You're Going to Love Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and one of the largest cities in Western China. It is known as a relaxed and laid-back city, in contrast to some of China's other metropolitan centers. It is a rich agricultural center and has become known as China's 'Land of Milk and Honey' due to its excellent produce.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chengdu
1. Its Position
Chengdu is the gateway to the western hinterlands of China and the plateau of Tibet, with some stunning and wild scenery
2. The Pandas
Any visit must include the Panda Breeding Base in the north of the city. This provides a unique opportunity to see these reclusive creatures.
3. Dujiangyan
Dujiangyan is the place to see some of the best examples of ancient Chinese buildings, engineering and Taoist temples.
4. The Food
Sichuan cuisine is some of the best in China and in Chengdu you will find an incredible variety of dishes not found in the Western world.
5. Sichuan Opera
Do as the locals do and visit a teahouse in the evening to enjoy the unique Sichuan Opera shows.
When to Visit Chengdu
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Chengdu has sweltering summers and cold wet winters, so Spring and Fall are the best times to visit.
How to Get to Chengdu
Plane
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport lies 12 miles outside of the city center and has flights from across China and many international connections. You can take the number 1 express bus into the city center for ¥10 or take a taxi for ¥45.
Train
Chengdu has excellent train connections from all across China, with many high-speed bullet trains, such as the service from Chongquing which costs ¥97.
Car
Chengdu is at the center of an extensive highway network across Western China, with the G317 running to the northwest, the G318 connecting with Tibet in the west and the G5 running northeast from Beijing.
Bus
The city is served by a number of bus services from other Chinese cities, such as Hongyan, with a fare of ¥108 to Chengdu.
Airlines serving Chengdu
Where to Stay in Chengdu
The Traffic Inn Hostel on Desheng Road has good facilities, free WiFi and English-speaking staff with dorm beds from ¥35 and en-suite double rooms from ¥170. The Nanfu Bund Hotel on Shunjiang Road, meanwhile, offers five-star accommodation from ¥350.
Popular Neighborhoods in Chengdu
Jinjaing District - is a young and lively area with lots of bars and international brand shopping.
Wuhou District - is a large and wealthy neighborhood with some historic sights, such as the Wuhou Temple and the ancient Jinli Street.
Qingyang District - is a picturesque neighborhood to the west of the city center and is home to the stunning Qingyang Palace.
Most popular hotel in Chengdu by neighbourhood
Where to stay in popular areas of Chengdu
Most booked hotels in Chengdu
How to Get Around Chengdu
Public Transportation
Chengdu has an extensive and efficient modern metro system. Tickets cost from ¥2-¥4 depending on distance. Local buses cost ¥2.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and metered. Flag fall is ¥9 and then you will pay ¥3 per mile.
Car
Chengdu has a hugely congested rush hour in the morning and evening, so driving at these times is best avoided. Car rental is from around ¥130 per day.
The Cost of Living in Chengdu
Shopping Streets
Chunxi Road is the city's main shopping street, with more than 700 stores selling everything from fashion and jewelry to books and music. Songxian Qiao Antique Market in the Qing Yang District is great for crafts, antiques and souvenirs.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk bought in Chengdu will cost around ¥12.25, and a dozen eggs is priced at ¥7.80.
Where to Eat in Chengdu
There is great food all over Chengdu. Look out for Lanzhou Lamian, which has outlets across the city. It serves great local food, with noodle dishes from just ¥4. Wenshu Temple Vegetarian Restaurant on Wenshu Street does a great buffet for ¥35 and spicy hotpot dishes from ¥50.