Chengdu

Chengdu is located in southwestern China and is the capital of Sichuan Province. With over two thousand years of history, it is a city known for its relaxed atmosphere, rich cultural tradition and famous spicy cuisine. Chengdu is also home to the giant panda, China's national symbol, and one of the best places in the world to see this animal up close. Between historic temples, traditional teahouses and a vibrant urban life, the city offers a unique mix of history, nature and local culture.

What to see?

Giant Panda Research Centre
Chengdu's most famous attraction and one of the best places in the world to observe giant pandas in an environment close to their natural habitat.

Wuhou Temple
An important temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang and the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period, closely linked to the region's history and culture.

Leshan Giant Buddha
About two hours from the city stands this gigantic Buddha statue carved into rock, one of the most impressive in China.

Recommended experiences

Watching giant pandas early in the morning
Visiting the research centre in the morning lets you see the pandas when they are most active, feeding or playing.

Drinking tea in a traditional teahouse
Teahouses are an essential part of local life in Chengdu. Sitting in a park or a traditional courtyard to enjoy a cup of tea is a quintessential city experience.

Trying Sichuan hot pot
One of Chengdu's most famous culinary experiences. This dish consists of cooking various ingredients in a spicy broth full of spices.

Culture & fun facts

Cultural capital of Sichuan
The city is the cultural heart of the Sichuan region, famous for its traditional opera, music and vibrant urban life.

The teahouse tradition
Drinking tea is a fundamental part of social life in Chengdu. For centuries, the city's inhabitants have gathered in teahouses to chat, play cards or simply relax.

The art of face-changing
Chengdu is known for the spectacle of Bian Lian, a theatrical technique from Sichuan opera in which performers change masks in fractions of a second.

Local cuisine

Chengdu is considered one of China's gastronomic capitals and the heart of Sichuan cuisine, famous for its intense, spicy flavours thanks to the use of chilli and Sichuan pepper. Among the most representative dishes are Sichuan hot pot, a pot of spiced broth in which meats, vegetables and tofu are cooked; mapo tofu, tofu with minced meat and spicy sauce; and kung pao chicken, stir-fried with peanuts and a slightly spicy touch.

Tips for travellers

Chengdu has an international airport and good high-speed rail connections, making it easy to reach from cities like Xi'an, Chongqing or Shanghai. To visit the city at a relaxed pace it is recommended to spend two to three days, enough time to visit the panda centre, explore some temples and enjoy the cuisine. The city is also an excellent base for nearby excursions, such as the Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei. Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and great cultural and gastronomic offerings, Chengdu is usually a very enjoyable stop on any itinerary through southwestern China.