The Saningdui Museum is truly world class, one of the better museums I've seen in the world. It's an hour or 90 minute drive from Chengdu. You'll need to hire a car and driver to get there.

I recommend against an hot pot dinner. The spicy oil infuses your clothes and hair with its aroma, and I didn't enjoy the food.

Go to a folklore performance that includes the remarkable performance of changing masks. Go early and you can see performers apply the makeup that completely transforms them.

Be sure to go to the panda sanctuary that is 2-3 hours south of town, not just the panda preserve in town. On the way back, have your driver stop for lunch at a little town that is remarkably preserved as an old way of life.