Chengdu

成都

The capital of Sichuan Province, famous as the giant panda capital of the world and a center of Chinese culture and cuisine. Home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and vibrant teahouses, street food, and ancient temples.

Things to do

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — Watch giant pandas in naturalistic habitats and learn about conservation efforts at this world-renowned breeding facility.
• Wuhou Shrine — Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei, featuring traditional architecture and gardens from the Three Kingdoms period.
• Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys) — Stroll through restored Ming and Qing Dynasty alleyways lined with traditional teahouses, shops, and street food vendors.
• Jinsha Site Museum — Discover artifacts from the ancient Shu Kingdom including the famous Golden Sun Bird symbol, dating back 3,000 years.
• Qingyang Palace — Visit one of China's oldest Taoist temples with intricate wooden carvings and a peaceful setting in the city center.
• People's Park Teahouse Culture — Experience traditional Chengdu teahouse life by sitting in bamboo chairs with locals, sipping tea, and watching street performances.

Food to try

• Mapo Tofu — A signature Sichuan dish of soft tofu in a numbing and spicy chili oil sauce with ground pork, known for its balanced heat and tingling sensation.
• Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) — Diced chicken stir-fried with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, creating an intensely aromatic and spicy dish.
• Dan Dan Noodles — Chewy noodles served in a sesame-chili paste sauce topped with pickled vegetables and minced meat, originating from Chengdu street vendors.
• Chengdu Hot Pot — A communal dining experience where diners cook fresh ingredients in a simmering broth infused with chilies and Sichuan peppercorns at the table.
• Zhong Shui Jiao (Chongqing Dumplings) — Poached wontons in a spicy chili oil-based broth, typically filled with pork and served as a beloved street snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the Teahouse Lifestyle — Chengdu residents spend leisurely hours in teahouses; sit down, order tea and snacks, and enjoy the unhurried pace rather than rushing through.
• Spice Tolerance Matters — Many local dishes are intensely spicy and use numbing Sichuan peppercorns; ask vendors 'bu la' (not spicy) if you prefer milder flavors.
• Respect Temple Customs — When visiting temples like Wuhou Shrine or Qingyang Palace, dress modestly, avoid pointing at statues, and move quietly through sacred spaces.
• Cash and Haggling in Markets — While modern areas accept mobile payments, traditional markets and small teahouses prefer cash; haggling is expected in street markets but not restaurants.