Chengdu , China

Private Layover Tour in Chengdu

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About this experience

Make the most of your layover in Chengdu with a private, customizable tour that fits your schedule. Enjoy seamless roundtrip airport transfers and explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. Tailor the duration of your tour to suit your preferences, ensuring an efficient and memorable experience. Highlights include hassle-free airport pick-up and drop-off with secure luggage handling, the opportunity to explore Chengdu's must-see highlights with an expert guide, and the benefits of a private guide and personalized transfer service. Travel in clean, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and choose a tour duration that best fits your schedule and preferences.

Available options

Private Layover Tour in Chengdu

Pickup included

What's included

English-speaking driver who will also act as a tour guide

Airport pick-up and drop-off

All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets

Private air-conditioned car

Detailed itinerary

Chengdu offers a 144-hour visa-free entry policy for citizens of 54 countries and a 24-hour visa-free entry policy for all nationalities, providing an excellent opportunity for a layover travel experience.
Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit with a sign bearing your name. They will track your flight's actual arrival time based on the flight number you provide. Note that it typically takes about an hour from when your international flight lands at Chengdu Airport to meet your guide
You can choose from various tour options to explore Chengdu's daytime or nighttime highlights, such as:
Chengdu Panda Breeding Base
Giant Buddha
Kuanzhai Alleys
Jinli Cultural Street
Chuan Opera Changing Faces Show
Jinsha Site Museum
Enjoying delicious Sichuan hot pot, skewers, BBQ, , or street snacks with beer
At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to the airport.

Stop 2

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a renowned conservation facility dedicated to the breeding, research, and preservation of giant pandas. Established in 1987, the base is a leader in panda breeding and care, offering a natural habitat that closely mimics the pandas' native environment. Visitors can observe pandas of all ages, from newborn cubs to adults, and learn about their biology and conservation efforts through various educational exhibits and programs. The base also participates in international collaboration to protect and increase the population of this endangered species.

Chengdu Taikoo Li is an open-air, mixed-use development that combines modern architecture with traditional Sichuan-style buildings. It features high-end retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and cultural spaces. The complex is designed to provide a unique shopping and leisure experience, blending contemporary urban lifestyle with historical and cultural elements.

Chengdu IFS is a comprehensive commercial complex that includes a luxury shopping mall, Grade A office towers, and a high-end hotel. Known for its iconic giant panda sculpture climbing the building, IFS offers a wide range of international and local brands, fine dining options, and entertainment facilities. It is a landmark destination for shopping and business in Chengdu.

Stop 5

Chengdu People's Park is a historic and popular urban park located in the heart of Chengdu, China. Established in 1911, it offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle with its lush greenery, beautiful gardens, and traditional teahouses. The park features the famous Heming Teahouse, where locals gather to drink tea and socialize. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, including boating on the lake, strolling through the bonsai garden, and observing the vibrant local culture through traditional music and dance performances.

What's not included

Gratuities

Personal expenses

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Jinli Ancient Street

A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (shopping and food at additional cost)

Wenshu Monastery

One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.

Historical Half day ¥80

Chengdu Panda Base

A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mapo Tofu

A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available.

Dan Dan Noodles

Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian.

Hot Pot

A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Sichuan Dumplings

Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Tea house visits Spa treatments Park picnics Museum visits Temple tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin
Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

CST (UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center

By train

Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station

By bus

Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jinli Ancient Street Wuhou Shrine Chunxi Road Kuanzhai Alley

Day trips

Mount Qingcheng

60 km from Chengdu • Full day

A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.

Leshan Giant Buddha

130 km from Chengdu • Full day

A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

340 km from Chengdu • Overnight

A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.

Festivals

Sichuan Festival • Late August Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar) Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.