1 Day Wonders – Day Trips Around Chengdu

One of the best things about living in Chengdu is how easy it is to travel. In just a few hours, you can reach somewhere beautiful. Western Sichuan has some stunning hikes, and scenic spots – and whilst some of them require long bus rides through hilly highways, here are some places to escape to, just for the day;

Leshan 乐山

Leshan is best known for its Giant Buddha, but it’s also home to interesting temples and an epic local food scene. Set off early from Chengdu to explore the Giant Buddha area at a relaxed pace. You’ll still have time to enjoy some local beef. By car, Leshan is about two hours away from Chengdu. Tickets to the Giant Buddha park are 80RMB, and 40RMB for kids.

After reaching the recently restored Giant Buddha, expect a long wait to descend the narrow path — it can take hours on weekends. For an unobstructed view, hop on one of the tourist boats across the river. Afterwards, take time to explore the temples and gardens inside the park.

Don’t miss out on some of Sichuan’s best snacks: 翘脚牛肉 – Leshan beef soup, 豆腐脑 – Soft tofu with crunchy toppings, 钵钵鸡 – similar to chuanchuan served cold in chili oil，and 甜皮鸭 sweet skin Leshan duck. Mmm!

How to get there from Chengdu:

The most hassle-free way is to get the fast train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan and back again, which costs 86RMB/54RMB (1st class/2nd class) each way. It’s best to book ahead, and make sure you bring your passport.

Another option is to get a coach to Leshan from Xinnanmen Bus Station (take Metro Line 3 to Xinnanmen Metro Station). The coach costs 52RMB each way and leaves every 30-60 minutes until the early evening. You’ll arrive at Leshan Xiaoba Bus Station and from there take the number 13 bus (13路) to Leshan Giant Buddha stop (乐山大佛). The coach back to Chengdu leaves from Xiaoba Bus Station every 30-60 minutes and the last bus is at 7pm.

Emei Shan 峨眉山

Located just outside Chengdu in Sichuan province, this glorious mountain is an ideal day trip destination for those seeking history, nature, and culture. It’s home to China’s very first Buddhist temple, built in the first century CE at the summit of Mt. Emei. Sitting at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the Huazang Temple is both breathtakingly beautiful and historically significant.

Mt. Emei has about 30 temples of various historic ages. These helped it and the nearby Leshan Buddha earn UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1996. To make the most of your day trip to Emei Shan, we recommend dedicating at least one full day to explore the area thoroughly!

A must-see spot is Baoguo Temple, which also houses a ticket office and tourist center. Sightseeing buses from here can take you to different scenic spots along the mountain. Ticket prices vary depending on your destination. It is around RMB185 per person during peak times and RMB110 off-season.

Close to Baoguo Temple, you’ll find natural hot springs where you can relax in the mineral-rich waters of the mountain. Resorts and hotels in the area offer everything from swimming to yoga and spa treatments. It is also worth noting that the Lingxiu Hot Spring is open until midnight, with last entry at 11 PM. At just RMB138, it’s a perfect way to unwind after a fulfilling day trip in the Emei Shan region.

How to get there from Chengdu:

Critical Travel Tip

Always book tickets to Emeishan Railway Station (the scenic area station) for the most direct access to Mount Emei. Tickets to Emei Station (the city-center station) are only cheaper if you take a slow train; high-speed/intercity fares to both stations are nearly the same. Emei Station is about 10 km from the scenic area and requires extra transfers, making the journey longer and less convenient

Chengdu Greenway 成都绿道

The next day trip takes you around Chengdu, literally! At the beginning of the year, 99% of the full route of the 100 km-long greenway circling Chengdu opened to the public. The greenway is a loop not accessible to cars running parallel with the fourth ring road (called Chengdu Ring Expressway 成都绕城高速), connecting 78 bridges and 121 eco-parks, they can be accessed from several points. The greenway crossing Tianfu Avenue next to Jincheng park at Global Center is probably the most known access point.

The path is mostly flat, though it includes about 20 km of uphill and 20 km of downhill stretches. The remaining 60 km offers a smooth ride, making it a perfect option for an active day trip whether you’re walking, jogging, or cycling.

Since the greenway opened, it has become a top destination for Chengdu locals looking for leisure and exercise, and already gets quite crowded on weekends and holidays. Most riders use shared bikes, but if you’re planning to complete the full loop, you can rent quality bicycles at locations like Feideng Station (be sure to book in advance during busy periods). Vendors sell drinks and snacks along the trail, and there are occasional basic medic stations. Bringing your own water is recommended, as vending machines aren’t always reliable.

• East to South (≈30km): Qinglong Lake Wetland Park → Jincheng Lake (near Global Center)

  Route: Qinglong Lake → Yushi Wetland → Jiangjiayiyuan → Bailuwan Wetland → Zhonghe Wetland → Guixi Ecological Park → Jincheng Lake

  Time: ~2 hours cycling, ~3.5 hours with stops

• Southwest to East (≈37–38km): Start near Chengshuang Avenue (Jinhua Station) → Qinglong Lake Wetland Park

  Route: Jinhua Station → Mengchong Park → Yuedong Cailin → Jincheng Lake → Guixi → Zhonghe → Bailuwan → Jiangjiayiyuan → Yushi Wetland → Qinglong Lake

Flower Town 三圣花乡

‘Flower Town,’ as it’s known locally, is a group of villages that used to sell flowers but has now gradually become a favorite getaway for Chengdu residents. It’s popular for day trips as it provides a quick escape into the countryside without the need for an overnight stay.

There are plenty of little cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the calm of the town, or alternatively rent bikes. There are lots of BBQ restaurants, to invite big groups to, with free flow beer, so gather your friends! Across from the Modern Art Museum, you can also buy cheap flowers and plants at the market.

Why it’s great for day trips: It offers nature, food, and culture all in one, making it an easy and rewarding day out from the city.

How to get there from Chengdu:

Huanglongxi Ancient Town 黄龙溪镇

Huanglongxi is a great choice for day trips from Chengdu. It is an ‘ancient town’ offering a glimpse into ancient China with its rich history dating back to the Han Dynasty. Located in nearby Shuangliu County to the southeast of Chengdu, the town is known for its natural scenery and well-preserved architecture. Huanglongxi features seven ancient streets built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, at least, according to legend.

You can explore temples along the town’s central street, take a river cruise past traditional stilt houses, or simply enjoy the scenic views. It’s also a popular filming location for historical dramas – so don’t be surprised if you see teenagers dressed in hanfu. You can also play mahjong along the river or go fishing.

How to get there from Chengdu:

Take the direct coach from Chengdu East Railway Station Bus Passenger Transport Station to Huanglongxi. Buses run on fixed schedules (e.g., 8:20, 9:00, 9:50, 10:40, 11:40, 12:30, 13:40, 14:40, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30), with the last departure at 18:30 (subject to on-site notices). The journey takes 60–70 minutes under normal traffic (up to 90 minutes on weekends/holidays) and costs 14 RMB one way.

Qingcheng Mountain 青城山

• Qingchengshan Front Mountain: 80 RMB (40 RMB with a valid student ID)
• Qingchengshan Back Mountain: 20 RMB (10 RMB with a valid student ID)
• Combined Ticket: A joint ticket for Front Mountain + Dujiangyan Irrigation System costs 160 RMB (no combined ticket for both mountains + Dujiangyan is available).

How to get there from Chengdu:

By Bus (Alternative)

There is no direct bus from Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys) to Qingchengshan. Instead, take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Terminal (rolling departures, ~16 RMB) or Xinnanmen Bus Terminal (departures from 9:30 AM, ~21 RMB). The bus ride takes about 1.5–2 hours and usually stops at Dujiangyan Bus Station first, where you can transfer to Bus 101 to reach Qingchengshan.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System 都江堰

Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most timeless day trips from Chengdu. Built over 2,200 years ago by Li Bing and his son, this gravity-based water project has been irrigating the Chengdu Plain non-stop, turning the once flood-prone region into the “Land of Abundance”. You’ll explore three core engineering marvels—Yuzui Bifurcation Dam, Feisha Weir, and Baopingkou Channel—along with cultural spots like Erwang Temple, Anlan Suspension Bridge, and the ancient Guanxian Town.

Ticket Prices

• Dujiangyan Scenic Area: 80 RMB for adults (peak season: Apr–Oct); 60 RMB for adults (off-season: Nov–Mar). 40 RMB with a valid student ID (both peak & off-season).
• Combined Ticket: Joint ticket for Dujiangyan+Qingchengshan Front Mountain is 150 RMB (no combo for Dujiangyan+Qingchengshan Back Mountain).
• Optional Extras: Scenic shuttle bus (one-way 10 RMB); audio guide around 20 RMB.

Recommended Route & Timing

It takes about 3–4 hours for a full visit. The downhill route is highly recommended to save energy: Qin Yan Tower → Erwang Temple → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Yuzui → Feisha Weir → Baopingkou → Fulong Temple → Lidui Park → Nanqiao (South Bridge, famous for its night view “blue tears” lights after 18:30).

Opening Hours

• Peak season (Apr–Oct): 08:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
• Off-season (Nov–Mar): 08:00–17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
• No regular weekly closure; temporary maintenance closures will be announced in advance on the official platform.

How to get there from Chengdu:

By High-Speed Train (Recommended)

Take Metro Line 2/6 to Xipu Station 犀浦站. Then take the intercity train to Lidui Park Station 离堆公园站 (or Dujiangyan Station 都江堰站). The journey takes about 25–30 minutes, costing 10 RMB one-way. Foreign visitors must present their passport for ticket purchase and boarding.

• From Lidui Park Station: It’s a 10-minute walk to the scenic area entrance (Guanxian Ancient Town side).
• From Dujiangyan Station: Take Bus No.4/6/9 (2 RMB) or a taxi (around 10 RMB, 10 mins) to the entrance.

By Bus (Alternative)

There is no direct bus from Kuanzhai Alleys 宽窄巷子 to Dujiangyan. Instead, take the bus from Chadianzi Bus Terminal 茶店子汽车站 (rolling departures, about 16 RMB) to Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center. Then take a local bus (2 RMB) or a taxi (around 8 RMB) to reach the scenic area entrance. The total bus journey takes about 1.5–2 hours.

Mount Tiantai 天台山

Mount Tiantai (Qionglai, Chengdu) is a newly minted 5A scenic area, a world natural heritage site part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat, and one of the world’s top eight firefly-watching spots. Nestled in the Qionglai Mountains with a forest coverage rate of nearly 95%, it features the largest waterfall group in western Sichuan, clear mountain streams perfect for summer cooling, and a magical firefly show from late April to early August. The cultural highlights include Taoist temples and the legend that Da Yu once climbed here to worship heaven during flood control.

Ticket Prices

• Mount Tiantai Scenic Area: 58 RMB for adults; 29 RMB for children & students (with valid student ID). Free for kids under 1.3m, seniors meeting the age criteria, active military personnel, and people with disabilities (must present valid documents).
• No combined ticket with Qingchengshan/Dujiangyan.
• Optional Extras: Scenic shuttle bus (all-day pass 30 RMB; highly recommended, as hiking the whole mountain takes 5+ hours); firefly micro-museum & geological micro-museum are free of charge.

Recommended Route & Timing

A full visit takes about 4 hours. The energy-saving route is strongly suggested: Visitor Center → Dayitai (Firefly Museum) → Changhong Waterfall → Xiangshuitan Waterfall → Ertiantai (Geological Museum) → Cable Bridge → return via shuttle bus. Nighttime firefly tours are available in peak season (reservation required; no flash photography allowed).

Opening Hours

• Peak season (Apr–Oct): 08:30–18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
• Off-season (Nov–Mar): 09:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
• No regular weekly closure; temporary maintenance will be announced on the official website in advance.

How to get there from Chengdu:

By Bus (Recommended for public transport)

1. Take a direct coach from Xinnanmen Bus Station (departs at 8:00 & 9:30 daily; about 38 RMB, journey time 1.5–2 hours) to Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center.
2. Alternative: Take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Terminal to Qionglai Passenger Transport Center (~25 RMB, 1 hour), then transfer to Bus No.11 (10 RMB, 40 mins) to the visitor center.

By High-Speed Train & Local Bus

Take metro to Xipu Station, then take the intercity train to Qionglai Station (~27 RMB, 40 mins). Foreign visitors must present their passport for ticket purchase and boarding. After exiting the station, take Bus No.11 (10 RMB, 40 mins) to the scenic area entrance.

Luodai Ancient Town 洛带镇

Located about 20 km from downtown Chengdu, Luodai Ancient Town is a popular choice for day trips thanks to its cultural richness and close proximity to the city. It’s home to the largest Hakka population in Sichuan (90% of the town’s population is Hakka). The town works actively to preserve Hakka traditions. Walking down the town’s main street you can see some beautiful examples of traditional Chinese architecture.

Luodai has a Hakka museum and a spacious park dotted with teahouses. It also has four historic guild halls which date all the way back to the Qing Dynasty.

How to get there from Chengdu:

You can take bus line L024 from Xihe station 西河地铁站 (Metro line 4 to Xihe Station) to Luodai or catch a bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station straight to Luodai Bus Passenger Transport Center Ancient Town. It will take roughly 1h 45 min to get the scenic spots.

Xiling Canyon Water Rafting

How to get there from Chengdu:

From Chadianzi Bus Station 茶店子汽车站，take the regular bus to Dayi Bus Station 大邑客运中心 for 16 RMB (or a customized shuttle for 23 RMB). Then take the bus bound for Xiling Town 西岭镇 / Xiling Snow Mountain 西岭雪山，get off at Yunhua Village 云华村 on the way, and the fare is approximately 9.5 RMB.

Address: 
Yunhua Village, Xiling Town, Dayi County, Chengdu
四川成都大邑县西岭镇云华村

The lost city of Sanxingdui 三星堆博物馆

Sanxingdui is one of Southwest China’s coolest recent discoveries, showcasing a major Bronze Age dig site in modern Guanghan, just 40 kilometres from Chengdu. It makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from the city, offering visitors a glimpse into a mysterious lost civilization.

The museum displays over 1,000 artefacts, including striking bronze wares like the now-iconic green and gold alien-like mask that went viral after its recent discovery.

Set in the hills of Guanghan, Sanxingdui is believed to have once been part of a walled Bronze Age city.The discovery at Sanxingdui challenges the traditional narrative of Chinese civilization spreading from the central plain of the Yellow River, and Chinese archaeologists have begun to speak of “multiple centers of innovation jointly ancestral to Chinese civilization.

The newly completed museum is five times larger than the original. It opened in late 2023 and is now the largest single museum building in Southwest China. A perfect spot for history lovers and curious minds on a day trip from Chengdu.

How to get there from Chengdu:

A Didi from Chengdu city center takes around 1hour 20min and costs 100-120RMB

Address: 
Guanghan City, Nanxing Town, Xi’an Road No. 133
广汉市南兴镇西安路133号

Entrance:
Adults 72RMB, kids/ students 36RMB

Travel companies offer various packages (Jinsha + panda base etc)

Opening Hours: 
Daily, 08:30-18:00
Tel:
028-85500349

Chengdu Natural History Museum

成都自然博物馆

The Chengdu Natural History Museum covers a total construction area of 50,520 square metres, with about 17,000 square metres dedicated to exhibition space. It showcases fascinating exhibits on geological processes, natural disasters and prevention, mineral resources, biodiversity, and the origin and evolution of life.

With nearly 70,000 items in its collection and around 10,000 currently on display, the museum offers an educational and engaging experience that’s ideal for family-friendly day trips within Chengdu.

Day Trips from Chengdu: Quick Guide

Source: https://ikkyinchina.com

Please follow and like us: