Transportation in Chengdu
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 two kilometres is RMB8 (RMB9 after 10pm), with every kilometre thereafter costing RMB1.9 (RMB2.2 after 10pm). Chengdu taxi drivers are renowned for their in-depth knowledge.
Underground
Chengdu opened its first metro line mid-2010. The line runs from north to south between Shenxian Lake and Century City, passing through Tianfu Square. Tickets cost RMB2-RMB4 depending on the journey length.
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.
Coach
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.
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 in 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.
