City Overview
Chengdu is laid-back yet lively, famed for giant pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and teahouse culture. It’s a gateway to western China with a thriving food and nightlife scene.
Best Time to Visit
March–June and September–November for mild weather.
Climate
Humid subtropical; hot, humid summers and cool, overcast winters.
Giant Pandas
See pandas up close at the Chengdu Research Base.
Sichuan Cuisine
Hotpot, mapo tofu, and street snacks packed with mala spice.
Teahouse Culture
Relaxed pace with historic teahouses and mahjong in parks.
Must-Visit Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Top spot to see pandas in naturalistic enclosures; arrive early for active feeding time.
Visit in the morning when pandas are most active; avoid holidays.
Jinli Ancient Street
Pedestrian street near Wuhou Temple with snacks, crafts, and traditional decor.
Great for evening strolls; sample street snacks like liangfen.
Recommended Itineraries
1-Day Chengdu
Day 1
- Morning: Panda Base visit
- Afternoon: Wuhou Temple and Jinli Ancient Street
- Evening: Sichuan hotpot or opera face-changing show
Meals: Lunch near Jinli; dinner hotpot (mild or spicy broth).
Accommodation
Recommended Areas
- Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li (shopping, dining)
- Jinjiang district for central access
- Wuhou district for culture and quieter stays
Accommodation Types
Modern hotels and boutique stays around Taikoo Li; budget hostels around Jinjiang and Wuhou.
Booking Platforms
Booking.com, Agoda, and Trip.com; check for English-friendly front desk if needed.
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Food Guide
Local Dishes
Chengdu Hotpot
Rich mala broth with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil.
Recommended Places: Shu Jiu Xiang, Da Long Yi
Recommended Restaurants
- Shu Jiu Xiang - Popular local hotpot chain with multiple spice levels (Mid-range)
Food Notes
Many spots offer non-spicy broth (yuan yang pot). Street food like chuan chuan (skewers) is plentiful.
Transportation
Getting There
Fly into Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) or Tianfu (TFU) airports; high-speed rail connects major cities.
Within the City
Expanding metro network and affordable ride-hailing; plenty of walkable streets in the core.
Transportation Tips
Carry a metro card; spice-sensitive travelers can request 'less spicy' (shao la / wei la).
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Shopping
Shopping Items
- Sichuan peppercorns and chili pastes
- Panda souvenirs
- Bamboo crafts
Shopping Places
IFS/Taikoo Li for brands; local markets around Wide & Narrow Alleys for souvenirs.
Shopping Tips
Vacuum-seal spices for travel; bargain in small markets.
Practical Information
Language Help
English is limited beyond tourist zones; basic Mandarin or translation apps help.
Currency & Payment
Chinese Yuan (CNY); mobile pay common, cash still accepted in small shops.
Emergency Contacts
Police: 110, Medical: 120, Fire: 119.
