Travel guide

Chengdu

Sichuan capital of pandas and hot pot

🗓️ Best time: March–June, September–November💰 Budget · ~$55/day📍 China

🏨 Find hotels ✈️ Search flights 🎫 Tours & activities

About Chengdu

Sichuan's laid-back capital is home to the pandas — plus the world's most numbing-spicy hot pot, teahouse culture, and a launchpad to Tibetan plateau day trips.

⭐ Things to do in Chengdu

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan opera face-changingWenshu MonasteryJinli Ancient StreetHot pot dinnerLeshan Giant Buddha day tripMount Emei (UNESCO)Renmin Park ear-cleaning teahouse

🍽️ What to eat in Chengdu

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Mapo tofuSichuan hot potDan dan noodlesKung pao chicken (born here)

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Metro is fast; bike share; walk old quarters.

💡 Local tip

Book panda base for 8am opening — they're active before noon.

🛡️ Safety

Generally safe. VPN needed for Western internet services.

🌙 Nightlife

Lan Kwai Fong; Jiuyanqiao bridge bars.