Chengdu’s metro network has grown into one of China’s most extensive urban rail systems, and for tourists it’s the cleanest, cheapest and most reliable way to reach every major attraction. By 2026 the network spans 14 operating lines with more under construction, covering the panda base, Jinli Street, Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley, Tianfu Square and the busy Chunxi Road shopping district.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | 06:00 – 23:30 (varies by line) |
| Fare range | ¥2 – ¥12 depending on distance |
| Payment | Metro card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, QR code |
| Airport line | Line 10 to Shuangliu Airport / Line 19 to Tianfu Airport |
| Tourist card | Chengdu Tourist Metro Card – unlimited 3-day or 7-day passes available |
Lines Useful for Tourists
Line 1 runs north–south through the city centre, stopping at Tianfu Square (interchange with Line 2), Jinjiang Hotel and the Science Museum. This is the backbone tourists use most.
Line 2 runs east–west and connects the high-speed railway station (Chengdu East) with Tianfu Square. If you arrive by bullet train, Line 2 drops you downtown in 20 minutes for ¥4.
Line 3 heads northwest toward Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Alight at Panda Avenue Station (熊猫大道), then take a five-minute taxi or shuttle. Journey time from Tianfu Square: approximately 40 minutes.
Line 4 serves the university district and connects Jinsha Museum. It also reaches Xipu, the western terminus near Qingchengshan Highway Express bus stops.
Line 9 is the dedicated airport express to the new Tianfu International Airport (TFU), operational since 2021. From Tianfu Square it takes about 27 minutes, running every 6–8 minutes during peak hours. The fare is ¥12 for the full airport express stretch.
Line 10 connects the old Shuangliu Airport (CTU). Depart from Shuangliu Airport Terminal 1 or 2, and reach the city centre in 30–40 minutes.
Buying Tickets and Loading Cards
Ticket machines at every station accept cash (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 notes), Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes, and bank cards with UnionPay. The machines have English-language interfaces—press the flag icon on the startup screen.
For a short stay, purchase a single-journey token: touch your destination on the map screen, confirm the fare, and pay. For stays longer than two days, buy a Tianfu Tong reloadable card (天府通) at any staffed service counter for ¥20 deposit. This card also works on city buses.
If you have a Chinese mobile number linked to Alipay or WeChat, simply scan the QR code at the turnstile—no card or cash needed.
Security and Boarding
All bags go through X-ray scanners. Liquids over 500 ml (including large water bottles) may be flagged; declare any unusual equipment. Allow an extra five minutes during rush hour (07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:30) when queues build at the scanners.
Trains arrive every 3–5 minutes during peak hours. Stand behind the yellow line, let passengers exit first, and mind the gap—some older platform sections have a noticeable step.
Key Stations for Tourists
- Tianfu Square (天府广场): Central interchange, lines 1 and 2. Sichuan Museum and Tianfu Square Park above ground.
- Chunxi Road (春熙路): Line 2. Entry point for IFS, Taikoo Li and the pedestrian shopping district.
- Wuhou Ancestral Hall (武侯祠): Line 3. Walk 10 minutes west or take a taxi for ¥8 to reach Jinli and Wuhou Shrine.
- Panda Avenue (熊猫大道): Line 3. Closest station to the panda base.
- Jinsha Museum (金沙博物馆): Line 4. Ancient Bronze Age site.
- Chengdu East Station (成都东站): Line 2 and 7. High-speed rail terminus.
Common Tourist Mistakes
Mistake 1: Boarding in the wrong direction. The Chengdu metro uses numbered platform ends. Check the final destination displayed on the screen above the platform—if your stop comes before the final destination listed, you’re on the right side.
Mistake 2: Confusing the two airports. Shuangliu Airport (CTU) handles most international flights; Tianfu Airport (TFU) handles domestic and some international. Double-check your ticket before choosing your metro line.
Mistake 3: Arriving at peak hour without a card. Ticket machine queues at major stations (Chunxi Road, Tianfu Square) stretch to 15 minutes during rush hour. Load a card in advance or set up the QR code payment before you reach the turnstile.
Transfers and Connections
Most city attractions are within 20 minutes of a metro station. For areas not directly served—such as Leshan or Dujiangyan—take the metro to Chengdu East or North station, then board an intercity high-speed train (30–80 minutes, ¥15–45).
City buses fill gaps where the metro doesn’t reach. The fare is ¥2 flat; pay with Tianfu Tong card or exact cash.
Night Travel
The last trains run between 23:00 and 23:30 depending on the line. After midnight, Didi (Chinese Uber) is the safest and cheapest option—fares from the city centre to most tourist hotels run ¥15–30.
Accessibility
All stations have lifts and accessible turnstiles. Wheelchair users press the assistance button at the staffed window for priority boarding. Audio announcements are made in Mandarin and English.
Cost Example for a 3-Day Trip
| Journey | Fare |
|---|---|
| Airport → city centre (Line 9 or 10) | ¥12 / ¥6 |
| Hotel → Panda Base (Line 3) | ¥4 |
| Tianfu Square → Chunxi Road (Line 2) | ¥2 |
| City centre → Kuanzhai Alley (Line 4) | ¥3 |
| Daily average | ¥15–25 |
A 3-day unlimited pass (¥45 from service counters) pays for itself if you make more than three journeys per day, which is typical for an active tourist.
The Chengdu metro is genuinely foreigner-friendly: English signs cover every line, every station and every platform. If you get confused, simply look for a staff window marked with a green light—someone at the counter will help you with a map and spoken English at the main tourist stations.