Chengdu Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & More - A Complete Travel Guide

Chengdu Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & More

A Complete Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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Known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant teahouses, and spicy cuisine, Chengdu is the capital of one of my favorite provinces in China, Sichuan. It is a wonderful city to visit with its relaxed vibe, home to the fluffy fur balls we know as Giant Pandas, and a perfect base for exploring Sichuan’s unmatched natural beauty, including Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and even the Giant Buddha of Leshan.

The history of Chengdu stretches back more than 2,000 years. It was the heart of the ancient Shu Kingdom and has been continuously inhabited since the fourth century BC, making it one of the oldest major cities in China. Today, Chengdu is a thriving metropolis filled with historic temples, lively markets, and modern districts buzzing with youthful energy unlike anywhere else in the country.

In this travel guide, I will share a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Chengdu, great day and overnight trips to take, and all the essential information you need to plan a perfect trip. So without further ado, here is your complete travel guide to Chengdu.

Chengdu Things to Do Map

Chengdu Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Chengdu

1. Visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong as a 2-day trip

Viewpoint at Five Flower Lake

Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are probably two of the most beautiful and famous natural attractions in Sichuan. These two scenic areas are located relatively close to each other in northern Sichuan and are famous for their surreal alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and vibrant seasonal colors. Although many travelers choose to visit them together, each park offers a very different experience and both are worth seeing.

Me smiling at Five Flower Lake

Jiuzhaigou is the larger and more famous of the two. It is known for its crystal clear lakes, multi-layered waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The park is huge, so you can easily spend a full day exploring the wooden boardwalks and scenic valleys. Shuttle buses run throughout the park, making it easy to move between viewpoints without too much walking if you prefer a lighter day.

Five-Colored Pond up close

Huanglong, on the other hand, is smaller but equally stunning. It is most famous for its terraced limestone pools filled with bright blue and yellow mineral-rich water. The hike to the top is scenic and peaceful, with temples, forests, and panoramic mountain views. Most visitors spend two to four hours here depending on whether they want to hike or take the cable car up and down.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Howdy Smart Hotel (Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li) (Budget)
  2. Orange Fruit Hotel (Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley, Tonghuimen Metro Station) (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. Home2 Suites by Hilton Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. Jiuzhaigou Entry Ticket (Must book in advance!) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. Leshan Ticket Entry
  3. Giant Panda Research Base Ticket
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

Five-Colored Pond seen from an elevated walkway

Many people combine Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong into a single trip because they are only a few hours apart by road and share the high-speed railway station. Since there is quite a lot to see here, I highly recommend you visit the place as a 2-day, 1-night trip, spending the night in Jiuzhaigou.

Autumn colors seen near Five Flower Lake

To get here, you can take a train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, which takes about two hours. Be sure to book your train tickets together with your Jiuzhaigou entrance ticket at least three days in advance, as both sell out very quickly. You do not want to secure your park ticket but then find that the trains are fully booked, leaving you without a way to get there and back.

Nuorilang Waterfall from a viewpoint

Once you arrive at Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station, you can walk to the parking lot on the right-hand side from the exit where there will be bus drivers asking you where you want to go. Tell them you want to go to Jiuzhaigou and they will direct you to the right bus. The bus should take about 2 hours and cost 51 CNY. You can buy it from the bus driver.

Blue colored water at Rhinoceros Lake

I recommend taking the earliest train from Chengdu at 6:15 AM so that you arrive by 10:15 AM and have a full day to explore Jiuzhaigou. Once you are done with Jiuzhaigou, you can spend the night there and catch a 7 AM shuttle service the next morning to Huanglong, which you can book here under the "Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong Attraction Shared Transfer" section.

More Mirror Ponds in Huanglong

You should aim to arrive in Huanglong around 10 AM and start your hike to the top, then take the cable car down. This approach helps you avoid the long queues for the cable car going up. Plan to be back at the base around 3 PM. From there, you can take a car-pool taxi to Huanglong–Jiuzhai Railway Station to catch a train back to Chengdu.

Orange and Green Zhengyan Pool

I recommend booking the 6 PM train, which allows plenty of time to enjoy Huanglong at a relaxed pace. Be sure to book your train at least three days in advance, ideally along with the Jiuzhaigou entry ticket, as both sell out quickly.

2 Days Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong2 Days Itinerary for Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong

2. Check Out Leshan Giant Buddha as a Day Trip

Leshan Giant Buddha seen from above

Another excellent day trip from Chengdu is a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of Sichuan’s most iconic landmarks. The massive Buddha statue stands over 71 meters tall, making it the largest in the world, and is carved directly into a cliff face at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers.

Me at Leshan Giant Buddha

The history of the Leshan Giant Buddha is fascinating. Construction began during the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago and took about 90 years to complete. It was designed by the monk Hai Tong, who hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters at the river confluence and make the area safer for passing ships. Interestingly, some suggested that the large amount of rock deposited into the river during construction actually helped reduce the water’s turbulence, making navigation safer as intended! How awesome is that?

Leshan Giant Buddha seen from the foot

Which is why you can choose whether to take a boat and see the Leshan Giant Buddha from the river, which will give you a great sense of the true scale of the statue as well as see some hidden stone carvings on cliffs that you can only see from the boat, or you can hike around the Buddha statue and down to its foot. You can do both if you have the time.

Me looking at a buddha statue at Buddha Park in Leshan

The boat option does not take very long, around 20 minutes, and does not require you to be as active as the hiking option. For hiking, you can expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring Leshan Giant Buddha and its other on-land attractions, like Buddha Park, and going down to the statue's foot to admire the statue from below.

The way down to Leshan Giant Buddha

Keep in mind that to reach the bottom, you must descend extremely narrow staircases, which can become a major bottleneck, especially during peak season. You might have to wait in line to get down. I visited in November on a slightly rainy day, so the wait was short, but you will often encounter aunties and uncles stopping mid-way to take photos, oblivious to others trying to pass... several times as they carefully make their way down. 😅 It’s all part of the experience, I guess!

A boat at Leshan Giant Buddha

To get to Leshan, you can easily catch one of the many trains from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 65 CNY. You can book the train here. Unlike Jiuzhaigou, you do not need to book in advance, as there are plenty of trains throughout the day and the site does not get as crowded. Entry tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online here.

3. See the Giant Pandas at Giant Panda Research Base

Giant Panda at Giant Panda Research Base

Of course, when you visit Chengdu, one of the few pandas' natural habitats, you gotta come and see the Giant Pandas with your own eyes, and one of the best places to do so is at Giant Panda Research Base, located about 10 kilometers north of downtown Chengdu.

A red panda at Giant Panda Research Base

The base is dedicated to the conservation, breeding, and research of giant pandas, and you can have the chance to see these adorable creatures up close, including playful cubs and adults in their naturalistic enclosures.

A panda walking at Giant Panda Research Base

The best time to visit is in the morning, especially between 8:00 and 10:00 AM, when the pandas are most active and feeding. Besides giant pandas, the base is also home to red pandas, black-necked cranes, and other rare species, all spread out in a large area you can explore on foot.

A caretaker playing with the red panda at Giant Panda Research Base

The base is accessible by metro, bus, or Didi, and museums and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about panda conservation and the history of the facility. The place is quite big and can be crowded later in the day, especially around the Giant Panda enclosures, so I recommend you come as early as you can.

The road at Giant Panda Research Base

Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the crisscrossing walking paths of the Giant Panda Research Base. The entry ticket is divided into 2 time slots, one in the morning from 8 AM to 12 PM and one in the afternoon from 12 PM to 4:30 PM. The ticket should cost 55 CNY and you can book the ticket here.

4. Stroll Around Eastern Suburb Memory

Old Factory at Eastern Suburb Memory

Eastern Suburb Memory is one of my favorite areas to visit in Chengdu. It is a former industrial zone, once home to the state‑owned Hongguang Electronic Tube Factory, that has been transformed into one of Chengdu’s most creative and cultural hotspots.

A street at Eastern Suburb Memory

Instead of factories and production lines, you’ll now find preserved red‑brick warehouses, old chimneys, steel frameworks, and even vintage railway tracks repurposed as part of a living “industrial heritage” landscape. This combination of old‑school industrial atmosphere and modern creative energy gives the place an almost cyberpunk vibe, but better and less chaotic.

Shops at Eastern Suburb Memory

Eastern Suburb Memory is a great reminder of Chengdu’s past industrial era and a showcase of its current youthful creativity, which is what Chengdu is famous for. Seriously, walking around the area, it almost doesn’t feel like China at all. It has a vibe that reminds me of the Distillery District I visited in Toronto, Canada a while back! The atmosphere was uncanny!

Old Factory at Eastern Suburb Memory

At Eastern Suburb Memory, among the old industrial facilities, you will find the usual commercial spots like shops, restaurants, and cafés. But if you look a little closer, you will also discover art spaces, galleries, and studios tucked away in the old warehouses.

A bench at Eastern Suburb Memory

Take some time to explore the area, and you might stumble upon a live concert or seasonal event. There is always something interesting hidden around the corners, so be sure to check out Eastern Suburb Memory while you’re in Chengdu. The area comes alive around 6 PM onward, so plan your visit accordingly to experience its full energy.

5. Explore Chunxi Road

A Panda climbing a building at Chunxi Road

Chunxi Road is Chengdu’s most famous shopping street and a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s modern vibe. Located in the city center, reachable by the metros, it is a bustling pedestrian street lined with shopping malls, international and local brands, boutiques, and plenty of street food stalls you can enjoy.

2 women watching the 3D screen at Chunxi Road

The area is always lively, with crowds of locals and tourists, bright neon signs, and a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly captures Chengdu’s urban energy. Here, you can also see the famous panda climbing a building art installation, as well as the massive LED screen that makes everything look 3D. It’s definitely a cool sight to experience.

The busy Chunxi Road

Even if shopping isn’t your main priority, walking along Chunxi Road will give you a glimpse of Chengdu’s modern city lifestyle and its mix of traditional and contemporary culture, which I think is quite a breath of fresh air from all the historical places you see here. The street is especially lively in the evenings and on weekends, so be sure to come check it out during that time.

6. Hang Out at Tianfu Square

An underground underpass at Tianfu Square

Tianfu Square is a large open plaza surrounded by government buildings, shopping streets, and cultural sites. At its center stands the iconic Statue of Mao Zedong, surrounded by colorful flower beds and artistic sculptures, all beautifully illuminated by the neon lights of the city.

Mao Zedong statue at Tianfu Square

Tianfu Square is also the hub of Chengdu’s metro system, making it a convenient starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as Chunxi Road, the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, and the Jinjiang River. You can take the metro to the square and then start exploring the area on foot.

Flower beds at Tianfu Square

The square is especially lively in the evenings and at night when the fountains are lit up and locals gather for walks, socializing, or casual photography. Be sure to drop by and experience Tianfu Square while you are in Chengdu.

7. Learn the History at Chengdu Museum

Exterior of Chengdu Museum

Right next to Tianfu Square, you will find Chengdu Museum New Hall, a history museum opened in 2016, famous for its huge collection of nearly 200,000 relics and cultural objects, displayed in a way to help you trace the history of Chengdu and Sichuan from the Neolithic age all the way to modern times.

Chengdu Museum Sign

The exhibitions are spread over multiple floors. On the lower floors, you can explore ancient history, including artifacts from early civilizations such as those from the Sanxingdui and Jinsha cultures. The middle floors take you through imperial-era Chengdu, showing ceramics, metalwork, and items that reflect the city’s evolution through various dynasties. On the upper floors, you will find exhibits on folk culture, modern history, and a special section dedicated to traditional Chinese puppetry and shadow plays.

Chengdu Museum entrance

The best part is the museum is free. You just need a valid ID or passport to get a ticket. Be sure to get the ticket first before lining up to enter. It is open from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM (from May to October) or until 8:00 PM (from November to April). It is closed on Mondays.

8. Visit Kuanzhai Alley Scenic Area at Night

An old gate at Kuanzhai Alley

Another great place to hang out at night is Kuanzhai Alley Scenic Area, one of the best-preserved traditional street districts in Chengdu, located in the Qingyang District not far from Tianfu Square.

Old sculpture at Kuanzhai Alley

This area consists of three parallel alleys: Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley), plus a network of traditional courtyard-style houses (gray-brick walls, tiled roofs, siheyuan courtyards) typical of Qing-Dynasty urban layout.

A shop at Kuanzhai Alley

Historically, the area dates back to roughly 1718, when it was part of a district built to lodge troops under the Qing Dynasty. Over time, many "lanes" vanished, but these three alleys survived.

Street food at Kuanzhai Alley

After major restoration and renovation, the area reopened to the public in 2008, transformed into a cultural-commercial hub that blends Chengdu's historical architecture with modern lifestyle.

Street performances at Kuanzhai Alley

You can visit Kuanzhai Alley in the evening and stroll along its cobblestone streets, soaking in the lively vibe of Chengdu’s nightlife. Try some of Sichuan’s famous street food and admire the beautiful stone-brick architecture under neon lights. It’s easy to get there by metro, taxi (or ride-hailing like Didi), or you can even walk from Tianfu Square as I did. The area really comes alive from about 6 PM onward. Best of all, entry to Kuanzhai Alley is free.

9. Explore Jinli Old Street

Busy street at Jinli Old Street

Another must-visit historical district in Chengdu is Jinli Old Street. It is a more stylized, newly renovated area featuring beautiful lanterns and lights, plenty of recreational spaces such as a square with outdoor restaurants, live music, and more. The street is more focused on street food and shops rather than historic buildings, unlike Kuanzhai Alley. Both districts are worth visiting in my opinion.

Lanterns at Jinli Old Street

Although the street was renovated and reopened in 2004 in the style of Qing Dynasty architecture, walking down Jinli feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, lantern-lined alleys, grey-brick buildings, curved eaves, and wooden doors evoke a traditional atmosphere that blends smoothly with the city’s ancient history and folk culture.

Food at Jinli Old Street

There are tons of street food stalls here, even more so than at Kuanzhai Alley, so if you are looking for a place to hang out in the evening while also looking for food to try, Jinli Old Street is the best place to be.

A tea performance at Jinli Old Street

Not only that, Jinli also features an old-style wooden stage in the middle of the street, where you may see folk performances, including traditional shows and classic regional opera. I recommend visiting in the evening, around 6 PM onward, to enjoy all the lights and performances the street has to offer. The entry is free.

10. Visit Wenshu Monastery

People at Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Monastery is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the city, dating back more than 1,400 years to the Sui Dynasty (around 605–617). It has been destroyed and rebuilt in different styles throughout its history, but nowadays, the temple’s architecture is typical of classical Chinese Buddhist temples, with a sequence of halls aligned along a central axis, leading to the main Buddha hall and the sutra library.

People praying at Wenshu Monastery

What makes Wenshu Monastery an absolute must-visit beyond its architecture and age is its treasure trove of cultural relics and religious artifacts. Inside, there are hundreds of Buddha statues made from materials ranging from wood and stone to bronze and jade, some dating back centuries.

Old wooden buildings at Wenshu Monastery

The monastery also preserves ancient Buddhist sutras, calligraphy, paintings, and historical documents that reflect the rich religious and cultural heritage of the region. And since it is an active Buddhist temple, you can visit and observe monks chanting, explore peaceful courtyards, and even light incense or join in meditation.

Food at Wenshu Monastery

Beyond the monastery itself, you can also come and enjoy local flavor and culture. Within its grounds, you can find a vegetarian restaurant serving simple Buddhist-style meals, which is a nice break if you enjoy vegetarian food or want to taste local monastic cuisine.

People at a shopping street at Wenshu Monastery

You can also walk to nearby streets filled with teahouses, snack shops, and small shops selling souvenirs, calligraphy, and cultural items. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, and the entry is free.

Things to Know Before Visiting China

  • Always Carry Your Passport: Everything revolves around your passport/ID in China, and it’s often used interchangeably as your main form of identification. Many major tourist attractions require you to show your passport when buying a ticket, and the ticket will then be linked to it. You’ll scan your passport again to enter. The same applies to high-speed trains. It’s best to carry your passport with you at all times while traveling in China.
  • Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
  • Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
  • Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial as once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
  • Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps, and you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
  • Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
  • Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China, which is how I got mine activated.
  • Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.

When to Visit Chengdu?

Tianfu Square at night

Chengdu is a city you can visit throughout the year, but the best time to come is during spring and autumn. From March to June, the weather is mild and comfortable, with blooming flowers and clear skies that make exploring the city and nearby mountains enjoyable. September to November offers cool temperatures, less rain, and colorful foliage across Sichuan’s scenic landscapes.

Summer in Chengdu, from July to August, can be hot and humid, and this is also the rainy season. Showers are common, but they usually come in short bursts, so you can still explore between breaks. This period is also when many domestic travelers visit, which means popular attractions can be busier.

Winter, from December to February, is cold but not extreme compared to northern China. The city stays lively, and this season can be a good choice if you prefer fewer crowds. However, some areas in western Sichuan, especially around Jiuzhaigou and higher-altitude regions, can be very cold or temporarily closed due to snow, so planning ahead is important.

I visited the city in early November, and the conditions were perfect. The nature in places like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong was absolutely stunning, with autumn colors popping everywhere. The weather in Chengdu itself was also ideal, not too hot and not too cold. I highly recommend visiting in autumn if you want the best balance of scenery and comfort.

That said, popular spots such as Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong can be extremely crowded during this season, as everyone wants to catch the autumn foliage. Be prepared for big crowds and plan accordingly if you intend to visit those areas.

How to Get to Chengdu?

An old locomotive car in Chengdu

By Air: Chengdu is one of the major transportation hubs in western China, so getting here is easy whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Most travelers arrive by air through Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, the city’s main gateway.

It handles a wide range of international flights as well as frequent connections from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. From the airport, you can reach the city center by metro, airport bus, or taxi, with the metro being the most convenient and budget-friendly option.

By High-Speed Train: Another excellent way to reach Chengdu is by high-speed train. The city is well connected to China’s extensive rail network, making train travel fast, comfortable, and scenic. High-speed trains from Chongqing take around one hour, from Xi’an about three hours, and from Beijing or Shanghai roughly eight to ten hours. Trains arrive at one of several major stations, including Chengdu East and Chengdu South, both of which are linked to the metro system.

By Bus: If you are already traveling within Sichuan, buses are also an option, although they are generally slower and less comfortable than trains. However, they can be useful when coming from smaller towns or remote scenic areas.

How to Get Around Chengdu?

People walking over a stone bridge in Chengdu

By Metro: The metro is the easiest and most efficient way to travel between major attractions. Trains are clean, well-organized, and come with English signage, making navigation simple even for first-time visitors. Most key spots, including the panda base, Tianfu Square, Kuanzhai Alley, and the main train stations, are directly connected by metro lines.

It is also very affordable starting at 2 CNY and goes up the further you travel, which makes it the best option for most travelers. Before using the metro, be sure to activate the free transport card in the Alipay app. This allows you to scan the QR code at the gate and ride without needing to purchase a physical ticket.

By Didi: For destinations not covered by the metro, you can use Didi, the Chinese version of Uber. Rides are widely available, reasonably priced, and very convenient, especially if you are traveling in a small group or carrying luggage. Just keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during rush hours. You can access Didi directly through the mini app inside the Alipay app, so there is no need to download a separate application.

What to Pack for Chengdu?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chengdu, China:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau

Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here are a collection of articles that you might find useful:

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