Chengdu Slow Living — Pandas, Tea, and the Art of Taking It Easy

Private transfer from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport or the railway station to your hotel. Afternoon introduction to Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) — a beautifully preserved Qing dynasty laneway complex with teahouses, street food, and local craft. A gentle, low-pressure way to arrive. Evening hotpot dinner — the city's signature social ritual.

• Private airport or station transfer
• Kuanzhai Alley — Qing dynasty lanes with teahouses and street food
• Evening hotpot dinner — the essential Chengdu experience
• Orientation briefing for the days ahead

Early start to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — pandas are most active in the morning before feeding time. Small-group timing optimised by your guide. Afternoon at leisure, with an optional walk through Jinli Ancient Street — a reconstructed historic street with Sichuan opera masks, snacks, and craft. Optional evening: a Sichuan opera face-changing performance.

• Chengdu Panda Base — early morning visit for peak activity
• Giant pandas and red pandas in natural-feeling enclosures
• Jinli Ancient Street — local craft and street snacks
• Optional Sichuan Opera face-changing performance (bianlian)

Morning at Wuhou Shrine — one of China's most famous temples, dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period hero Zhuge Liang and housed in beautiful gardens. Adjacent Jinli market for a second, quieter look. Afternoon at a traditional Chengdu teahouse in People's Park — join locals for a slow afternoon of tea and ear cleaning (a Chengdu tradition). Evening in a local restaurant for a more refined Sichuan cuisine experience beyond hotpot.

• Wuhou Shrine — Three Kingdoms history and temple gardens
• People's Park teahouse — one of the city's most atmospheric spots
• Traditional tea ceremony or ear-cleaning experience
• Refined Sichuan cuisine dinner (Mapo tofu, Dan Dan noodles, and more)

An optional morning excursion to Sanxingdui Museum (40 km from the city) — an extraordinary archaeological site housing 3,000-year-old bronze masks and artefacts from a mysterious civilisation that predates recorded Chinese history. Then a relaxed departure by private car or shared high-speed rail to Chongqing or Xi'an if continuing, or direct to Chengdu Tianfu Airport.

• Sanxingdui Museum — one of China's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries
• Bronze masks, jade, and gold artefacts from the ancient Shu Kingdom
• Flexible departure routing — airport, train station, or onward connection