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Picture of Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Travel Guide for
Chengdu

China

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

Introduction

Chengdu, the lively capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, blends ancient history with modern charm. Famous for its spicy cuisine and laid-back teahouse culture, the city offers rich experiences for culture seekers and digital nomads alike.

In mid-November, you can expect cool, misty weather—perfect for cozying up in local cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. Wander through historic temples, visit the iconic Giant Panda Base, and enjoy affordable coworking spaces. Chengdu's friendly vibe and delicious street food make it an ideal spot to work, explore, and unwind.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates14-21 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyfestivals and eventssightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresvolunteeringfamily activitiesarts and culturenightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Key Facts

Location

Sichuan Province, Southwest China

Currency

Renminbi (Chinese Yuan) (CNY)

Religion

Buddhism, Taoism, folk religions

Population

16,000,000

Language

Mandarin Chinese (Sichuanese dialect)

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type A/C/I plugs

Time zone

UTCChina Standard Time (UTC+8)

Country code

+86

Internet access

Widespread broadband & 4G/5G, moderate cost

Climate

Humid subtropical, mild winters, hot summers

See More China Facts

Language:

Chinese

  • hello

    你好 (nee how)
  • goodbye

    再见 (dzai jyen)
  • yes

    是的 (shir duh)
  • no

    不是 (boo shir)
  • how much

    这个多少钱? (jer guh dwor shao chyen)
  • please

    (cheeng)
  • thank you

    谢谢 (shyeah shyeah)
  • excuse me

    对不起 (dway boo chee)

Map

Logistics

Chengdu is easily reached by air via Shuangliu International Airport, which offers many flights from major Asian and international cities. The airport is well connected to the city center by metro, shuttle buses, and taxis, making travel easy for digital nomads on a budget.

High-speed trains also link Chengdu with cities like Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing, and are reliable alternatives to flying. Long-distance buses are an affordable option for regional travel, though less comfortable than trains. November weather is generally mild, but bring layers for cooler evenings and some rain protection, as showers are possible.

Weather

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild and gray, while summers are hot, humid, and often rainy. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant with moderate temperatures but can be cloudy or damp.

From November 14 to November 21, expect cool, overcast days with temperatures between 8°C and 16°C (46°F–61°F). Rain is possible but usually light and infrequent during this period. Extreme weather is uncommon, so travel plans are rarely disrupted in mid-November. The misty atmosphere can actually enhance scenic visits and local cultural experiences.

Food & Drink

Chengdu is famed for its spicy Sichuan cuisine—don’t miss signature dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, hotpot, and street snacks such as rabbit heads and dandan noodles. Sample tea culture at People’s Park teahouses or enjoy local flavors at Jinli Ancient Street’s casual stalls, ideal for adventurous digital nomads.

For affordable sit-down meals, try popular chains like Chen Mapo Tofu, Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot, or the lively Yulin Night Market. Vegan and veggie options are available but may require specifying “no meat.” Tipping isn’t customary; good service is expected and included.

Chengdu’s nightlife includes trendy cafes like Maan Coffee and lively bars in the Kuanzhai Alley area. Spicy food is common, so let staff know if you prefer mild dishes. Wi-Fi is widely available, making it easy to work while sampling the local flavors.

A picture of Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish featuring crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and thin pancakes, all...

A picture of Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun (baozi) originating from Jiangsu province. Filled with hot soup and a...

A picture of Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and fermented black beans, all...

A picture of Hot Pot

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a communal dining experience involving a simmering pot of flavorful broth into which various raw...

A picture of Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and...

Accommodation

For digital nomads, Chengdu’s popular districts like Jinjiang and Wuhou are ideal. Here, you’ll find reliable mid-range hotels such as Niccolo Chengdu and The Temple House, which offer solid Wi-Fi and business amenities. If you prefer hostels, Flipflop Hostel and Chengdu Lazybones are backpacker favorites with coworking spaces and social vibes.

Booking.com, Agoda, and Ctrip are reliable platforms for finding accommodations. November is a less crowded season, so it’s easier to score deals, but book early for the best selection. Stay near Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li for easy access to great food, transport, and lively atmosphere—perfect for mixing work and exploration.

Itinerary

Ease into Chengdu’s vibrant atmosphere, acquainting yourself with local gastronomy, lifestyle, and culture while getting comfortable with the city’s pace.

Morning Stroll and Breakfast at People's Park

Ease into local life with a relaxed morning walk around People's Park. Sample Sichuanese breakfast snacks at nearby street vendors, watch locals play mahjong, and enjoy the tranquil lake views—a gentle introduction to Chengdu’s daily rhythms.

Savor Sichuan Flavors at Wide and Narrow Alleys

Discover Chengdu’s culinary scene while exploring the historic Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi). Sample local street food favorites like dan dan noodles and watch traditional performances in this lively, beautifully restored area.

Relax with Local Tea Culture at Heming Teahouse

Immerse yourself in Chengdu’s iconic teahouse ambiance at Heming Teahouse. Observe locals chatting or playing cards, and sip jasmine or green tea in a serene, leafy setting—a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the city vibe.

Half-Day Chengdu Back Alley Foodie Tour

Half-Day Chengdu Back Alley Foodie Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

During this 3-4 hours foodie tour, you’ll ramble through back streets and try the best local foods shop by shop on foot and learn traditional culture with an English-speaking local food expert. During this adventure, you will be taken into a journey of food lovers to explore some famous types of foods into back alleys of Chengdu, which is one of the most famous gourmet cities in the world, where you can experience 7-8 different foods or snacks with a tea break in local tea house, plus a HOT-POT dinner or Lunch at the end of the “Chilli Cool Foodie Tour”. We promise it will surprise you a lot and you’ll have a lot of fun and some unforgettable memories for you to take home! Join us for this rare experience!

5.0 (58 reviews)

From $80 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (437 reviews)
Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is not another walking tour. These small group tours whisk you off the beaten path by private tuktuk and offer unlimited beer and soda while you and your English speaking guide watch the city pass by. You will eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own. After 3-4 hours, you will finish at local bar to try some rice wine or beer with the locals!

From $73 USD

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4.2 (17 reviews)
Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu

Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Want to impress your friends back home with a delectable Chinese meal made entirely by you? Then take part in this four-hour Chengdu cooking course and learn how to cook four different Sichuan meals and you'll be taught by a professional chef. The best part is you get to dine on your dishes and celebrate your new-found culinary skills with your fellow budding chefs.

From $84 USD

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4.7 (15 reviews)
Private Half-Day Tour in Sichuan Culture Show with Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu

Private Half-Day Tour in Sichuan Culture Show with Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

On this fabulous night out in Chengdu, watch the incredible Sichuan Opera and enjoy a hot pot dinner. Discover Sichuan customs as you join in the celebration of Sichuan theatrical traditions. The show includes acrobatics, music, humor and more!

From $100 USD

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3.8 (5 reviews)
Half-Day Tour at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Half-Day Tour at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Sichuan is the hometown of giant pandas and many giant panda research bases. Statistics show that 80% of the giant panda in the world are residing in this beautiful mountainous province in southwestern China with abundance of bamboo trees which is a primary staple for endangered giant pandas. Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base is one of the most popular tour programs in Chengdu, Sichuan.

From $95 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Chinese tradional dancing show with sichuan banquet feast

Chinese tradional dancing show with sichuan banquet feast

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It is an immersive Han culture-themed dining and performance experience space that integrates gourmet cuisine, culture, and shows. Each exquisite dish resembles a beautifully crafted painting, and every performance is like a tunnel through time, transporting you back to the glorious heyday of the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties. With dance and music as the prelude and fine food as the medium, it weaves together the culture of Hanfu, Sichuan cuisine, and ceremonial music and dance performances, offering a uniquely immersive atmosphere of ancient-style banquet dining. Appreciate the grandeur ofancient times, admire the classical dances, witness the mag- nificent Han dynasty ceremonies, and savor the imperial banquet. In 'The Banquet Ode ofShu', let the dreamlike transition of dance take you through time, allowing you to feel the elegance and romance that transcends eras.

From $128 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Flexible Private Chengdu Layover Tour

Flexible Private Chengdu Layover Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Don’t spend your Chenegdu stopover inside the airport, you can simply maximize your time here by booking a private and customizable sightseeing tour. This personalized layover tour is tailored to your needs and you are able to choose the places you want to visit in limited time. The tour proposed is very convenient with the airport, train station or hotel pickup and drop-off.

From $140 USD

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5.0 (8 reviews)
Half day Chengdu Dumpling Class: Make from Scratch

Half day Chengdu Dumpling Class: Make from Scratch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

During this 4-5 hours unique Dumpling making workshop, you’ll be taken into an authentic local spice market to explore it with fun challenges to complete and learn different species of Sichuan spices and ingredients that will be used in the following cooking class. The class will be carried out in a traditional Sichuan style courtyard. You’ll be treated with Sichuan local tea as it’s local’s custom to treat friends and visitors. After that, you then will be guide to start the cooking process by a professional chef in a cozy kitchen. Finally, you can enjoy the dumplings with delicious fillings made by yourself along with some beers or beverages. For it’s really informative, interesting and fun, this class will be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime.

From $70 USD

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4.8 (4 reviews)
Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu

Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Dive into the fascinating process of bamboo bike manufacturing by enjoying a brief tour of our workshop while you receive a pre-ride custom bike fitting! Then set off into the heart of Chengdu on a relaxing 3 hour bike tour to absorb the local flavors of this laid-back city. Cruise through back streets and alleys, and along the Jinjiang River past tea gardens full of locals displaying their pet birds. Along the way, spot Chengdu's historical landmarks and attractions such as Wuhou Temple, Jinli Street, Tibetan District, Tianfu Square, People's Park, and Wenshu Buddhist Temple.

From $94 USD

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4.0 (1 reviews)
Half-Day Chengdu Food and Culture Tour

Half-Day Chengdu Food and Culture Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The tour is designed for the EATERS and the some of the must-do in Chengdu. 08:30am Meet up at the subway station Wenshu Monastery H Exit. 08:30am-9:00am Have a breakfast, Sichuan style pie, sweet water noodles, dandan noodle, spicy wontons, deep-fried sweet glutinous rice balls. 9:00am-10:30am Visit Wenshu monastery and tea time 11:00am-11:30am Sample different street food, Egg baked cake, sugar ice jelly 11:30am-11:30pm Lunch- skewer in hot pot 13:30pm Back to the subway station *The itinerary is subject to change

From $90 USD

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3.9 (64 reviews)
China Acrobatics Show and Shanghai Evening Tour

China Acrobatics Show and Shanghai Evening Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Your evening tour of Shanghai begins by attending an astounding performance by the Shanghai Acrobatics School&Troupe. They have won hundreds of gold medals in different international acrobatics competitions, and are beloved by their countrymen for the incredible feats of skill and grace. If you have never experienced a world-class acrobatics show, this is a must-see event. The show tickets in level C are included. If you need to upgrade your tickets into level B or level A, please contact the local tour operator after you purchase.

From $119 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Private Full-Day Tour: Chengdu City Highlights

Private Full-Day Tour: Chengdu City Highlights

INSTANT

While in the historical Chengdu city, treat yourself to a full-day private custom tour of the city’s best sites! Your personal guide will help you design the perfect 9-hour itinerary, escorting you to key attractions. Travel at your own pace, and stop to snap photos, grab a souvenir or explore. A typical tour starts in Chengdu Panda Base. Enjoy the adorable giant pandas and red pandas. After lunch, visit the Wenshu Monastery, that has a history of more than 1000 years. Next, visit People’s Park, is the largest as well as the earliest park of Chengdu established in the city center. Finally, visit Kuanzhai Alley, that offers a lively mix of old and new. Your tour end with your guide escorts you back to your hotel. 07:30am-07:50am Drive to Chengdu Panda Base 08:00am-11:00am Visit the panda base 11:00am-12:30pm Lunch 12:30pm-16:30pm Visit Wenshu Yuan Monastery, People’s Park and Kuanzhai Alley 16:30pm-17:00pm Back to hotel The itinerary is subject to change.

From $160 USD

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