Chengdu
Home of giant pandas and the capital of Sichuan cuisine
Chengdu is a city that knows how to live. Famous as the hometown of giant pandas, it's equally renowned for its fiery cuisine, laid-back tea house culture, and vibrant nightlife. The perfect base for exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park and Tibetan Plateau gateways.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November. Panda visits are best in early morning during cooler months.
Getting There
Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) and Tianfu (TFU) airports. Excellent metro system. High-speed rail to Xi'an (3.5h) and Chongqing (1.5h).
Local Cuisine
Sichuan hotpot, Mapo tofu, Dan Dan noodles, Kung Pao chicken. Chengdu is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Travel Tips
Visit the Panda Base before 8am to see active pandas. The people here are famously friendly and relaxed. Try a traditional Sichuan tea ceremony in People's Park.
Must-Visit Attractions
Panda Base
The world's leading panda conservation center with over 200 giant pandas.
Jinli Ancient Street
A beautifully restored ancient street with traditional architecture, snacks, and crafts.
Wuhou Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period, surrounded by red walls and bamboo.
