CHENGDU
CHENGDU
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province. It’s known for its spicy food, laid-back vibe and tea houses. It is also famous for being the hometown of pandas, you can’t go far in Chengdu without seeing something panda-related. Chengdu is a must-visit for anyone heading to Western China.
Population: Approx 16 million
Weather: Long hot humid summers, cold foggy winters. Spring and autumn are very short.
Popular food: Hotpot, Chuan chuan, Mapo tofu, Laziji (chicken with Sichuan peppers and chili), Dan dan noodles, Tianshuimian (sweet water noodles) - This list could go on forever Sichuan food is amazing!
Best areas to explore: Jinjiang, Wuhou, Qingyang, Tongzilin, Yulin
Top things to do in Chengdu: Eat everything! Giant Panda Research Base, Wuhou Shrine, Wenshu Temple, People’s Park, Cycle around the city, Make friends with the locals in a teahouse, Day trip to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha
Getting around Chengdu: Chengdu has a great subway system so it is really easy to get around. It is also the perfect city to cycle around as it is relatively flat and has cycle lanes all over the city.
Metro: ¥2-10/£0.20-£1.10
Hotels: ¥138-¥281/£15-£30 (Budget) ¥562-¥749/£60-£80 (Luxury)
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Our Chengdu Films
From our first visit to Chengdu, we fell in love with the city, food and of course pandas.
Even though Chengdu is a massive city it has a laid-back vibe to it. You’ll find many a resident whiling away the hours at a local teahouse, chilling in the park or catching up with friends. We spent a couple of weeks exploring the city but could have stayed for a lifetime.
Need help in Chengdu?
Chengdu is a city that moves at its own pace. From relaxing in teahouses to watching giant pandas and diving into the world of Sichuan cuisine, it offers a completely different side of China, one that’s laid-back, flavourful, and full of character.
If you’re planning a trip to China, Chengdu is often high on the list. The challenge is knowing how long to stay, what’s actually worth your time, and how to balance it with faster-paced cities on your route.
That’s where I can help.
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