Headlines For February 04 / 8 incredible Places To Visit in And Around Chengdu – China’s City Of Pandas, Hotpot, And Heritage / Publisher LLM Reporters

Once a hidden gem, Chengdu – the capital of China’s Sichuan province – is fast becoming one of the country’s most talked-about destinations. With an alluring blend of ancient tradition, fiery cuisine, and natural beauty (often showcased on social media), it’s no surprise that the city is a rising favourite.

A notable rise in domestic and international flight routes, including greater connectivity via major hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing, is making the vibrant city more accessible than ever.

And as travellers seek deeper, more immersive experiences beyond the bustling megacities, Chengdu, the City of Gastronomy designated by UNESCO, is emerging as the perfect counterpoint – rich in culture yet refreshingly laid-back.

During your visit, make sure you book a night tour of the Jinjiang River

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

No visit to Chengdu is complete without meeting its most famous residents.

The research base offers a rare opportunity to see giant pandas and red pandas in a carefully designed environment that mirrors their natural habitat.

Enjoy an intimate experience with over 100 giant pandas and meet celebrity pandas Hua Hua and Qi Yi. The best viewing spots are Villas 1 and 2, where you can watch these majestic creatures play and snack on their favourite snack, bamboo.

An unmissable experience is the panda cub enclosure, where you can observe three-month-old cubs play, nap, and explore their surroundings. Make sure to visit in the morning when the pandas are most active and adorable.

2. Margo Manor Hotpot

Spice is a way of life in Sichuan province, and nowhere is it more memorably served than at Margo Manor. This impressive hotpot restaurant blends stunning architecture, performance, and fiery Sichuan flavours into one unforgettable dining experience.

It’s a must for lovers of bold cuisine, local flair and spicy flavours.

Take a stroll along the Jinli Ancient Street

3. Taikoo Li Chengdu

Blending ancient Chinese architecture with modern luxury storefronts creates a cosmopolitan cool. This open-air shopping and lifestyle complex in the city’s heart is a case study in how Chengdu embraces the modern without losing its soul.

Expect designer brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Versace among cutting-edge galleries, and some of the city’s best cafés and cocktail bars, including %Arabica and Wang De Chuan Tea Company.

Shoppers can also enjoy tax-free benefits at the nearby IFS (International Finance Square) – a convenient bonus for international travellers looking to indulge and conveniently process their tax refunds immediately after shopping at participating stores.

4. Chuancai Museum

Located in the northwest suburb of Chengdu, this interactive museum is the first of its kind in China. Visitors explore the history of Sichuan cooking with a sensory overload.

Take in the smell of Sichuan’s famous peppercorn, an intoxicating, earthy perfume scent like no other. Or dive in and sample delicious Sichuan delicacies, including Sichuan-style stuffed pancake, northern Sichuan-style jelly, Tofu pudding, and dumplings.

Not only will you observe the local gastronomic history, but you can also enjoy the museum through taste and smell, sampling famous local foods.

Guests can even try their hand at preparing local dishes alongside expert chefs, who will take you on a culinary journey of Sichuan province. Find out more here: Sichuan Cuisine Museum.

Explore the beauty of Qingcheng Mountain Temple

5. Chengdu Peoples Park

Chengdu Renmin Park is an essential stop for a taste of local life. This urban oasis allows visitors to experience the laid-back nature of the city from locals practising tai chi, families enjoying tea in open-air pavilions, and street musicians playing traditional instruments. Be sure to stop and sip on Chengdu’s famous jasmine tea, or even try the local tradition of ear-cleaning. A soothing experience that’s part cultural curiosity, part wellness ritual.

Side trips beyond the city

Thanks to Chengdu’s well-developed high-speed rail and domestic flight network, getting away from the city is easy and rewarding. Here are three must-see attractions, perfect for a day or weekend trip:

6. Jiuzhaigou Valley

On the edge of the Tibetan Plateau are the Min Mountains, which include the nature conservation site Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its crystal-clear lakes and lush wooded mountains. 

Jiuzhaigou is a nature lover’s dream. Spring sees the landscape in full bloom, making it a wonderful escape for hikers, photographers and anyone seeking peace in nature.

Leshan Giant Buddha Cliffside Path is a staggering testament to ancient ingenuity and faith

7. Mount Emei

Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, offers spiritual tranquillity and dramatic mountain views.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for those up for a challenge; scaling its ancient stone stairways will ensure you’re standing on a sea of clouds, overlooking a breathtaking vista.

Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along its cliffside monasteries and potentially encounter the monkeys that inhabit the mountain.

8. Leshan Giant Buddha

Just a short train ride from Chengdu, this 71-metre-high stone Buddha statue, carved over a millennium ago, is the largest of its kind in the world. Viewed by boat or from a hillside path, it’s a staggering testament to ancient ingenuity and faith.

All imagery supplied by Trip.com