3 day itinerary for Chengdu

Itinerary

Chengdu is a vibrant city with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its famous cuisine. Since you have two different dietary preferences, I’ll create two separate itineraries for your three days in Chengdu. Let’s dive in!

Itinerary for Vegetarians

## Day 1: Explore the City and Culture

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Wuhou Shrine and the Jinli Ancient Street. The shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. Stroll through Jinli, where you can find traditional architecture and local crafts.
• Lunch: Head to Vegetarian Restaurant (素食馆) for a delicious meal. Try their mapo tofu made with mushrooms instead of meat!
• Afternoon: Visit the Chengdu Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local heritage.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk in People’s Park. You can sip on some tea at a traditional teahouse and watch the locals practice tai chi or play mahjong.

## Day 2: Panda and Nature Day

• Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It’s a must-see! You’ll get to see adorable pandas munching on bamboo.
• Lunch: After the panda visit, head to Lao Ma Tou Vegetarian Restaurant. Their vegetable dumplings are a hit!
• Afternoon: Take a trip to Qingcheng Mountain. It’s a beautiful area with lush greenery and Taoist temples. You can hike or take a cable car up for stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Chengdu and enjoy dinner at The Veggie Table, where you can indulge in a variety of plant-based dishes.

## Day 3: Local Markets and Cooking Class

• Morning: Visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi). These historic alleys are filled with shops, cafes, and local snacks (just stick to the veggie options!).
• Lunch: Try some vegetarian hot pot at Chengdu Hot Pot. They have a great selection of fresh vegetables and tofu.
• Afternoon: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sichuan dishes using vegetables. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture!
• Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to a local teahouse for a traditional Sichuan opera performance. Enjoy the show while sipping on some herbal tea.

Itinerary for Meat Lovers

## Day 1: Culture and Local Delicacies

• Morning: Start your day at the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. The shrine is a beautiful tribute to the Three Kingdoms era, and Jinli is perfect for some souvenir shopping.
• Lunch: Head to Chengdu Dandan Noodle for a bowl of spicy dandan noodles topped with minced pork. It’s a local favorite!
• Afternoon: Visit the Chengdu Museum to get a glimpse of the city’s history and culture. It’s fascinating and free!
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner at Haidilao. You can choose from a variety of meats and enjoy the interactive dining experience.

## Day 2: Pandas and Nature

• Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Watching the pandas is a delightful experience!
• Lunch: After the panda visit, try some spicy grilled skewers at a nearby street vendor. They’re delicious and packed with flavor!
• Afternoon: Head to Qingcheng Mountain for some hiking. The scenery is breathtaking, and you can explore ancient temples along the way.
• Evening: Return to Chengdu and enjoy a meal at Chengdu Taste, where you can savor authentic Sichuan dishes like kung pao chicken or twice-cooked pork.

## Day 3: Markets and Cooking Class

• Morning: Explore the Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi). These alleys are filled with shops and eateries, perfect for a morning stroll.
• Lunch: Try some spicy rabbit head or sichuan-style grilled fish at a local eatery. It’s a unique experience!
• Afternoon: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sichuan dishes. You’ll get hands-on experience with local ingredients, including meats!
• Evening: End your trip with a visit to a local teahouse for a Sichuan opera performance. Enjoy the show while indulging in some local snacks.

There you go! Two delightful itineraries for your three days in Chengdu, tailored to your dietary preferences. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures of those adorable pandas! 🐼✨