Transportation in Chengdu
Chengdu's layout is similar to Beijing's, but it has an entirely different feel. Explore its parks, walk alongside the river and watch artisans at work outside wooden houses.In Chengdu, most of the bars, restaurants and sights are in the centre of town, so it's possible to walk to and fro between many of the main attractions.In the centre of the city, find Renmin Donglu, Walk south along Renmin Nanlu and east along Dongfeng Lu to find the city's most buzzing areas. Or to see the real Chengdu, keep walking north from the centre to find flea markets, traditional basket-weavers and old men walking song birds.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
If it's too far to walk, Chengdu is teeming with taxis, especially at the hundreds of taxi stands (look out for signs featuring a green gingko leaf shape). The fare for the first three kilometres is RMB5 (RMB6 after 10pm), with every kilometre thereafter costing RMB1.4 (RMB1.7 after 10pm). Chengdu taxi drivers are renowned for their in-depth knowledge.
Bus
Most sights are covered by Chengdu's extensive bus system, with a trip costing RMB1 or RMB2 for air-conditioned buses. The bus most commonly used by travellers is the No16, which runs from the north train station to the south train station along Renmin Nanlu.
Foot
Chengdu is one of the best cities in China to just wander around. Walk away from the centre and stumble across a wide array of weird and wonderful markets and tiny restaurants serving Sichuanese snacks. Or spot the 150 varieties of bamboo in the River Viewing Pavilion Park in the south-east of town.
Rent your car
Chengdu is an important transport hub, including a network of expressways radiating from its centre. Ring roads around the outer and inner city ease navigation, but congestion is a problem. You might be better leaving your car a hotel car park and travelling by bus, taxi or bicycle in the city centre.
Transportation Tips
It's worth carrying small change for public buses, as many don't have conductors. Another option is to take a pedicab, which costs roughly the same as a taxi – generally, these can carry two adults and a small child.
Special Transportation
Bicycle
Sadly, many of Chengdu's old bicycle hire shops have closed down, but cycling remains one of the best ways to see the city. Travellers normally hire bikes from the Traffic Hotel or Sam's Backpacker Guesthouse.
