The bottom line: UK passport holders are eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to China (17 February 2026 – 31 December 2026) — always confirm the latest policy with the Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. There are no direct flights from London to Chengdu; connect via Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou (16–22 hours total). We recommend 6 days / 5 nights: Chengdu (giant pandas, Dujiangyan) + Jiuzhaigou. International flights are booked separately; on-the-ground services in Sichuan are quoted against a written itinerary.
Five things to sort out first
- Visa: 30-day visa-free for UK passports (17 Feb – 31 Dec 2026); confirm with the embassy, or apply for an L tourist visa as the safe option.
- Flights: London → Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou → Chengdu, 16–22 hours total.
- How long: 6 days / 5 nights (3 days Chengdu + 2 days Jiuzhaigou).
- Costs: international flights excluded; Sichuan ground services quoted by season and service level.
- Booking: confirm itinerary → ¥200 goodwill deposit → hotel arranged in advance → pickup on arrival → sign the contract after check-in.
Visa & entry
UK passport holders can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days (17 February 2026 – 31 December 2026). Policies do change, so check the Chinese embassy or consulate website for the latest announcement before you fly — or apply for an L tourist visa 1–2 months ahead as the safe option.
Getting there
There are no direct London–Chengdu flights. The usual routing is London → Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou → Chengdu, 16–22 hours door to door.
Why Sichuan clicks with British visitors
Giant pandas hold a special place in British hearts — Edinburgh Zoo’s pandas were national celebrities. Seeing them at the Chengdu Research Base, in their home province, feels like a pilgrimage. Add Jiuzhaigou’s travertine-coloured pools and Sichuan’s food culture, and it is a genuinely new experience.
Suggested 6-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Chengdu.
- Day 2: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and Dujiangyan.
- Day 3: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou.
- Day 4: Full day in Jiuzhaigou Valley.
- Day 5: Jiuzhaigou → Chengdu.
- Day 6: Departure.
Costs & how quoting works
Ground services are quoted by season and service level. Whether an item is included, in what quantity and at what unit price is subject to the final written quotation. As a rough anchor, our 7-day / 6-night Yunnan private tour starts from ¥1,880 per person; Sichuan itineraries are priced on the same transparent basis.
Practicalities
- Payments: Alipay or WeChat Pay with a linked foreign bank card.
- SIM card: buy with your passport at a carrier shop.
Booking & cancellation
Confirm the itinerary → pay a voluntary ¥200 goodwill deposit → we arrange your hotel in advance → free pickup when you land → sign the travel contract after check-in. The ¥200 deposit is refundable if you cancel 15 days ahead in peak season or 7 days ahead in low season.
Q1: Do British visitors need a visa for Sichuan? A: UK passports currently get 30-day visa-free entry (until 31 Dec 2026). Confirm with the embassy before travel, or apply for an L visa as the safe option.
Q2: How do I fly from London to Chengdu? A: There are no direct flights — connect via Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, 16–22 hours in total.
Q3: How many days do I need for Sichuan? A: 6 days / 5 nights covers Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou at a comfortable pace.