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Chengdu

Chengdu Overview

Chengdu is the easygoing heart of southwest China, where teahouse culture meets bold Sichuan flavours. It is also the best base for the province's greatest hits: Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, the Leshan Buddha and the Tibetan plateau beyond.

Meet giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Taste authentic Sichuan hotpot and street snacks in Jinli and Kuanzhai alleys
Day-trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha
Use Chengdu as the launch pad for Jiuzhaigou, Daocheng Yading and Tibet

Top attractions

01

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Turquoise lakes, waterfalls and virgin forest in a UNESCO alpine park.

02

Huanglong

Terraced travertine pools shimmering in blue and gold.

03

Leshan Giant Buddha

A 71 m cliff-carved Buddha overlooking the confluence of two rivers.

04

Mount Emei

A sacred Buddhist peak with a golden summit and a sea of clouds.

05

Daocheng Yading

High-altitude holy mountains and glacial lakes of western Sichuan.

06

Mount Siguniang

The Four Sisters peaks, a paradise for hikers.

Local food

Sichuan Hotpot

Red-oil broth with numbing peppercorns — Chengdu's most iconic shared feast.

Mapo Tofu

Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce — a Sichuan classic since the Qing dynasty.

Dan Dan Noodles

Street-side noodles tossed with chili, sesame and minced pork.

Teahouse & Snacks

Sip jasmine tea in a centuries-old teahouse and nibble local sweets.

Best time to visit

March-June and September-November bring mild weather and clear views; avoid the July-August rainy peak.

How to get there

Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU) airports link to major cities; high-speed rail reaches Xi'an, Chongqing and Kunming.

Travel FAQ

How many days do I need in Chengdu?

2-3 days for the city and pandas, plus 2-4 extra days for a Jiuzhaigou or Mount Emei side trip.

Is Sichuan food very spicy?

It is flavourful and often numbing (mala); most restaurants can adjust the spice level on request.

Can I use Chengdu to reach Tibet?

Yes - Chengdu is the main flight hub for Lhasa and the start of the classic Sichuan-Tibet overland route.

Plan your trip

Tell us your dates and interests — our travel specialists will craft a tailor-made China journey for you.