Sachin Walls
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located about 16 to 20 kilometres southwest of downtown Chengdu, which takes around 30 minutes to reach by taxi or 40 minutes by airport bus. The airport has an excellent transport network, with a high-speed railway station, metro, bus, and taxi services. Travellers with a connecting air ticket can obtain a Transit Visa Exemption without a pre-arrival application, but those planning to leave the airport should obtain a free Temporary Entry Permit. While it is possible to leave the airport during a layover, it is not recommended for layovers under 5 hours as it takes about 1.5 hours each way to get from the airport to the city centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) |
| Number of terminals | 2 (T1 and T2) |
| Transport options to the city | Taxi, airport shuttle bus (5 lines), subway (Chengdu Metro Line 10), city bus, long-distance coach, high-speed train, and intercity trains |
| Transport options to nearby cities | High-speed trains to Leshan, Emeisha, Yibi, Mianyang, Nanchong, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Ya'an, and other destinations |
| Distance to city center | 16-20 km (10-12.5 miles) |
| Time to city center | 30-50 minutes by taxi, 40 minutes by airport bus |
| Tourist attractions | Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, Kuanzhai Alley, People's Park, Wenshu Monastery, Leshan Giant Buddha, Xiling Snow Mountain, Mount Qingcheng |
| Visa requirements | 144-hour transit visa exemption for foreign travelers from 53 countries with valid travel documents and an interline ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country |
| Luggage storage | Available for a small fee |
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What You'll Learn
Transport options to downtown Chengdu
Chengdu has a highly developed transportation network, with one of China's busiest airports, five trunk railway lines, thousands of miles of expressway, and dozens of coach stations.
Metro
The Chengdu Metro is an excellent way to get from the airport to downtown Chengdu. Take Line 10 towards the city centre, then transfer to Line 3. Continue toward the city centre, getting off at Chunxi Road Station, a major shopping centre. You can also transfer from Line 3 to Line 1 at Sichuan Gymnasium Station and go directly to Tianfu Square in the heart of the city.
The metro is open from 07:00 to 23:00 each day and costs around 0.5 or 1 RMB (about 0.15 USD) per stop. The Chengdu Rail website offers an English translation and an interactive route checker.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Chengdu, with hundreds of taxi stands available in the city. The base fare is 8 Yuan for the first two kilometres and 1.9 Yuan per kilometre after that. It's easy to hail a taxi at the airport, stations, tourist attractions, and hotels.
Bus
Chengdu has a huge network of buses that cover most areas within the city and multiple rural areas outside the city. Most city buses run every 15 to 30 minutes and cost around 2 RMB (0.30 USD) for an intracity ride.
Airport Shuttle Bus
There is a free airport shuttle bus available from Chengdu Airport to the Chengdu Airport Hotel, located 500 metres in front of Terminal 1. There is also a 24-hour free airport shuttle bus available from the Chengdu Airport Express Hotel, located between Terminals 1 and 2. There are five shuttle routes from Shuangliu Airport to various locations in Chengdu, including Chengdu North Railway Station and Chengdu East Railway Station.
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The 144-hour transit visa exemption
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers a 144-hour transit visa exemption policy for foreign travellers from 53 countries, allowing them to explore Chengdu and its surrounding areas without a visa. This policy was implemented on January 1st, 2019, and requires eligible travellers to possess valid international travel documents and an interline ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country or region within 144 hours.
To be eligible for this visa exemption, travellers must hold a passport from one of the 53 countries on the list, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries. It is important to note that this policy only applies to those transiting through Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
The 144-hour visa-free transit allows travellers to explore Chengdu and its surrounding areas, including Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Ya'an, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, and Yibin. Chengdu is a great place to experience authentic Chinese culture, art, and food. It is also home to giant pandas, with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding being the most accessible panda base from the airport.
To make use of the 144-hour transit visa exemption, travellers should first check their eligibility by ensuring they hold a passport from an eligible country and meet the requirements for visa-free transit in Chengdu. They should then plan their itinerary, deciding on the duration of their stay and the places they want to visit. It is important to note that the visa-free transit period is typically up to 144 hours or 6 days. Finally, travellers should book their flights, ensuring they are transiting through Chengdu Tianfu International Airport without any additional stops in other cities within China, except Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Overall, the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy offers a great opportunity for eligible travellers to explore Chengdu and its surrounding areas without the need for a visa. By following the steps outlined above, travellers can make the most of their visa-free stay and enjoy all that Chengdu has to offer.
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Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
If you're planning to leave the airport in Chengdu, you may be eligible for the 144-hour transit visa-free policy for foreign passengers. This applies to foreign travellers from 53 countries with valid travel documents and a confirmed ticket to a third country within 144 hours. If you plan to leave the airport, you should obtain a free Temporary Entry Permit.
Now, onto the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is the most accessible panda base from the airport, located around 38km away and about an hour's drive. It's also the most popular place to see pandas, with 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas. The base is known as the "Cradle of Giant Pandas", imitating the wild ecological environment favoured by pandas in nature.
The Giant Panda Museum is located at the base, the world's only museum dedicated to these critically endangered animals. Here, you can learn about their characteristics, habitat, and China's conservation and breeding efforts. There's also a Panda Discovery Centre, an interactive exhibition with touch screens and activities, as well as a Panda Story Cinema, which gives background information about the pandas and the reserve.
If you want to see the pandas themselves, it's best to go early in the morning, as they are most active then. The main panda activity is during the feeding session at about 9 am. If you're visiting between late August and December, you might even see some newborns. It's recommended that you spend at least half a day at the base, and if you're short on time, it's possible to visit without a tour to maximise your panda-viewing time.
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Seeing the Giant Buddha in Leshan
If you're planning to leave the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport during a layover, you may be eligible for the 144-hour transit visa-free policy for foreign passengers. This policy applies to foreign travellers from 53 countries with valid international travel documents and a confirmed ticket to a third country within 144 hours. It is recommended that you spend at least six hours exploring Chengdu to get a real taste of the city.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as Da Fo, is a 71-metre (233-foot) tall stone statue, making it the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. It is located in central Leshan city, about 140 kilometres from Chengdu downtown and 150 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed together with Mount Emei since 1996.
The Giant Buddha was built between 713 and 803 during the Tang Dynasty. It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones at the confluence of three rivers: the Min River, the Dadu River, and the Qiyi River (also known as the Qingyi River). The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below its feet.
There are two main ways to visit the Giant Buddha: by foot or by boat. If you choose to hike, you will need to purchase a ticket and then walk along gradually rising paths to reach the top area of Lingyun Mountain, where the Buddha is located. From there, you can see the right and left sides of the Buddha and look down upon its chest, arms, and feet. Hiking allows you to get up close to the Buddha, with the opportunity to take photos just three metres away.
Alternatively, you can take a boat from either the Baxiandong Pier or the Leshangang Pier. Both piers are easily accessible by public bus or taxi. The boat ride will take you to the river in front of the Buddha, where you can take panoramic views before returning to the pier. Taking a boat is recommended for those who want to save energy or avoid waiting in line for the hiking trail.
It is recommended to check the peak times and plan your visit accordingly to avoid crowds. During the summer, temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, so be cautious and avoid long waits that can lead to heatstroke. For boat rides, it is better to arrive in the afternoon as low water levels in the morning may prevent navigation.
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The best hotels for a short layover
Yes, you can leave the airport in Chengdu during a layover. If you have a connecting air ticket to another country, you can get a Transit Visa Exemption without pre-arrival approval. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you should obtain a free Temporary Entry Permit.
If your layover is less than five hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport, as it takes about 1.5 hours to get to and from the city centre. However, if you have six hours or more, you can visit the city. Here are some of the best hotels for a short layover in Chengdu:
Chengdu Airport Hotel
Located 500 metres in front of Terminal 1, the Chengdu Airport Hotel offers a free airport shuttle bus.
Chengdu Airport Express Hotel
The Chengdu Airport Express Hotel is located between Terminals 1 and 2, and offers a 24-hour free airport shuttle bus.
Tibet Hotel Chengdu
This 4-star hotel is centrally located, just a 10-minute walk from the shopping mall. It is also a good option if you want to experience Chengdu's nightlife.
Sofitel Chengdu Taihe
The Sofitel Chengdu Taihe is a 5-star hotel located next to the Jin River, just a 15-minute walk from the commercial centre.
The Temple House
The Temple House is a boutique hotel tucked away on an ancient temple site, offering a blend of traditional and modern designs.
Shangri-La Chengdu
The Shangri-La Chengdu is a renowned hotel offering a memorable experience.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu
The Ritz-Carlton is a 5-star hotel that caters to both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on wellness. It offers a full-service spa and state-of-the-art business amenities.
Grand ParcVue Hotel Residence Chengdu
The Grand ParcVue Hotel Residence Chengdu is a 4.5-star hotel ideal for families and business travellers, offering a blend of luxury and comfort. It features amenities like a playground, trampoline, and ping pong table, as well as a business centre and meeting rooms.
Ascott Raffles City Chengdu
Ascott Raffles City Chengdu is a 4-star hotel offering a modern and vibrant atmosphere with a variety of dining options, including buffet breakfasts and on-site restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to apply for a Temporary Entry Permit at the immigration desk after arrival. Have your passport and flight confirmation for your next flight ready. This process can take up to an hour, depending on the queue.
It is recommended that you get back to the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. It takes about 40 minutes to get from Chengdu city centre to the airport by bus or taxi, but this may take longer during rush hour.
Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which is the most accessible panda base from the airport. It takes about an hour to get there by taxi. The city also has many popular tourist attractions and historical buildings, including Jinli Ancient Street, the Jinsha Museum, and the Wenshu Temple.
