Solo Trip to Chengdu & Sichuan: My Itinerary
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
As a massive panda enthusiast, especially of the star pandas Hua Hua and He Ye, this was my first stop! The base is enormous; you could easily spend a whole day exploring it. That's why I skipped the tour – they don't dedicate enough time, and there's barely any chance to see Hua Hua. I arrived early, taking the subway and then the base's bus from the station. Despite arriving at 8:15 am, I still queued for an hour to catch a glimpse of the pandas. Luckily, the weather was cool, so they were active and playful. Be sure to enter through the South Gate and exit through the West Gate, and buy the electric vehicle ticket to explore all the zones in a day.
2. Dongjiaojiyi
This is a repurposed old train station, transformed into a complex of restaurants, shops, and more. It has a nostalgic vibe blended with modern living. The young people here have incredible style, and the shop decorations are meticulous. It's also home to the famous Chengdu wall, widely recommended on Red Notes. If you have time, definitely wander around. Shopping and enjoying a coffee could take up half a day. I visited in the morning, so many places weren't open yet, but it was quiet, which was great for taking photos.
3. Jiuzhaigou Valley
Known as a paradise on earth, Jiuzhaigou is a must-see. I took the high-speed train to Huanglong Station and then a bus to my hotel. My hotel cost 1.3 million VND per night and included a breakfast buffet. The Jiuzhaigou area is vast, and you have to buy an internal bus ticket. Start at the highest point and take the bus back down, stopping at each scenic spot. Although the water levels were low when I visited, the weather was pleasant, and the peach blossoms combined beautifully with the turquoise water, creating a picturesque scene.
4. Luzhen Square
No tours take you here; I discovered it on Red Notes. It's about 20km from the city center and requires three subway transfers, but it's worth it. This walking square is built in a Western style, with charming cafes and restaurants. There's also an incredibly friendly flower shop where you can take photos freely, even if you don't buy anything. I bought a bouquet for a bargain – only 70,000 VND, perfect for some social media snaps. The area is spacious and not crowded, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
5. Itayanyan Thai Restaurant
If you're craving something other than Chinese food, try this place. Personally, I found it delicious and suited to Vietnamese tastes. The small restaurant is adorably decorated with flowers and charming trinkets, even the plates and bowls are lovely, and the soft music and warm lighting create a cozy atmosphere. I ordered two dishes and rice for 83 yuan and received a complimentary spicy and sour shrimp sauce. (The tall waiter here is super handsome and speaks English! If you have trouble ordering via Wechat, he can help.)
6. Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)
My first impression: incredibly crowded! Shops are packed tightly together. I wandered around and bought some candies to take home. There's a cafe or tea house in the alley with fantastic acoustic music – highly recommended.
7. Huanglong Scenic Area
Before Jiuzhaigou, I took a cable car and bus up Huanglong and walked down the mountain. Halfway down, it started snowing heavily, but by the time I reached the bottom, the sun was shining. This area is supposed to be stunning in October, but when I visited, it was covered in white snow. They advise buying oxygen tanks to prevent altitude sickness, but I didn't and only felt slightly dizzy. I'm not sure if it was motion sickness or altitude sickness, but overall, I was fine. Bring a lightweight raincoat; buying one there is expensive.
8. Chunxi Road
This famous area is the heart of Chengdu, home to the giant panda climbing the wall and countless other attractions. I was impressed by the massive billboards and 3D screens constantly showing cute pandas. This is also a place where many stylishly dressed young people hang out and shop.
9. Taikooli
This luxury shopping street, adjacent to Chunxi Road, features high-end brands. The combination of ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers creates a unique and appealing atmosphere. I found it strange that someone I met at the airport, who was on a tour, didn't get to visit this place. It's close to Chunxi, so check it out if you have time.
Hotels and Transportation
I stayed at Poshpacker Local Tea, located above Xinnanmen subway station, which was incredibly convenient. A single room cost 400,000 VND per night, and I booked six nights. The staff were friendly, helped with my luggage, and spoke English. If you're traveling independently and want to experience Jiuzhaigou and other tours in English, ask the hotel reception.
From Tianfu Airport, I took the Airport Bus from the ground floor to Chunxi Road and then a taxi to my hotel, costing a total of 25 yuan. For the rest of my trip, I mainly used the subway and Hello Bike, both accessed via Alipay. If you use Amap, pay attention to the correct direction and subway exit.
I traveled solo, equipped with a phone, a GoHub SIM card, and an eSIM purchased on Trip (both worked well, Trip was cheaper), plus a compact camera and a lightweight tripod. I speak some Chinese, so communication was generally okay. I mainly used Amap, Alipay, Wechat, and Trip. These four apps were sufficient; downloading more would have been unnecessary. If you don't speak Chinese, use Google Translate. If you still feel unsure, consider booking independent travel support services.
Overall, the trip went smoothly with many great memories. The total cost was 22 million VND, including all expenses. If you're considering traveling independently, go for it! It's easier and more fun than you think, and you can visit the places you want. Don't be afraid of getting lost – it might lead to a memorable experience.
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