Why You Should Visit Chengdu
Chengdu (成都) is the capital of Sichuan province and the panda capital of the world. It’s also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, home to some of China’s best food, and the most relaxed big city in China. Locals say Chengdu is a city that “comes here and doesn’t want to leave” (一座来了就不想离开的城市).
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the number one attraction — the best place in the world to see pandas up close. Go early (opens 7:30am) when the pandas are most active. The red pandas are in an adjacent enclosure and are just as charming. Allow 3-4 hours.
Beyond pandas: Jinli Ancient Street for souvenirs and snacks; Wuhou Shrine (dedicated to the Three Kingdoms hero Zhuge Liang); Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage (the poet Du Fu’s former residence, a peaceful garden); and the People’s Park teahouse — grab a seat, order a cup of jasmine tea, and watch Chengdu’s famous slow pace of life in action.