🚇 Getting Around Chengdu

Chengdu has excellent public transport. Here's everything you need to know.

Metro (Recommended)

Chengdu's metro system has 13+ lines covering all major tourist areas. It's the easiest way to get around.

Essential Info

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Hours | ~6:30 AM - 11:00 PM | | Cost | ¥2-8 per trip (based on distance) | | Payment | Alipay QR code, WeChat QR code, or buy single-use tokens | | Signs | Chinese + English (station names and announcements) |

How to Use

  1. Buy a ticket: Use the ticket machines (have English interface) — select destination, pay with Alipay/cash
  2. Or use Alipay QR: Open Alipay → search "成都地铁" → generate QR code → scan at gate
  3. Find your platform: Follow signs — lines are color-coded
  4. Get off: Scan QR or insert token at exit gate

Key Lines for Tourists

| Line | Key Stops | |------|-----------| | Line 1 | Tianfu Square (市中心), Chunxi Road (春熙路) | | Line 2 | Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站) | | Line 3 | Panda Base (熊猫大道), Gaoshengqiao (高升桥, near Jinli) | | Line 4 | Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) | | Line 10 | Shuangliu Airport | | Line 18 | Tianfu Airport (new airport) |

Didi (Ride-Hailing)

Didi is China's Uber. It works well in Chengdu and has an English interface.

Setup

  1. Download the Didi app (international version available)
  2. Register with your phone number
  3. Link your payment method (Alipay, WeChat, or foreign credit card)
  4. Enter destination (Chinese address works best, but English sometimes works)

Costs

  • Short trip (within city center): ¥15-25
  • Medium trip (across city): ¥30-60
  • To/from Panda Base: ¥40-60
  • To/from airport: ¥100-200

Tips

  • Didi Express (快车) is the standard option — cheapest and most common
  • Didi Premier (专车) is more expensive but nicer cars
  • Show your phone screen to the driver if there's a language barrier
  • Pin your exact location — the GPS is very accurate

Taxi 🚕

Taxis are plentiful in Chengdu and relatively cheap.

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Starting fare | ¥8 (first 2km) | | Per km | ¥1.9 | | Waiting | ¥0.5/min after 5 min | | Surcharge | 20% after 10pm |

How to Hail a Taxi

  1. Stand on the side of the road and raise your hand
  2. Green light on the roof = available
  3. Tell/show the driver your destination
  4. Tip: Have your destination written in Chinese on your phone

Taxi Tips

  • Most taxi drivers don't speak English
  • Always have your destination in Chinese (show your phone)
  • Taxis accept Alipay and WeChat Pay
  • Keep small bills — some drivers can't break ¥100

Bus 🚌

Buses are cheap (¥2) but difficult for non-Chinese speakers:

  • Route numbers and stops are in Chinese
  • No English announcements
  • Use the Amap app to find bus routes (it shows real-time bus locations)

Recommendation: Skip the bus unless you're on a very tight budget. Metro + Didi is much easier.

Walking 🚶

Chengdu's city center is relatively flat and walkable:

  • Chunxi Road to Kuanzhai Alley: ~30 min walk
  • Kuanzhai Alley to Jinli: ~20 min walk
  • Jinli to Wuhou Temple: 2 min (they're adjacent)

Walking is a great way to discover hidden alleys, local restaurants, and the city's vibe.

From the Airport

Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

  • Metro Line 18: ~40 min to city center, ¥10 (cheapest)
  • Airport bus: Multiple routes to city, ¥15-25
  • Didi/Taxi: ¥150-200, ~50 min (can be longer in traffic)

Shuangliu Airport (CTU)

  • Metro Line 10: ~30 min to city center, ¥5-7
  • Didi/Taxi: ¥80-120, ~30 min

💡 Pro tip: Take the metro from the airport. It's cheap, fast, and avoids traffic jams. Just follow the signs — they're in English.

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