the crowds; pause at the temple teahouse to try a steaming cup of jasmine tea while watching monks sweep the courtyards. From there, head to the nearby Sichuan Friendship Store food court to sample a light local breakfast-try warm bao, savory jianbing, and a bowl of comforting Sichuan rice porridge-then stroll across to Huanhuaxi Park (Flower Stream Park) to enjoy willow-lined paths and a short boat ride that connects the serene green space to the lively energy you'll meet later in the alleys.
Stroll from the morning calm into the lively heart of Kuan Zhai by exploring Kuan Alley's boutique teahouses, where you can join a short gongfu tea demonstration at Heming Teahouse and sample delicate jasmine and Sichuan purple tea while listening to local storytellers. Then wander toward Wide Alley's craft shops, pick up hand-painted opera masks at a family-run workshop, and pause for a relaxed Sichuan pastry and iced sugar-hawthorn drink at Lan Men Bakery, keeping the day's rhythm gentle and culturally rich as you prepare for an evening visit to Wuhou Shrine's historic courtyards.
As dusk falls, drift into the lively culinary lane of Jinli Snack Street adjacent to Wuhou to sample regional specialties like spicy rabbit head and sweet haw flakes from street stalls while artisans demonstrate bamboo carving. After tasting local snacks, take a relaxed riverside stroll along the Jin River Promenade, pause at Shuangliu Riverside Tea House for a pot of chrysanthemum tea and live folk music, then finish with a nightcap or Sichuan-style dessert at the intimate Panda Alley Bistro, keeping the evening mellow and reflective after a day of history and teahouse discoveries.
Catch an early train or private transfer to Leshan and begin at the riverside viewing platform to admire Leshan Giant Buddha from below, watching boats glide past the statue's feet; then take a short boat cruise on the confluence of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers for a dramatic panoramic perspective. After disembarking, stroll the shaded steps to Lingyun Temple, explore its quiet courtyards and cliffside grottoes, and refuel with a riverside breakfast of freshly made Sichuan rice noodles and steamed buns at a local stall before continuing to Mount Emei later in the day.
After the morning river cruise and Lingyun Temple, head uphill via the shaded cliff path to Wuyou Temple to admire its hilltop courtyards and sweeping views back toward the confluence; pause at the temple teahouse for a pot of tea and steamed sesame buns while absorbing the panorama. Later, stroll the tranquil riverside promenade to Emei Mountain Scenic Area ticket center, browse local stalls selling bamboo handicrafts and Sichuan pickles, and catch a late-afternoon shuttle or scenic bus toward Mount Emei or back to Chengdu, enjoying riverside sunset light on the Buddha as you depart.
After returning from the scenic sites, stroll through the restored lanes of Hejianglou Old Street to browse teahouses and try local sesame cakes and spicy pickles at family stalls; linger at Shanmen Park for a calm riverside sunset and watch locals play chess on stone tables. Finish with a comforting dinner of Leshan-style fish hotpot at Leshan Riverside Restaurant, then enjoy a relaxed cup of smoky tea at Old Town Tea House before catching your evening transfer back to Chengdu, reflecting on the day's river and temple views.
Set out early to ride the valley shuttle to the foothills and begin a fragrant walk through the bamboo groves toward Tianshi Cave, pausing at the humble Laojun Pavilion to admire carved Taoist inscriptions and listen to a local guide explain Qingcheng's role in Taoism. Continue along the shaded path to Shangqing Palace, explore its layered halls and mossy courtyards, then sip mountain spring water and sample steaming local rice cakes from a hillside teahouse before the midday crowds arrive.
Descend from the upper temples and take the scenic shuttle to Jianfu Temple, where you can join a short Taoist incense-blessing ceremony and browse miniature altar crafts sold by local monks. Then stroll the valley trail toward Baiyuan Palace, stop at a roadside tea stall to taste locally grown mountain green tea, and finish with a gentle walk through the bamboo-fringed Yuyuan Scenic Area-perfect for photographing misty ravines before returning to Dujiangyan for dinner.
As twilight falls, wander into the peaceful courtyards of Erwang Temple to catch the lantern-lit atmosphere and listen to distant temple bells while sampling sticky rice dumplings from a nearby vendor. Continue to Qingcheng Mountain Visitor Village for a relaxed riverside dinner of local bamboo-smoked trout and mountain vegetables at a family-run eatery, then finish with a slow stroll along the illuminated Ancestral Path, where stone steles and mossy steps glow under soft lamps-an ideal, reflective end to a day of Taoist sites and bamboo groves.
Begin your day wandering the lively stalls of Wenshu Monastery Flower & Bird Market, where vendors sell fresh produce, Sichuan spices and handmade pickles-sample mala peppercorns and chat with shopkeepers about regional ingredients. Continue to the nearby Wenshu Temple Tea Market for a guided tasting of local teas and a short hands-on dim-sum-style breakfast class at a family-run stall, then join a mid-morning cooking workshop at Red Chamber Cooking School to learn how to balance Sichuan flavors before an afternoon of market-based ingredient shopping.
Spend a flavorful afternoon at Hehuachi Market, hunting fresh chili peppers, fermented bean pastes and river fish with a local chef before heading to a hands-on session at Chengdu Flavor Lab, where you'll turn market finds into classic dishes like twice-cooked pork and mapo tofu. After the cooking class, stroll to Jinli Backstreets Creative Market to sample artisanal snacks-try a freshly fried sesame cake and chilled liangfen jelly-while chatting with food artisans and picking up a jar of house-made Sichuan chili oil to take home.
As night falls, wander to Huanhua Xi Night Market to sample late-evening street specialties like spicy rabbit skewers and fermented tofu while soaking up lively hawker energy, then slip into Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot (local branch) for a communal hotpot featuring house-made mala broth and fresh market vegetables you shopped for earlier. Finish the night with a relaxed digestif at The Bridge Bar overlooking the river, where live acoustic sets and local craft beers offer a mellow, modern contrast to the day's traditional flavors.
Ease into your final morning with a relaxed stroll through Taikoo Li (IFS & Taikoo Li shopping district) for last-minute boutique finds and local designer goods, then stop for a leisurely brunch at Element Fresh or a Chengdu-style café inside IAPM Mall to savor a final plate of liangpi (cold noodles). Afterward, wander the nearby Chunxi Road Bookstore Lane to pick up Sichuan travel memoirs and specialty tea tins, and arrange hotel pickup or airport transfer while sipping jasmine tea at a sidewalk teahouse to close your trip at a calm, unhurried pace.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the curving lanes of Taikoo Li South Courtyard's quieter galleries and designer ateliers, stopping at Bookshop 1930 for a curated selection of Sichuan photography and travel essays. Then enjoy a slow tea-paired pastry at Zai Coffee & Tea Studio, followed by a calming foot massage at Spring City Foot Therapy to unwind before collecting luggage and your onward transfer.
Wind down your trip with a relaxed supper at The Diner at MixC, where contemporary Sichuan small plates and a selection of local craft beers make for an easy final meal; follow with a slow, scenic walk through Irene Garden Park to watch locals play cards and soak in a last bit of Chengdu's evening rhythm. If time allows before your transfer, pop into Taohuawu Ceramic Market to browse handmade pottery for souvenirs and finish with a calming pot of tea at Old Tea House on Heping Alley, reflecting on the week's temples, pandas and mountain hikes.