8-Day Adventure Itinerary in Chengdu, Sichuan: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Begin your Chengdu adventure with the world-renowned panda base, where you can see adorable giant pandas up close.
Head northeast by taxi, approximately 30 minutes from downtown.
CNY 58, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Indulge in a famous Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu, at one of the city's best restaurants.
Travel back to city center via taxi, about 30 minutes.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street

Wander through the historical Wuhou Shrine and indulge in street food and boutique shopping at Jinli.
Walk to Wuhou Shrine, about 15 minutes away.
CNY 60, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot

Experience a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner with a variety of fresh ingredients.
Take a taxi from Jinli to the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
CNY 200, 2 hours

8:00PM

Sichuan Opera Show

End your day with a stunning Sichuan Opera performance known for its face-changing act.
Take a taxi to the opera house, around 20 minutes.
CNY 180, 2 hours
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Day 2: Temple & Tea

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Visit Dufu Thatched Cottage

Explore the beautiful gardens and exhibitions dedicated to poet Dufu in this tranquil setting.
Take a taxi, about 20 minutes from downtown.
CNY 60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Tea at People’s Park

Relax and people-watch while sipping traditional Sichuan tea in the heart of the city.
Travel back downtown by taxi, around 15 minutes.
CNY 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Noodle Shop

Savor the region's famous dan dan noodles for an authentic local experience.
Walk to a nearby popular noodle shop, about 10 minutes.
CNY 30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Chengdu Museum

Immerse yourself in the local history and culture through fascinating exhibitions.
Walk to the museum, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Da Miao Hot Pot

Enjoy another hot pot experience, this time focusing on different broth flavors and spices.
Take a taxi from the museum, about 15 minutes.
CNY 200, 2 hours

8:00PM

Night Walk along Jinjiang River

End your evening with a leisurely walk along the illuminated riverside, soaking in the night views.
Walk to the riverbank, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature Day

Chengdu, China

8:00AM

Explore Mount Qingcheng

Take an early morning hike at this scenic Taoist mountain, famous for its lush landscape and ancient temples.
Catch a bus from Chengdu to Mount Qingcheng, about 1 hour.
CNY 90, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Refuel with a hearty meal at a local eatery near the mountain.
Find a local restaurant within walking distance.
CNY 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
Taxi to Dujiangyan, about 30 minutes.
CNY 80, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Chengdu

Head back to the city and relax before dinner.
Taxi back to Chengdu, approximately 45 minutes.
CNY 70, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yulin Chuan Chuan

Experience chuan chuan, a unique Sichuan style of hot pot with skewered ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Visit to Kuanzhai Alley

Stroll through this historic alley filled with shops and food stalls, perfect for souvenirs.
Taxi to Kuanzhai Alley, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Leshan

Leshan, China

8:00AM

Travel to Leshan

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha.
Catch a train from Chengdu East Railway Station, around 1.5 hours journey.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Leshan Giant Buddha

Marvel at the world's largest stone Buddha carved into a cliffside.
Take a bus from the train station to the site, about 15 minutes.
CNY 90, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Leshan Local Eateries

Try local specialties, including fish-flavored eggplant.
Walk to a nearby eatery, about 10 minutes.
CNY 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Tour on the Minjiang River

Take a scenic boat trip to admire the Giant Buddha from the river.
Walk to the boat dock, around 15 minutes.
CNY 120, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Chengdu

Head back to Chengdu after a beautiful day in Leshan.
Bus back to Leshan train station, then return by high-speed train.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Xiaojia Noodle Shop

Savor a local bowl of spicy noodles and a refreshing drink.
Walk to the restaurant from the train station, about 10 minutes.
CNY 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Mount Emei Adventure

Mount Emei, China

8:00AM

Travel to Mount Emei

Take a high-speed train to Emeishan, gateway to the sacred Mount Emei.
Catch a train from Chengdu East Railway Station, approximately 1.5 hours.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hike Mount Emei

Embark on a hike through lush landscapes toward the Golden Summit, at 3077 meters.
Take a bus from Emeishan station to the starting point, around 30 minutes.
CNY 185, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at a Mountain Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant on the mountain with scenic views.
Available at the summit area.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Continue to Explore the Golden Summit

Visit the iconic golden statue and enjoy breathtaking views.
Walking tour on the summit.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the Way Down

Choose a meal from the bustling eateries as you descend.
Start your descent with available restaurants.
CNY 80, 2 hours

8:30PM

Return to Chengdu

Take a bus back to Emeishan station and return to Chengdu.
Bus back down to the station, then train to Chengdu.
CNY 120, 2 hours
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Day 6: Revisit Chengdu

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum

Learn about Sichuan’s culinary heritage and participate in a cooking class.
Taxi to the museum, about 30 minutes from downtown.
CNY 200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Museum Café

Enjoy the dishes you cooked during the class for a truly unique experience.
Located within the museum.
Included with cooking class, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum

Explore interactive exhibits and learn about Ming and Qing dynasty inventions.
Return to downtown via taxi, around 20 minutes.
CNY 40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at a Local Café

Take a break at a cozy café for some tea or coffee.
Walk to a nearby café, about 10 minutes.
CNY 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Huang Cheng Laoma

Enjoy a hot pot experience with a variety of regional sauces and dips.
Take a taxi, about 20 minutes.
CNY 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Local Market and Parks

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Visit Wenshu Monastery

Start your day by exploring this beautiful Buddhist temple and its tranquil gardens.
Take a taxi, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore a Local Market

Discover local produce, handicrafts, and sample street food at a bustling market.
Walk from the monastery to the market, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dumpling Shop

Relish a variety of fresh dumplings served with chili oil.
Walk to a nearby dumpling shop, approximately 10 minutes.
CNY 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Chengdu People's Park

Stroll through the scenic park and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Taxi to People's Park, about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Afternoon Tea in the Park

Experience traditional Sichuan tea culture in the park's tea houses.
Onsite within the park.
CNY 40, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local BBQ Restaurant

Savor grilled skewers and spicy dishes at a popular BBQ spot.
Take a taxi to a well-known BBQ place, about 15 minutes.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Relax and Reflect

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Morning Stroll in the Botanical Garden

Begin your final day with a peaceful walk among diverse plant species.
Take a taxi, about 30 minutes from downtown.
CNY 40, 2 hours

11:00AM

Brunch at a Charming Café

Enjoy a leisurely brunch of Western-inspired dishes.
Taxi or walk to a nearby café, about 15 minutes.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Last-Minute Shopping at Taikoo Li

Spend time shopping for souvenirs or exploring high-end boutiques.
Taxi to Taikoo Li, about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Coffee Break Before Departure

Enjoy a final cup of tea or coffee to savor your Chengdu experience.
Same area, relaxing before departure.
CNY 30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure

Prepare to depart Chengdu, taking memories and flavors with you.
Head to the airport or train station, as per your travel plans.
Depends on transport method, Variable
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