Chengdu成都

Overview

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, known as the 'Land of Abundance'. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see giant pandas up close. Chengdu is also a UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy', famous for hotpot, chuanchuan, and other mouthwatering Sichuan dishes. The relaxed pace of life is captivating, with Wide and Narrow Alleys and Jinli Ancient Street full of local charm. Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng are World Heritage Sites showcasing ancient wisdom.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The world's largest giant panda breeding base. Watch pandas and red pandas up close. Best to visit in the morning when they're feeding.

Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)

Restored Qing Dynasty streets consisting of three parallel alleys. Best place to experience authentic Chengdu street life.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient irrigation system built in 256 BC, still in use today. A masterpiece of ancient Chinese engineering.

Jinli Ancient Street

One of the oldest streets in Western Shu history. Now a restored commercial street with local snacks, crafts, and folk performances. Adjacent to Wuhou Shrine.

Mount Qingcheng

UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the birthplaces of Chinese Taoism. Front mountain for Taoist culture, back mountain for natural scenery.

Wuhou Shrine

China's only shrine dedicated to both a ruler and his minister. Honors Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei. Sacred site of Three Kingdoms culture.

Food & Snacks

Sichuan Hotpot

Boiling red broth, numbing and spicy. The most beloved food of Chengdu. Try the half-and-half pot for different spice levels.

Chuanchuan Xiang (Skewer Hotpot)

Various ingredients on bamboo sticks cooked in hot broth, charged by the stick. The most affordable and popular street food in Chengdu.

Dan Dan Noodles

Classic Chengdu snack. Chewy noodles topped with savory minced pork, chili oil, and crispy peanuts.

Mapo Tofu

Classic Sichuan dish featuring silky tofu in numbing, spicy sauce with minced meat. Seven flavors: numbing, spicy, hot, fresh, tender, aromatic, and crispy.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Mount Qingcheng (2000) — Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Dujiangyan is the world's oldest no-dam irrigation project, and Mount Qingcheng is a birthplace of Taoism.
• Shu Embroidery (2000) — One of China's four famous embroidery styles, with over 3,000 years of history. Known for fine stitching and vibrant colors.
• Sichuan Opera Face-Changing (2006) — A Sichuan Opera technique where performers instantly change face masks. One of China's most spectacular theatrical arts.

Practical Tips