1. Visa-Free Transit

  • Enjoy 144-hour visa-free transit when flying via Chengdu Tianfu/Shuangliu airports.
  • Valid for most nationalities with onward tickets.

2. Transport Made Easy

  • Use Alipay (bind foreign cards) to scan QR codes for metro/buses.
  • Metro ticket machines support English and foreign card payments.

3. Panda Visit Hacks

  • Arrive at Chengdu Panda Base by 7:30 AM to see active cubs.
  • Avoid crowds: Enter via West Gate.

4. Spice Survival Guide

  • Request wei la (微辣, mild spice) at restaurants.
  • Carry stomach medicine if unaccustomed to chili.

5. Must-Try Foods

  • Street eats: Dandan noodles (¥10-20) and Guokui pancakes.
  • High-end: The Bridge for fusion Sichuan cuisine.

6. Cultural Hotspots

  • Jinli Street at night for lanterns and Sichuan opera.
  • Wuhou Shrine: Rent Hanfu for photos.

7. Day Trips

  • Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain via 30-min high-speed train.
  • Book 7D Sun Bird show at Jinsha Museum in advance.

8. Shopping

  • Taikoo Li: Luxury brands with panda art installations.
  • Chunxi Road: Mix of global and local boutiques.

9. Language Help

  • Metro stations offer English service counters and translation devices.
  • Download “Tianfu Tong” app for bilingual transit maps.

10. Events Calendar

  • Sep-Oct 2025: Chengdu International Horticultural Expo.
  • Nov: Chengdu Marathon (register early).