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Chengdu

The capital city of the historic Sichuan region, Chengdu is one of China’s most popular destinations thanks to its teahouses, which serve as the hub of social life for its residents. Try some of the many varieties of on offer and behold the elegance of a tea serving process that has been cultivated over thousands of years. Meanwhile, the Chengdu Panda Research Base offers the rare opportunity to observe giant pandas and learn about their endangered existence. As a laid-back city with lots of green space, Chengdu lives up to its nickname as the ‘land of plenty’.

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What you’ll love most about Chengdu

  • Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see adorable pandas up close, learn about conservation efforts, and even volunteer to care for these iconic bears
  • Explore Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling pedestrian alley lined with traditional Sichuanese architecture, teahouses, street food stalls, and souvenir shops, offering a taste of Chengdu’s rich culture
  • Indulge in authentic Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavours and spicy dishes like mapo tofu and hotpot, at local restaurants, food markets, and street vendors throughout Chengdu
  • Discover the history of the Three Kingdoms period at Wuhou Shrine, a memorial hall dedicated to the legendary military strategist Zhuge Liang and other historical figures, surrounded by beautiful gardens and ancient temples
  • Take a day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers, and explore the surrounding scenic area
  • Experience Chengdu’s vibrant teahouse culture by visiting a traditional teahouse in People’s Park or Renmin Park, where you can sip tea, play mahjong, watch Sichuan opera, and socialise with locals

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 10℃
  • 11℃
  • 15℃
  • 21℃
  • 26℃
  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 29℃
  • 25℃
  • 21℃
  • 16℃
  • 11℃
  • 14
  • 13
  • 16
  • 16
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 20
  • 19
  • 18
  • 10
  • 9

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Winter in Chengdu is damp and grey, with overcast skies and mist giving the city a moody, atmospheric charm. Though it rarely snows, it can feel colder than the thermometer suggests due to the humidity. This is prime time for warming up with a bubbling bowl of Sichuan hotpot or visiting the panda base without the crowds.

February

Still chilly, but alive with colour during Chinese New Year. Red lanterns hang from shopfronts and temples like Wuhou Shrine host traditional performances. February is also a great time to explore teahouse culture - locals linger over jasmine or green tea, playing mahjong as the festive buzz fills the city.

March

As March arrives, plum and magnolia blossoms begin to appear, especially around parks like Wangjianglou. Daytime highs typically reach into the mid-teens °C, and the city starts to shake off the winter chill. Springtime walks along the Jin River or a visit to nearby Mount Qingcheng become more enticing.

April

Spring hits its stride. Bamboo forests glisten with new growth, and the giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base are often more active in the milder weather. Temperatures hover pleasantly around 20°C. It’s also a wonderful month to explore the ancient town of Huanglongxi, just outside the city.

May

May brings warmth and energy. With highs climbing to the mid-20s, this is an ideal time for outdoor markets, local festivals, and cycling around the leafy streets of Chengdu. Head into the nearby hills to see lush tea plantations and catch the first flush of the season being picked.

June

Summer arrives with more heat and higher humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but they tend to pass quickly. June is ideal for ducking into air-conditioned museums like the Sichuan Museum or sampling cold Sichuan noodles in the city’s thriving food scene.

July

One of Chengdu’s hottest months, with peak temperatures often reaching around 30°C. Locals cool off in mountain retreats like Qingchengshan or Emei Shan. Evenings are vibrant - food streets such as Jinli bustle with people eating skewers and sipping herbal teas beneath paper lanterns.

August

Still hot and steamy, but cultural experiences abound. August is a good time to visit nearby Leshan and its towering Buddha statue, ideally early in the day before the heat peaks. Chengdu’s shady parks and teahouses offer ample places to relax with a game of cards or a live opera performance.

September

Relief comes in September, with drier air and more bearable warmth. Daytime highs often sit around 25°C. The Mid-Autumn Festival occasionally falls in this month, with mooncakes, lanterns, and evening gatherings becoming part of the rhythm of the city.

October

A golden time to visit. October brings crisp mornings and clear skies - perfect for exploring People’s Park or wandering the Kuan & Zhai alleyways. Autumn colours start to appear in the surrounding mountains, and pandas remain active as the air cools.

November

A tranquil month. Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and misty mornings make it great for photography. Try a hot bowl of mapo tofu or explore the city’s growing number of boutique tea houses and art spaces. November is also a great time for a short trip into the nearby Sichuan countryside.

December

Chengdu’s winter sets in with low, cloud-covered skies and a cosy, unhurried feel. Daytime highs tend to hover around 10°C. End the year with street snacks, a traditional face-changing Sichuan opera show, or a visit to one of the hot springs dotted around the region.

Our Ratings

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