How to get to Chengdu

Chengdu is a vibrant metropolis and the capital of the Sichuan province in China, renowned for its relaxed pace of life, traditional tea houses, and giant panda reserves. If you are planning a trip and looking for information on how to get to Chengdu, a well-developed transport network connecting the city with other regions is at your service. You can reach the city in various ways: fly into a modern airport, arrive by high-speed train, take an intercity bus, or travel by car.

For most tourists, flying remains the most convenient way to reach Chengdu. This metropolis is the largest aviation hub in western China and is served by two international airports accepting flights from all over the world.

Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is located just 16 kilometres from the city centre, making it very convenient for a quick transfer. The second airport, Tianfu (TFU), which opened recently, is situated further away, approximately 50 kilometres out, but handles a significant portion of international and domestic traffic. Both aviation hubs are connected to the city by metro lines and bus routes, so you can get to your hotel quickly and comfortably.

Contrary to outdated information, modern Chengdu is one of the key railway hubs of Western China. High-speed lines lead here, connecting the capital of Sichuan province with the country's largest cities. Travelling by train often proves to be just as convenient as flying, allowing you to enjoy the views and the comfort of modern carriages.

Regular high-speed trains (CRH) arrive here from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Kunming, and Guangzhou. The short route from neighbouring Chongqing, taking just 1–2 hours, is particularly popular. Most high-speed trains arrive at Chengdu East Station — a huge modern hub integrated with the metro system, allowing tourists to easily reach the city centre immediately upon arrival.

A developed network of expressways makes bus travel through Sichuan province a convenient alternative to trains. For example, a trip from Mianyang, located 120 kilometres to the north, will take only about an hour and a half. The route from Neijiang is equally popular: comfortable buses cover the distance of 170 kilometres in approximately two and a half hours.

Travellers also frequently choose trips from Nanchong, from where the 220-kilometre journey takes about three hours. Most intercity buses arrive at major transport hubs, such as Xinnanmen Station or the North Bus Station, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the rhythm of the metropolis. Tickets for these destinations are generally affordable and do not require booking weeks in advance.

The road network around the provincial capital is superbly developed: the quality of the surface on expressways meets the highest standards. The city is encircled by a complex system of ring roads that help distribute traffic flows, though one should be prepared for heavy traffic at the entrances to the metropolis, especially during peak hours.

A key point that international travellers must consider: international driving permits are not valid in this country. You cannot rent a car using your home licence — legal driving requires obtaining a temporary local licence, which involves time and bureaucratic procedures. Therefore, the most convenient and popular option for tourists remains hiring a car with a driver: this eliminates issues with documents and allows you not to be distracted by complex navigation in an unfamiliar city.

A trip to Chengdu promises to be a vibrant gastronomic and cultural adventure, but it is worth preparing in advance for a visit to this unique region of China. To ensure your holiday proceeds as comfortably and smoothly as possible, we have compiled a list of important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate here is humid subtropical, so the temperature may feel different from the forecast. Summers can be very stifling — choose light, breathable fabrics. In winter, despite the absence of severe frosts, the dampness creates a piercing cold, so a warm jacket and thermal underwear will be necessary.
2. Transport. The fastest and most straightforward way to move around the city is the metro; navigation there is duplicated in English. For taxi rides, be sure to save the name of your hotel and desired locations in Chinese characters (Mandarin) beforehand, as drivers typically do not speak English.
3. Finance and Payment. The local currency is the Yuan (CNY). Be prepared for the fact that China has almost completely switched to digital payments. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and international cards work only in major hotels. We strongly recommend installing Alipay or WeChat Pay apps before your trip and linking your card to them — this is the primary method of paying for everything: from transport to street food.
4. Health and Food. Do not drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Sichuan cuisine is famous for its extreme spiciness. If you are not used to hot chili and Sichuan pepper (huajiao), always ask to make the dish "bu la" (not spicy) and carry digestion remedies with you. Muslim travellers should check specifically for Halal-certified restaurants, which are available in the city, particularly near mosques.
5. Language Barrier. Outside tourist centres, English is rarely understood. It is vital to download an offline translator app on your smartphone with a photo translation function. This will help you read menus in restaurants and road signs.
6. Local Etiquette. Chengdu is famous for its relaxed tea culture. In parks and tea houses, it is not customary to rush. Observe table manners: never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad manners.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of overly friendly strangers inviting you to a "traditional tea ceremony" or "English practice" near popular attractions. This often turns out to be a tourist trap where you will be presented with a bill for a huge amount for ordinary tea.
8. Tip for Pandas. The city's main attraction — the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base — must be visited strictly early in the morning (arrive by opening time at 7:30–8:00). Pandas are active only during the morning feeding, and for the rest of the day, they generally sleep.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid organisational difficulties and fully focus on enjoying the atmosphere, history, and flavours of the Sichuan capital.