China · City Guide
Chengdu
Chengdu is the relaxed and vibrant capital of Sichuan province, a city of extraordinary spicy cuisine, the world-famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, beautiful teahouse culture in Renmin Park, outstanding Sichuan opera and the gateway to remarkable natural wonders including Jiuzhaigou Valley and the Leshan Giant Buddha. More relaxed in character than Beijing or Shanghai, Chengdu rewards those who appreciate authentic Chinese city life at a pleasantly unhurried pace.
Elect's take
"Chengdu has a quality of relaxed enjoyment that sets it apart from China's more frenetic megacities. The pandas, the food, the teahouse culture and the extraordinary natural attractions surrounding the city create a combination I find genuinely rewarding."
The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is one of the world's most successful panda conservation programmes and provides outstanding morning encounters with giant pandas, red pandas and cubs in naturalistic settings. The food culture in Chengdu is extraordinary — Sichuan cuisine built on the famous ma la (numbing and spicy) flavour profile with outstanding hot pot, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu and hundreds of street food specialities. The teahouses of Renmin Park and the historic district of Jinli provide beautiful settings for experiencing Chengdu's famously relaxed pace of life. Jiuzhaigou Valley, approximately 9 hours north by road, is one of China's most spectacular natural wonders.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Giant Panda Base
The world's most successful panda conservation programme with outstanding morning encounters.
Sichuan Cuisine
One of China's greatest culinary traditions including outstanding hot pot and dan dan noodles.
Teahouse Culture
A relaxed teahouse tradition in Renmin Park and the historic Jinli district.
Sichuan Opera
The celebrated face-changing performance tradition unique to Chengdu.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
A UNESCO listed natural wonder of extraordinary coloured lakes and waterfalls.
Leshan Giant Buddha
The world's largest stone Buddha carved into a cliff face approximately 2 hours south.
