Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Chengdu provided you have a valid visa or qualify for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, which is available to citizens of 53 countries with an interline ticket to a third country. To leave, you must have your passport, complete an arrival form, and pass through customs. However, your decision to leave should depend on your layover length and which airport you are using. For Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU), which is closer to the city, a layover of at least 7 hours is recommended, while for the more distant Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), you should have at least 8 to 9 hours. If your layover is 6 hours or less, it is generally advised to stay at the airport to avoid the risk of missing your flight. Popular activities for longer layovers include visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, exploring Kuanzhai Alley, or enjoying local snacks at Chunxi Road. Always allow 1 to 2 hours for immigration upon arrival and plan to return to the airport at least 3 hours before your departure.