Arrive from May to June for clement weather and the best chance for panda-cub cuddling. The rainy season runs from July to August.
Getting there
Planes
Fly in to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, where direct flights arrive from major cities within China and throughout Asia and Europe. Flights from the US stopover in Hong Kong.
Trains
Chengdu North Station is the liveliest rail hub. High-speed trains arrive direct from Beijing West (a 14-hour journey), Guangzhou (13 hours), Shanghai Hongqiao (14 hours) and Xi’an South (13 hours). The city is easily navigable by using the Metro, which has three lines.
Automobiles
International Driving Permits can’t be used in mainland China, so the only option for hiring your own car is to take a driving test to acquire a local licence; so, riding the Metro and walking are the easiest options for getting around. If you wish to explore further afield, ask your hotel to arrange an excursion, or hire a local driver.