Travel Guides
📍 Panda Capital & Spice City
Chengdu
Home of the Giant Panda and Sichuan's legendary spicy cuisine. Chengdu is laid-back, tea-house cultured, and the gateway to western China's stunning landscapes.
Best Time to Visit
March–June & September–November
Budget Range
$40/day · $80/day · $200+/day
Getting Around
Metro is expanding. Didi is reliable. Old town areas are walkable.
Food Specialties
Sichuan Hotpot, Mapo Tofu
Must-See Attractions
1
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
See baby pandas in the morning when they're most active
2
Jinli Ancient Street
Traditional architecture, snacks, and souvenirs
3
People's Park Tea House
Experience authentic Chengdu tea culture and ear-cleaning service
Local Insider Tips
1
Visit pandas before 9am — they sleep after eating bamboo
2
Chengdu is the best base for trips to Jiuzhaigou and Leshan Giant Buddha
3
Hotpot is a must — but ask for "we wei" (mild) if you can't handle extreme spice
Must-Try Food
Sichuan Hotpot
Boiling broth with numbing Sichuan peppercorns — a social dining experience
Mapo Tofu
Silky tofu in spicy, numbing sauce — born in Chengdu