The capital of China's Sichuan province, Chengdu might seem an odd destination - to newcomers. In fact, Chengdu has much to recommend it to the intrepid traveller; it's the panda capital of the world and home to the famous Sichuan pepper. It's an alternative to the well-beaten tourist trails leading to Beijing or Shanghai - some of its teahouses have been serving the same special blends for centuries, an appealing authenticity. For those who prefer more modern entertainment, Chengdu's lively nightlife scene attracts fashionable locals as well as international students and city-based expats. Add thrilling archaeological sites and museums, a thriving Tibetan district and, of course, those cute pandas, and you have the ideal city for a romantic break or a family holiday.
Chengdu is often referred to as the 'Land of Milk and Honey' thanks to its enviable location near the Red Basin's fertile agricultural belt. As Chinese mega cities go, it's one of the most accessible and since it's a transport hub for the entire region, Chengdu is easy to reach from almost anywhere. The city is the gateway to China's vast western hinterland, the ancestral home of the giant panda. However, you can see these lovable creatures up close at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and their plush toy equivalents are for sale on almost every street.
There are a thousand and one things to do and a vast range of events and attractions to appeal to every age group. It would be impossible to cover everything that's great about the city so we've chosen some of the top reasons for visiting Chengdu.
More to do's in Chengdu >>
The city's historic sites, magical parks, great shopping and nightlife and unique attractions are just part of Chengdu's appeal. You can also visit for annual events and festivals throughout the year.
See all events in Chengdu >>
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