Tianfu Square is the heart of Chengdu, surrounded by shopping malls, hotels, and cultural attractions.

About Chengdu City Center (Tianfu Square)

Tianfu Square is Chengdu\'s symbolic center, a vast open plaza with a giant Mao Zedong statue facing south. The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum and provincial government buildings frame the square. Below ground, a massive underground shopping mall extends in every direction. The square is the junction of Metro Lines 1 and 2, making it the city\'s primary transit node.

Chengdu is celebrated as China\'s most laid-back major city, famous for teahouse culture, mahjong, and extraordinary Sichuan cuisine. Within walking distance of Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road pedestrian street is the main shopping drag, while the Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) preserve Qing Dynasty architecture now housing tea shops, bars, and restaurants. Jinli Ancient Street near Wuhou Temple recreates a traditional market atmosphere. The city is also home to Sichuan opera with its famous face-changing (bianlian) performances.

Nearby Landmarks

Tianfu Square Chunxi Road Wide and Narrow Alleys People's Park Wuhou Temple

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 50-70 (USD 7-10)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 45-65 (USD 6-9)
Time 25-40 minutes

Use the Didi app; pickup at Terminal arrivals level curbside

Train (Metro Line 10)

Cost CNY 4-5
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 5-8 minutes during peak hours

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take Metro Line 10 from airport station. 2. Ride to Taipingyuan station (25 min). 3. Transfer to Line 1 toward Shengxian Lake. 4. Exit at Tianfu Square (4 stops).

Airport Express Bus Line 1

Cost CNY 10
Time 40 minutes
Frequency Every 15-20 minutes, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals curbside

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 50-70 (USD 7-10) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 45-65 (USD 6-9) 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train CNY 4-5 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic
Bus/Shuttle CNY 10 40 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Chengdu Metro Line 18 from Tianfu Airport runs until about 11:00 PM. After that, airport shuttle buses operate to major city locations until the last flight. Taxis from the airport are available 24/7 (approximately ¥150–200 to Tianfu Square). DiDi ride-hailing works throughout the night. Chengdu's nightlife, especially around Jiuyanqiao bar street, runs late.

Luggage Tips

Metro Line 18 to the city has luggage racks and elevators at all stations. Tianfu Airport is new (opened 2021) with modern facilities and ample space. If you plan to store luggage while exploring, Chengdu East and South railway stations have coin lockers. Most hotels near Tianfu Square offer luggage storage.

Accessibility

Chengdu's metro system is fully accessible with elevators, tactile paths, and wide gates at every station. Tianfu Square and the surrounding pedestrian areas are flat and well-paved. Major tourist sites like Wide and Narrow Alleys have accessible pathways. Tianfu Airport is one of China's newest and most accessible airports.