A stopover in Chengdu
Most international flights use Tianfu airport, about an hour from downtown by metro.
Last reviewed November 2026.
| Airport to the centre | about 60 min |
| Typical central 3–4★ hotel | ~$80 / night |
| Airline stopover program | None, but split tickets often work |
⚠ Check China's visa-free transit rules for your passport.
With 24–48 hours
- Giant panda breeding base (go early)
- Kuanzhai Alley and the teahouses of People's Park
- A Sichuan opera face-changing show
Eat: Hotpot, or mapo tofu with numbing peppercorns.
Tips
- Leave big bags at the airport's left-luggage desk or your hotel so you can explore right away.
- With separate tickets, give yourself at least one night between flights.
- Check whether your passport needs a visa or travel authorisation to leave the airport.
Chengdu stopover: questions
How long does it take to get from the airport into Chengdu?
About 60 minutes to the centre. Most international flights use Tianfu airport, about an hour from downtown by metro.
How much is a hotel for a Chengdu stopover?
Plan on roughly $80 a night for a well-reviewed, central 3–4★ hotel. Prices rise with events and peak season, so check the live rate for your dates.
Is there a free stopover program in Chengdu?
No airline runs a stopover program here, but two separate tickets through Chengdu often work. Leave at least one night between flights.
What can you do in Chengdu with 24 hours?
Giant panda breeding base (go early). Kuanzhai Alley and the teahouses of People's Park. A Sichuan opera face-changing show.
What should I eat on a Chengdu stopover?
Hotpot, or mapo tofu with numbing peppercorns. With one night, make dinner the local meal and keep breakfast near the hotel so you're not rushed back to the airport.
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Chengdu?
It depends on your passport. Check whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation for China before you book, and allow time for immigration and security on the way back.
Routes where Chengdu is on the way
Heading to Chengdu?
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