Jam Tsirani

Chengdu was our final stop in mainland China. This city could easily be placed higher in your itinerary, perhaps following Lijiang or Hangzhou. 

Chengdu is renowned not only for its pandas but also for its cuisine, as it is the capital of Sichuan province, famously known for its spicy and flavor-rich dishes. A visit to Chengdu isn’t complete without experiencing both. Beyond its culinary delights, Chengdu is also known as the biggest infrastructural hub in Western China and is often cited as the happiest city in the country. Once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The city exudes a laid-back and relaxed vibe, with many locals spending their days leisurely chatting in teahouses and cafes. The slower pace of life here is a pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of China’s other megacities, making leisurely strolls in city parks a truly enjoyable experience.

Getting to Chengdu from Xi’an

You can take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu, which is a convenient option that takes about 3.5 hours. A first-class ticket costs approximately $64 USD. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, and you can easily do so via Trip.com.

Where to Stay

We chose the Somerset Riverview Chengdu for our accommodation, and it truly exceeded our expectations. Not only is its location superb—right near a metro station—but the service was among the best we experienced in China. The hotel is situated within a business center that’s connected to a shopping mall, offering convenient access to excellent coffee shops and top-notch restaurants, including one mentioned in the Michelin Guide. I’ll share more about the dining experience in a future blog post.

What to do

1. Meet Fluffy Pandas

If you find yourself in Chengdu, known as the world’s panda capital, you absolutely must visit the pandas. Trust me, you’ll know you’re in the right place—panda merchandise is everywhere! There are several locations to see these beloved creatures, including the Chengdu Panda Base, Dujiangyan Panda Base, and Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve.

We opted for the Chengdu Panda Base, conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown. The entrance fee is 55 yuan, and the park is home to both giant pandas and red pandas. Although the park can get crowded, I recommend avoiding the large groups; they tend to queue up for just one panda, despite there being 237 of them! The park is huge, so waiting to see a single panda isn’t necessary.

Tickets are available for morning or evening entry. I suggest visiting in the morning, as feeding time around 11 am to 12 pm offers a chance to see some delightful interactions between the pandas and their caregivers. It’s best to book your tickets in advance through WeChat or GetYourGuide. Don’t forget to bring your passport for park entry.

While we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, we heard that the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve offers an even more immersive experience, where you can even volunteer as a panda nanny. If you have the time, it might be worth the extra drive to explore this option.

2. Stroll around Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street

If you’re in Chengdu, make sure to visit Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street. These historic streets, now pedestrian zones, are lined with a variety of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and food stalls. They really come alive at night with all the lanterns lit up—it’s like stepping into another world. Just a little tip though, while it’s fun to soak up the atmosphere and maybe grab a snack, you might want to eat your main meals somewhere else. The restaurants here can be a bit pricey for what you get. Trust me, there are loads of other fantastic dining options in Chengdu!

3. Explore Wuhou Shrine

Founded in 223, this shrine is a tribute to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period, making it a cornerstone of Chengdu’s historical sites. Entry is just 50 yuan, and you can easily get your tickets right at the entrance. While you’re there, enjoy the tranquil park setting of the shrine grounds, which also offers plenty of spots to grab a bite. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in some serious history while enjoying the local flavors.

4. Dive into Delicious Sichuan Cuisine

Chengdu is the heart of Sichuan cuisine, famous across China for its spice and depth of flavor. That’s why we decided to jump on a food tour to really get a taste of the local dishes. It was an incredible experience, from the carefully selected restaurants to the variety of dishes we tried, all brought together by our super friendly guide. You can check out the tour we took here: Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu’s Local Eats.

And, while you’re here, you might stumble upon some of Chengdu’s Michelin-mentioned spots just like we did. We ended up at Nan Tang by pure chance, and it turned out to be the best meal we had in China. Seriously, it’s worth a trip back just for another taste. You’ll find it tucked away in a mall along with a few other eateries. 

5. Stroll Along the Jinjiang River

The Jinjiang River promenade is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride, thanks to its dedicated bike lane. With a multitude of bars and cafes lining the route, you can easily find a spot to relax and take in the scenic views.

6. Wangjiang Pavilion Park

Wangjiang Pavilion Park, a tranquil haven dedicated to the poetess Xue Tao, is nestled near the Jinjiang River and is famed for its lush bamboo gardens. This peaceful park offers a chance to appreciate traditional Chinese architecture without the crowds. Admission is just 20 yuan, and there’s no need to purchase tickets ahead of time.

7. Wenshu Monastery

Nestled in the heart of Chengdu, Wenshu Monastery is not just a stunning Buddhist temple; it’s a gateway to experiencing the local lifestyle. To get there, you’ll wander through a well-known teahouse frequented by locals enjoying a relaxed afternoon. The streets surrounding Wenshu Monastery boast traditional Chinese architecture, complete with charming souvenir shops and quaint cafes, creating a picturesque scene.