Chengdu’s 14 Top City Tours (With Prices)

Chengdu is a city that perfectly balances the old and the new. Its ancient streets, like Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, are bustling with traditional snacks and crafts, while modern attractions like the Panda Research Base offer adorable encounters with China’s most iconic animal. What sets Chengdu apart for city tours is its rich tapestry of history, lively local neighborhoods, and the chance to taste authentic Sichuan cuisine. For example, many travelers love the All Inclusive Private Day Tour (see here) for its personal touch and deep dive into Chengdu’s old streets, with visits to Wenshu Monastery and Jinli Street.

If you’re looking to combine multiple experiences, the city offers varied options from panda visits, historic temples, to food-focused walks, making Chengdu an excellent destination for different interests and schedules.

Quick Overview

Our list features private guided tours, full-day excursions, city walks, and even layover options—each designed to highlight different facets of Chengdu life. Whether you want to see pandas (Tour #2), explore historic temples and streets (Tour #5), or customize your own day (Tour #6), there’s a tour that fits your pace and interest.

Below, we break down each option, highlighting what makes each stand out and helping you decide which one is right for your trip.

1. All Inclusive Private Day Tour of Chengdu Old Streets including City Top Attractions

For around $127, this private tour offers a personalized look at Chengdu’s most charming old streets—Wenshufang Street, Jinli Street, and Kuanzhai Alley—accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. You’ll learn about Wenshu Monastery, a stunning Buddhist complex, and stroll through historic Qing dynasty architecture. The tour includes a delicious Sichuan lunch, a great way to sample local flavors, and comfortable private transport. Highlights like Wuhou Temple (entry extra) and the hidden Taoism temple make this tour rich in culture and history, ideal for travelers who want a detailed, relaxed day exploring both the city’s highlights and its lesser-known corners. Guests frequently praise the flexibility and local insights of their guides.

Bottom line: Perfect for first-timers who want a comprehensive, personalized snapshot of Chengdu’s history, architecture, and cuisine.

2. 1-Day Panda Breeding Center plus Chengdu City Tour

For around $189, this full-day private tour centers on the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a must-see for animal lovers. Your guide will take you on a gentle walk through the panda nursery, watching baby pandas and juveniles in their lush enclosures—an experience many reviews call “magical.” After the pandas, you’ll explore People’s Park, where locals enjoy tea, dancing, and daily life. The tour includes a traditional Sichuan lunch and the option to add a Sichuan opera show for a cultural finale. Guests rave about the seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides, emphasizing how this trip offers a close-up panda encounter combined with city sights.

Bottom line: Ideal for families or wildlife enthusiasts who want to see pandas in their best habitat and get a taste of Chengdu’s everyday life.

3. Private Full-Day Tour: Chengdu City Highlights

For about $160, this customizable full-day tour lets you choose your preferred sights, including pandas, temples, and scenic parks. Your guide will help craft an itinerary that suits your interests, whether that’s visiting Wenshu Yuan Monastery, exploring Wuhou Temple, or strolling around Jinli Street. The flexible schedule allows you to spend more time at your favorite spots and skip what doesn’t appeal. Guests appreciate the tailored approach, stating it’s a great way to cover Chengdu efficiently. The tour includes private transportation, and admission tickets are typically included, depending on the sites you choose.

Bottom line: Good for travelers who prefer to design their own day and want a personal, flexible experience.

4. 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer

For $240, this layover-focused tour is perfect if you have limited time but want to maximize your Chengdu experience. Your guide will meet you at the airport and whisk you to the Giant Panda Breeding Base, avoiding long lines and ensuring you see the pandas in the morning. Afterward, explore Chengdu’s city center, including major sights, and then head back to the airport. The trip includes round-trip airport transfers, making it very convenient. Visitors mention how smooth the logistics are, allowing a quick but fulfilling taste of the city’s highlights.

Bottom line: Best for travelers with a layover who want a low-stress way to see pandas and some city sights without missing their flight.

5. Chengdu City Tour of Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street

At about $195, this guided day trip dives deep into Chengdu’s cultural landmarks. You’ll visit Qingyang Palace, with its 1,000-year-old Taoist architecture, and Wuhou Temple, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms strategist Zhuge Liang. The walk along Jinli Street adds a lively local flavor, with shops, snacks, and crafts. The tour is very history-rich and offers personalized recommendations for food and souvenirs. Guests mention how knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging while allowing plenty of time for photos and wandering at your own pace. Since entrance fees are excluded, budget accordingly.

Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and those wanting a comprehensive culture.

6. Private Customized Chengdu City Full Day Tour in Your Way

For $160, this tailor-made tour allows you to pick your favorite sights and activities. Whether you want to revisit pandas, explore Mount Qingcheng, or visit historic temples, your guide will adapt on the fly. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, and you can decide how long to spend at each location. Guests appreciate the flexibility and personalized attention, especially if you have specific interests or mobility considerations. The focus is on delivering your ideal day, with no fixed schedule.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace with a knowledgeable guide.

7. 6-Hour Private Chengdu City Walking Tour with Tea Tasting

At just $115, this half-day walking tour combines local culture and tradition. You’ll stroll through Huanhuaxi Park, visit Qingyang Palace, and walk along Qintai Road, famous for jewelry shops. The highlight is participating in a kung-fu tea ceremony—a fun, immersive experience. The guide shares stories about Taoism and local life, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed, personal experience. Reviewers love the combination of walking, cultural insights, and tea in one tour.

Bottom line: Perfect for those looking to experience Chengdu’s traditions in a shorter, relaxed timeframe.

8. Chengdu: Panda Base/Leshan Buddha/Emei/City Day Tour-Options

Starting at $134, this multi-site day trip offers options like Panda Base plus Leshan Buddha or Emei Mountain. The Leshan Buddha, a 270-foot stone sculpture, is a highlight, and the tour includes comfortable transportation and a guide. You can customize your trip with a selection of destinations, making it suitable for travelers who want to combine natural wonders with cultural sites. Reviews highlight how well-organized these trips are, allowing you to see multiple landmarks efficiently.

Bottom line: Good for travelers who want a flexible, multi-attraction day without the hassle of planning.

9. 1 day Chengdu City Highlights Mini Group tour

This small-group tour for around $101 offers intimate exploration of Chengdu’s top sights, including Qingyang Palace, Du Fu Cottage, and Jinli Street. You’ll also visit People’s Park, a lively local gathering spot. The smaller groups make for a more personal experience, with plenty of time to ask questions. Guests appreciate the local insights and the balance of cultural and everyday scenes. Since it’s a mini group, expect a more relaxed pace.

Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a personable, in-depth look with a smaller crowd.

10. Private Chengdu Bullet Train Trip to Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall

For $288, this private train trip takes you from Chengdu to Xi’an for a day to see the Terracotta Army. The tour includes train tickets, hotel transfers, and guided visits to the museum and city wall. Guests mention how convenient and smooth the experience is, with the high-speed train saving hours and providing comfort. You’ll get to see China’s most famous warrior statues and walk along the historic city walls, making it ideal for history and architecture lovers.

Bottom line: Great for travelers eager to see two historic cities without the hassle of planning transportation.

11. Chengdu: City Tour of Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street

At about $195, this full-day tour immerses you in Chengdu’s cultural landscape. Visiting Qingyang Palace and Wuhou Temple provides insight into Taoism and the Three Kingdoms period, while Jinli Street offers lively shopping and snacking. Reviews emphasize the guide’s knowledge and the personalized tips for local food. Entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly, but the focus on cultural sites makes this perfect for history and tradition enthusiasts.

Bottom line: Recommended for travelers who want a thorough cultural exploration with local flavor.

12. 1-Day City Walk in Chengdu

Priced at $159, this guided walking tour showcases Chengdu’s charm through its streets and parks. You’ll visit Dongjiao Memory, Jianshe Road, and Erxianqiao Park, enjoying local life. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, leisurely pace and want to experience everyday Chengdu without rushing. Reviewers mention the authentic food stops and the friendly local ambiance.

Bottom line: Best for those who want to see Chengdu on foot with a focus on local lifestyle.

13. Chengdu: City Walking Tour with Food and Culture Stops

This tour, priced at $99, combines history, food, and local culture. Exploring Kuanzhai Alleys, People’s Park, and Taikoo Li, your guide shares stories about Daci Temple and local snacks like Zhong’s Dumplings. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting regional specialties. Since reviews are not provided, it’s best suited for those looking for a budget-friendly, culture-rich experience.

Bottom line: Suitable for budget-conscious travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction.

14. Chengdu: Yulin Block City Walk and Local Market Tour

At just $44, this affordable walking tour explores Yulin Block, a lively neighborhood with local snacks, vendors, and a wet market. Visitors enjoy watching vendors hand-roll spring rolls and tasting pancakes with unique fillings. The tour offers a glimpse into Chengdu’s everyday life and cooking traditions, making it ideal for foodies and those wanting an authentic, local experience. The guide’s insights add depth to the bustling market scenes.

Bottom line: Perfect for budget travelers eager to see local Chengdu up close.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a tour in Chengdu, consider your interests, time availability, and budget. If you’re crazy about pandas, the Panda Research Base (Tour #2) offers close encounters, but if culture is your focus, the Qingyang Palace and Wuhou Temple tours (Tour #5) provide deep historical insights. For those with limited time, the layover tour (Tour #4) maximizes sightseeing efficiently.

If flexibility is key, the private customized tour (Tour #6) allows you to tailor your day. For food lovers, the tea and street walk (Tour #7) offers a cultural and culinary blend.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular attractions like the panda base or if you want to secure a guide during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

Chengdu offers a diverse palette of tours—each suited to different tastes and schedules. If you’re an animal lover, the Panda Base (Tour #2) is a must, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the cultural depth of the Qingyang Palace and Wuhou Temple (Tour #5). For those with limited time, the layover tour (Tour #4) offers a quick but rich experience.

Whatever your interests, Chengdu’s tours are designed to give you a authentic, enjoyable glimpse into this lively city. Booking ahead is recommended to ensure you get your preferred experience, especially in high season.