This Week in Chengdu & Sichuan

Weather and route window · Sep 4–10

Weather update · Sep 5: We reopened the National Meteorological Centre forecast at 19:28 CST before preparing the second channel update. Compared with the previous evening, showers now appear on Monday and several overnight temperatures have changed. Since Saturday was almost over, the table begins with Sep 6.

Start Panda Base visits, city walks and other outdoor plans early on Sunday. Monday remains hot but now carries a shower signal, so take a compact umbrella and avoid making the day too tight. From Tuesday to Thursday, rain becomes more likely while the daytime high is forecast to fall from 30°C to 23°C; wear shoes with some grip and keep a museum, exhibition or indoor food stop in reserve.

Chengdu’s city forecast does not describe high-altitude western Sichuan. Check the weather, road notices and attraction updates for your actual mountain destination. Same-day official warnings always take priority over this brief.

Best this week: Hong Kong Week 2026@Chengdu

Hong Kong Week 2026@Chengdu runs from Sep 4–20, with around 60 performances and activities across dance, music, theatre, film, heritage, toys and design.

For an easy option, the Hong Kong Toy Culture and IP Exhibition is listed as free at Chengdu Global Center, 1F and B1, from Sep 5–13, 10:00–22:00. Free entry does not necessarily mean no queue or registration. Choose only what genuinely interests you, and check the official programme for current venues, times and ticket information.

Airport check: Chengdu has two airports

Since some regional services moved on Jul 30, both Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport can handle passenger flights to and from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Do not see “Chengdu” and automatically assume Tianfu Airport.

Before a departure or pickup, check the airport code, terminal and flight number. The two airports involve very different road times, so a wrong airport changes the whole transfer plan.

Also useful: a 240-hour transit update

From Aug 20, citizens of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan joined China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, bringing the eligible-country total to 57. The important word is transit: travellers generally need an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket from China to a third country or region.

The permitted area in Sichuan is not the whole province. It covers 11 cities: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan and Ziyang. Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Kangding are outside this zone.

Before buying a non-refundable ticket, check your nationality, arrival port, permitted area, onward destination and all current conditions on the official immigration page. Call 12367 if needed. Only the immigration authorities can make the final decision.

Ryan’s local tip: book officially and go early at the Panda Base

The official Panda Base ticket page rechecked at 19:41 CST on Sep 5 lists online real-name booking up to 14 days ahead. From March to October, morning entry is 7:30–12:00 and afternoon entry is 12:00–17:00, with clearing beginning at 18:00. Use only the official WeChat account, mini programme or an authorised platform, and bring the original valid ID used for the booking. Visitors using passports should follow the on-site instructions for the non-mainland-ID verification channel.

If possible, choose a morning session: it is usually more comfortable for walking and leaves more room for queues or small changes. The No. 6 Villa area is trialling a Monday closure; the whole Panda Base is not closed on Mondays. Dates and sessions can sell out, so check live availability and same-day notices before you go.

Unsure how to combine the Panda Base, Sanxingdui and Dujiangyan? Send Ryan your dates, group size and rough ideas. We can give the route a practical local sense-check before you decide.

Eat like a local: bingfen for a warm early-autumn day

Early September can still feel like summer in Chengdu. Bingfen, or ice jelly, is a cool, soft dessert often served after hotpot with brown-sugar syrup, peanuts, raisins, hawthorn or small glutinous-rice pieces. Toppings vary, so ask before ordering if you have allergies. This is a local food idea, not a paid recommendation.

Plan ahead: Mid-Autumn and National Day

The 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is Sep 25–27, followed by National Day from Oct 1–7. If your trip falls in this period, first confirm intercity travel dates, must-see booked attractions, and key accommodation or multi-day vehicle arrangements. Keep the rest flexible for meals, walks and ideas that appear once you are here.