Free Chengdu Transit Itinerary Builder (TFU/CTU Layover Planner)
Got a 24-240 hour layover at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)? This free itinerary builder pre-loads Chengdu's top transit-friendly attractions — including the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Kuanzhai Alley, and Leshan Giant Buddha — along with real airport-to-city commute times and the latest 240-hour visa-free transit rules. Pick your stay duration, select your attractions, and get a personalized timed plan in under 2 minutes — no signup required.
Select 2 to 6 stops for 2 days
Chengdu 成都Simplified
0 SelectedChengdu Airport Commute Times (TFU & CTU)
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the newer hub, located about 50 km southeast of the city center. Metro Line 18 connects TFU to Tianfu Square in approximately 40–50 minutes, making it manageable for transit visitors. Taxis and DiDi typically take 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is older but closer to the city, about 15 km from the center. Metro Line 10 connects CTU to Jincheng Square (transferring to Line 1 or Line 2 for most tourist areas) in about 30–40 minutes. Taxis take 25–45 minutes under normal conditions.
Important: TFU handles most international flights, but it is meaningfully farther from the city. If your layover is under 12 hours and you land at TFU, be conservative about how many attractions are realistically achievable.
Chengdu 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: What You Need to Know
Eligible foreign travelers entering via TFU or CTU can use the 240-hour visa-free transit framework if they hold onward tickets or related proof with confirmed seats and departure dates to a third country or region. Chengdu and Sichuan Province are included in the expanded interconnected transit zones.
Within the permitted window, you may travel freely within the designated transit zone. Movement beyond the officially designated interconnected regions requires a standard visa. Always check your nationality's eligibility in advance.
Hotel registration is mandatory. Your accommodation must register your passport within 24 hours of check-in. International chains and established hotels handle this routinely. Smaller guesthouses and unlicensed properties may not be permitted to receive foreign guests — confirm before booking.
- Permitted area: Expanded interconnected transit zones including Sichuan Province and connected regions
- Must hold onward tickets or related proof with confirmed seats and departure dates to a third country/region
- Border control retains final discretion even when a route appears compliant
Top Chengdu Attractions Foreign Visitors Should Know About
The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is Chengdu's most internationally recognized attraction. Entry requires an advance ticket reservation through the official app or website. Morning visits (before 10am) are strongly recommended because pandas are most active and the crowds are smaller. Allow at least 2–3 hours. It is accessible by metro (Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station) in about 40 minutes from the city center.
Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) is a pedestrian historic district in the city center with traditional Sichuan architecture, teahouses, and street food. No reservation required — but it gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Combine with Jinsha Site Museum for a half-day cultural loop.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting if you have 24 hours or more. The round trip from Chengdu takes roughly 5–6 hours by coach or about 3–4 hours by high-speed rail to Leshan, making it a full-day commitment. It is the wrong choice for layovers under 12 hours.
- Book in advance: Giant Panda Base (required, especially on weekends)
- Best under 12 hours: Giant Panda Base (morning), Kuanzhai Alley, Chunxi Road/Taikoo Li
- Best with 24h+: Leshan Giant Buddha, Chengdu Museum, Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Other China Transit Cities
More dedicated city builder pages are coming next. For now, only Beijing has a city-specific landing page.