Chengdu: The City You'll Never Want to Leave

Explore One of the "Hottest" Cities in China
Located in southwest China, the capital of Sichuan Province has it all: a bustling night life contrasted with a relaxing tea culture, authentic Sichuan cuisine, and of course—pandas! It's no surprise the city has been a popular tourist destination for years; if you're a culinary adventurer this is the first place you should head for face-numbing levels of spice. If it's culture and tradition you're into, the city boasts a number of ancient historical sites. And if it's a certain bear you're looking for, where better than the home of the panda?

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The best place to see pandas is just outside of Chengdu, and it's packed full of those little bundles of fun!

Dujiangyan

Built in the Qin Dynasty by the local governor Li Bing, Dujiangyan is the best preserved ancient irrigation system in China.

Xiling Snow Mountain

The highest mountain in Chengdu is capped with snow all year round, and it's home to beautiful fauna, pandas, and a fantastic ski resort.

Mount Qingcheng

One of the most famous Taoist mountains in China, Mount Qingcheng is a blend of beautiful scenery and ancient cultural sites.

Wuhou Temple

Wuhou Temple is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the prime minister and regent of the State of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period.

Du Fu's Thatched Cottage

Home to the famous poet Du Fu when he lived in Chengdu over a thousand years ago, it is now a 24-acre site which includes a tranquil garden surrounding the cottage, and a temple.

Jinsha Site Museum

The museum was built to showcase the late Shang and Zhou dynasty archaeological finds unearthed in the Jinsha Ruins, which includes the famous Sun and Immortal Bird Gold Foil.

Broad and Narrow Alley

Relax with a cup of tea, share a hot pot with friends, and experience the traditional culture of Chengdu down these Qing Dynasty streets.

Jianchuan Museum

China's largest private museum is actually a cluster of museums, with an impressive collection of artifacts from the Second Sino-Japanese War and China's "Red Era".

Anren Ancient Town

The town is a combination of Tang Dynasty, Republic era, and modern buildings. With its collection of old mansions and museums, it's the perfect place to see the history of Chengdu.

Attractions

Hot Pot

If you're feeling adventurous, go for the spicy option; if not, there are also non-spicy versions. Whichever you choose, hot pot is the quintessential Sichuan dish and is a must when visiting Chengdu.

Spicy Skewers

Skewers of everything from meat to seaweed dipped in a spicy broth. It's a popular street food and another of the region's signature dishes.

Fuqi Feipian

Translated as "husband and wife lungs", this dish of beef heart, tongue, and tripe covered in a generous serving of chilies, Sichuan pepper, and ground peanuts is a popular dish in Chengdu served cold.

Rabbit's Head

Marinated in a blend of spices which includes cinnamon, fennel, and dried chili peppers, rabbit's head is one of the most popular snacks in Chengdu.

Dou Hua

Also known as tofu pudding, this soft tofu is often paired with a topping of green onion, peanuts, and dried radish, or a generous coating of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Take your pick!

Dandan Noodles

A spicy sauce with preserved vegetables, served over a bed of thin noodles. You'll find this dish being served through the streets of Chengdu.

Mapo Tofu

Famous throughout China, Mapo Tofu is a classic dish which combines the heat of chilies with the numbing spiciness found throughout Sichuan cuisine.

Sichuan-Style Wontons

Known colloquially as "chao shou", these wontons have thin skins and are packed with juicy meat. They’re typically served in a spicy broth, but there's also a non-spicy variety if you’re looking for something milder.

Twice Cooked Pork

This popular dish is named after the cooking process. Pieces of streaky pork belly are first simmered in water with spices, then sliced and fried in a wok with vegetables and a rich sauce. And what better place to enjoy this Sichuan dish, than the in the capital of the province?

Maocai

The best way to describe maocai is a hot pot for one. If you're craving the heat and spiciness of a hot pot, but want something more convenient and quick, head to a local maocai restaurant.

Cuisine