A giant panda at the Chengdu research base

Authentic Chengdu ยท by local insiders

Skip the tourist traps.
See the Chengdu locals love.

An authentic Chengdu travel guide from born-and-raised locals: the best things to do in Chengdu โ€” giant pandas, real Sichuan hotpot, quiet teahouses โ€” plus a free itinerary for your layover, 24-hour transit or full trip.

Who's behind Chengdu Local

A few born-and-raised Chengdu locals who love showing this city to the world.

We grew up here, we speak your language, and we're genuinely happy to help. Years of hosting friends from abroad taught us to bridge the culture gap โ€” so a visit feels easy, warm and real, not like a tour. Big platforms sell you a ticket; we give you an authentic Chengdu experience: the hole-in-the-wall hotpot, the unhurried teahouse, the pandas at the right hour. Every place here is one we've been to ourselves, and we'll always tell you what's worth your time and what to skip.

More about us โ†’

A two-hour escape

The mountain is a Buddha,
and the Buddha is a mountain.

01

Actually local

We live here. Every recommendation is first-hand โ€” and we'll tell you when something famous isn't worth it.

02

Made for foreigners

Plain English, plus the things that actually trip you up: payments, getting online, which airport you land at.

03

Shaped to your clock

Forty-eight hours or ten days โ€” we help you spend it well, and connect you with vetted local guides when you'd rather not DIY.

The good stuff

Experiences worth your days

After dark

Chengdu slows down and
speeds up at the same time.

Start here ยท Most read

Chengdu without a visa

Flying through on a layover? You can stay up to ten days with no visa at all. Who qualifies, exactly what to do at the airport, and how to spend the time โ€” the one guide you'll actually need.

Read the 240-hour transit guide โ†’
A lane in old Chengdu

Before you go

Sort these three at home

Misty mountains near Chengdu

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A day-by-day Chengdu plan, written by a local, shaped to your travel window.

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