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’.
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