China Travel Prep
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Sichuan
Chengdu arrival guide
A relaxed first stop if you plan the airport choice and keep spicy food for after your setup works.
Use this guide, then check your own details
Prepare the hotel information you will need on arrival.
The arrival check creates a driver card only from Chinese details you confirm; otherwise it gives you a verification checklist.
Before you fly
Save these before arrival
- Confirm TFU vs CTU before arranging the first transfer.
- Save hotel address and nearby landmark in Chinese.
- Book panda or museum tickets ahead when your dates are fixed.
Arrival points
- Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)
- Chengdu East Railway Station
Stay zones
- Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
- Tianfu Square
- Wuhou / Jinli
First movement
Airport or station to lodging
Tianfu is far from the center; a car is simplest with luggage. Shuangliu is closer and easier.
First day anchor
Keep the first day simple
Chunxi Road or People's Park, then an early night.
Arrival routes
From the airport or station
Tianfu Airport (TFU)
- DiDi or official taxi (simplest with luggage)
- Airport rail/metro if your hotel is near a line
Tianfu is far from the center; Shuangliu is closer.
Shuangliu Airport (CTU)
- Metro Line 10
- DiDi or official taxi
Getting around
Local transport basics
- Metro plus DiDi handles most of the city easily.
- Pay for the metro with an Alipay/WeChat transit QR or a single-journey ticket; both are easy once your wallet works.
- Book panda base or museum tickets ahead for fixed dates.
Common mistakes
What first-timers get caught out by
- Not confirming TFU vs CTU before arranging the first transfer.
- Diving into very spicy food before your stomach has adjusted.
- Use the official taxi queue or DiDi — never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal.