Chengdu Transit & Getting Around Guide

Chengdu's transportation infrastructure has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. With two international airports, an expanding metro system, high-speed rail connections, and ubiquitous ride-hailing, getting around is straightforward once you understand the system. This guide covers everything international visitors need to know.

The Dual Airport System

Chengdu is served by two airports, and knowing which one your flight uses is critical:

### Tianfu International Airport (TFU) — Primary - **Opened:** 2021 - **Location:** 50 km southeast of downtown - **Handles:** Most international flights, many domestic routes - **Metro:** Line 18 to downtown (~50 minutes to Century City, ~60 minutes to Tianfu Square) - **Airport Bus:** Multiple routes to major city areas (¥25-30, 60-90 minutes) - **Taxi/Didi:** ¥150-200 to central Chengdu, 50-90 minutes depending on traffic - **Terminals:** T1 (domestic), T2 (international)

### Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) — Secondary - **Opened:** 1938 (modernized multiple times) - **Location:** 16 km southwest of downtown - **Handles:** Select domestic routes, some international flights (Sichuan Airlines hub) - **Metro:** Line 10 to downtown (~25-30 minutes) - **Taxi/Didi:** ¥40-80 to central Chengdu, 20-40 minutes - **Terminals:** T1 and T2 (connected by free shuttle)

**Critical:** Always verify which airport (TFU or CTU) when booking flights. Some airlines operate from both.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Chengdu participates in China's 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy. Eligible nationals transiting through Chengdu to a third country/region can stay without a visa.

**Requirements:** - Valid passport with 6+ months validity - Confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the country you arrived from) - Arrive and depart through designated ports (both Chengdu airports qualify) - Stay within permitted areas (all of Sichuan Province)

**Process:** Declare visa-free transit at the immigration counter upon arrival. Officers will issue a temporary entry permit. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes.

Metro System

Chengdu's metro is the backbone of tourist transportation — clean, safe, air-conditioned, and increasingly extensive.

• **Lines:** 13 lines covering 558+ km (one of China's largest networks)
• **Hours:** Generally 06:30 - 23:00 (varies by line)
• **Payment Options:**
• Single-journey tickets from machines (Chinese interface, but pictographic)
• Tianfu Tong transit card (¥10 deposit, 10% discount)
• Alipay / WeChat Pay QR code (easiest for international visitors)
• Apple Pay / NFC with compatible cards
• **Key Tourist Stations:**
• Chunxi Road (Line 2/3) — Shopping district
• People's Park (Line 2) — Teahouse culture
• Wenshu Monastery (Line 1) — Buddhist temple
• Panda Avenue (Line 3) — Transfer to Panda Base bus

Ride-Hailing

**Didi** is China's dominant ride-hailing app (similar to Uber). The English-language version works in Chengdu. Payment via international credit card or Alipay.

**Tips:** - Set your pickup location precisely using the map (GPS can be offset in China) - Copy your destination in Chinese characters to show the driver - During rush hour (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:00), allow extra time - Airport rides should be pre-booked or use the official taxi queue

High-Speed Rail

Chengdu's HSR network connects to major destinations:

| Destination | Duration | Station | |-------------|----------|--------| | Dujiangyan | 30 min | Xipu Station | | Chongqing | 1-2 hrs | Chengdu East | | Xi'an | 3-4 hrs | Chengdu East | | Kunming | 5-6 hrs | Chengdu South | | Guiyang | 3 hrs | Chengdu East |

**Booking:** Use Trip.com or 12306.cn (official). Passport required for ticket purchase. Arrive 30+ minutes before departure for security screening.

Day Trip Transportation

• **Dujiangyan / Mount Qingcheng:** HSR from Xipu Station (30 min, ¥10). Bus from Chadianzi Bus Station also available.
• **Sanxingdui Museum:** Bus from Chadianzi or Xinnanmen station (1-1.5 hrs). Taxi/Didi approximately ¥200-250 one way.
• **Jianchuan Museum (Anren):** Direct bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station (1.5 hrs). Tourist shuttle available on weekends.
• **Leshan Giant Buddha:** HSR from Chengdu South Station (1 hr), then local bus.

Payment & Connectivity

• **Alipay:** International version accepts foreign credit cards and works for most payments including metro, taxis, and restaurants.
• **WeChat Pay:** Requires Chinese bank card linkage for full functionality, but international cards now accepted for some payments.
• **Cash:** Still accepted everywhere but increasingly unnecessary. ATMs are widespread (ICBC and Bank of China are most reliable for international cards).
• **SIM Cards:** Available at both airports. China Mobile and China Unicom offer tourist packages (7-day, 30-day) with data.
• **VPN:** Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked. Set up a VPN before arriving.