Chengdu Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to the Land of Pandas and Spice

Chengdu: My Favorite City, Bar None

Chengdu is my favorite city, without a doubt. I've visited over 100 cities in China, including those I've lived in, but Chengdu stands out as my number one. It boasts both rich historical heritage and vibrant modern life, blending the aroma of tea in Kuanzhai Alley with the panda sculpture atop IFS. Chengdu excels in food, entertainment, cultural atmosphere, and natural beauty.

I’ve visited Chengdu twice as a tourist, and I also lived there for two years. Aside from my three and a half years in Shanghai for work, I’ve never lived anywhere else for two years straight. And those two years in Chengdu weren’t continuous; they were split between 2018 and 2022. I love Chengdu so much that I’ll definitely return for a longer stay in the future.

Chengdu is a city full of stories, but due to space limitations, I can only share a few here. I’ll also be updating my blog with more content about Chengdu based on my personal experiences.

Convenience and Food Culture

Eating and drinking in Chengdu is incredibly convenient. As long as you're not in a very remote area, you’ll find plenty of places to eat whenever you go out in the evening. Street vendors and small shops offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food. It’s a food lover’s paradise.

Chengdu is a very inclusive city, and there’s something for everyone when it comes to leisure. You can drink tea and listen to opera in People’s Park, soak in the artistic vibe of Tangba Street’s cafes, explore exhibitions at the International Trade Center (ICD), or visit emerging art spaces at Luxelakes. When I lived there in 2018, I attended Sichuan opera performances, which cost only 20 RMB—very affordable! This reflects the love and respect Chengdu residents have for culture, seamlessly integrating it into everyday life.

Inclusivity and Tolerance

Chengdu is also known for its inclusivity, particularly toward the LGBTQ+ community. The city allows people to express their love more freely than in other places where there can be more hostility. This open-mindedness is just one example of how Chengdu embraces diversity.

Chengdu’s Geography and Accessibility

Chengdu’s geographical location is a major advantage. Surrounded by mountains, it sits in a flat basin, making it the undisputed central city of western China. From Chengdu, you can travel west to Tibet, north to Jiuzhaigou, south to Yunnan, and east to Chongqing. It’s a transportation hub with two airports, reflecting the city’s comprehensive strength. If you have time, it's very convenient to explore the surrounding areas.

On clear days, you can even see snow-capped mountains from downtown Chengdu, which is unimaginable in other cities. In summer, you can drive just 2-3 hours to Aba Prefecture for a cool retreat and enjoy the highland scenery. Winters may be damp and cold, but sunny days are frequent. Sitting in a teahouse in Kuanzhai Alley, basking in the warmth of the sun, is a pleasant experience.

The Song “Chengdu” and Its Connection to the City

Chengdu is also immortalized in Zhao Lei's song “Chengdu,” which has inspired countless people to fall in love with the city. It’s one of my favorite folk songs. Every time I hear the line "Walk with me on the streets of Chengdu," I feel a warm rush of emotions. The song feels like a key, unlocking everyone’s gentlest imaginations of the city. Even though I don’t drink, I can understand the sentiment it evokes.

The song is perfect for late-night listening when everything is calm. The lyrics resonate with the places I’ve been and the scenes I’ve experienced, creating a wonderful connection.

My Visits to Chengdu

My first trip to Chengdu was in 2016. It was a short three-day visit, so I didn’t have a particularly deep impression of the city. My second trip was in 2018, when I lived in Shuangliu District for a year with friends. The third time was in 2011 when I visited with a friend for about three or four days. In 2022, I returned for another year, living near the Giant Panda Base.

In 2024, I made two trips to Tibet, flying directly from Chengdu the first time and renting a car to drive there the second. I covered 5,100 kilometers in 18 days, driving alone. People on the road gave me thumbs-up, and I couldn’t help but admire myself for completing the journey.

Chengdu’s Modern Growth

Today, Chengdu is a modern city with excellent architecture, a subway system, and great transportation options. Despite this modernity, the city maintains its historical charm and cultural vibrancy.

Why Chengdu is the Top Choice for Western China

Overall, Chengdu is my favorite city, and my multiple visits show just how much I love it. For anyone planning a trip to China and looking to explore Western China after visiting Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu is the top choice. It's the ideal destination for those who want a well-rounded travel experience. The city combines rich history, modern conveniences, a relaxed pace of life, strong cultural atmosphere, and incredible food. Chengdu is a place you'll want to return to over and over again.

I’ll be updating my blog with at least 10 posts about Chengdu, so feel free to follow along if you’re interested. I hope everyone has a wonderful time traveling in Chengdu. If you want a deeper dive into the city, consider purchasing our in-depth travel guide.