Compared with other major Chinese cities, Chengdu is manageable on foot. The heart and exact center of the city is Tianfu Square. Three ring roads, known as ’huan’ (环), then form concentric circles around Tianfu Square. Renmin Lu (人民路), or the People’s Street, bisects the ring roads on a north/south axis. To walk from Tianfu Square to the southern part of the 1st ring road takes about 25-30 minutes. Most important sites are within the 2nd ring road and many bars, clubs, and restaurants are concentrated in the south end of the city between the 1st and 2nd ring roads. The Renmin Lu and ring roads are also broken up into sections called ’duan’ (段). Unfortunately Chengdu’s street names change practically every kilometer, so it is important to familiarize yourself with landmarks such as Tianfu Square, the train stations, and the ring roads.
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Chengdu, Transportation
When traveling in Sichuan province you will likely be riding many buses. Sichuan’s railway system is rather incomplete when compared with other provinces in the east of China. Xinnanmen bus station is Chengdu’s most important bus station. Two to three buses depart every hour for major nearby tourist attractions such as the Great Buddha at Leshan (1.5 hours) and Emei Mountain (2 hours). There are also buses to more distant popular destinations such Jiuzhaigou (10-11 hrs), Kangding (7-9 hrs), and Daocheng (a few days!). A bus schedule is listed below. Read more...
Chengdu’s recently renovated airport is a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the city center or a 30-40 minute bus ride. Bus no. 303 to the airport can be picked up next to the Minshan Hotel on Renmin Nanlu a few hundred meters south of Tianfu Square. The bus ticket costs Y10. Read more...
As in most places in China, biking is an excellent way to get around for both visitors and locals alike. Chengdu is very flat, and plenty of wide bike lanes well separated from vehicular traffic make biking safe as well. You shouldn't worry too much about local Chinese bikers and mopeds, as I find most Chengdu residents ride at very easy, safe speeds. Most hostels are able to rent out bikes for usually no more than 20 Yuan per day.
The North Railway Station is the main train station is Chengdu’s main train station. It is located at the north end of the Renmin Lu, Chengdu’s main thoroughfare, at the junction with the north second ring road. Many buses go to the train station: 2, 9, 11, 16, 24, 27, 28, 34, 36, 44, 52, 54, 55, 64, 65, 70, 85, 303, and 402. Ticket windows are on the first floor of the station. Read more...
Taxis in Chengdu start at Y5 and cost Y1.4 per kilometer. After 10 PM they begin at Y6 and cost Y1.7 per kilometer. After 7 kilometers the price goes up to Y2.1/km during the day and Y2.55/km after 10 PM. Make sure the driver resets the meter when you enter the cab.
Chengdu’s buses are somewhat sweaty and crowded, especially at rush hours. However, at only Y1 per ride, Y2 for double deckers, they are certainly an affordable means of transportation. The no. 16 and 99 buses are the most useful, travelling north/south on Renmin Lu between Chengdu’s north and south railway stations. Try to pick up an English city map at your hostel/hotel or one of the foreign language book stores. There is one at the intersection of the south 1st ring road and Kehua Beilu. These maps have a complete listing of bus routes. Read more...  Term of Use | Privacy Policy | ©2010 Synotrip Inc.
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