Chengdu
Your guide to a relaxing layover in the land of pandas and spice.
Visa-Free Transit Guide
Chengdu offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible nationalities.
- Obtain your visa-free entry permit at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).
- Follow the dedicated “144-hour Visa-Free Transit” signage upon arrival.
- Ensure you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours.
- The visa allows travel within Chengdu and 10 other municipalities in Sichuan province.
Getting Around Chengdu
Metro Line 18 (TFU Airport to South Railway Station)
Approx. 40 minutes | Around ¥10 (one way)
The most efficient way to travel between Tianfu Airport and the city’s main subway network.
Chengdu Metro (Subway)
Clean, efficient, and well-connected. Transfer from Line 18 at South Railway Station to other lines like Line 1 to reach central attractions.
Best Apps for Transit
DiDi Chuxing: For ride-hailing (similar to Uber).
Download on Google Play
Download on Apple Store
MetroMan (or similar Chengdu Metro app): For navigating the subway system.
What to Do & Eat: Chengdu Layover Plans
If you have 4–6 Hours:
It’s risky to leave the airport. Best to enjoy the amenities at Tianfu Airport (TFU).
- Find a Sichuan restaurant within the terminal to sample local flavors.
- Explore the airport’s gardens and art installations.
- Relax in an airport lounge.
If you have 7–9 Hours:
The ultimate Chengdu layover mission: See the pandas!
- Take Metro Line 18 to South Railway Station, transfer to Line 3.
- Head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Aim to go in the morning when pandas are most active.
- Grab a quick local snack like Dan Dan Noodles near the Panda Base area.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours for round-trip travel and airport procedures.
If you have 10–15+ Hours:
Experience the culture and cuisine after visiting the pandas.
- After the Panda Base, head to Jinli Ancient Street to see traditional architecture and buy handicrafts.
- Visit People’s Park (Renmin Park) and find a teahouse to experience Chengdu’s famously relaxed lifestyle.
- For dinner, be brave and try an authentic Sichuan Hotpot restaurant.
- Alternatively, find a spot for classic Mapo Tofu.
