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Chengdu

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China

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Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China, is famously known as the "Land of Pandas" because of the presence of the world's largest Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center. Besides this, the city is home to many other fascinating tourist attractions, including temples, parks, and historical sites.

A visit to Chengdu is incomplete without exploring Wuhou Temple, located on the city's southern outskirts. One can reach the temple from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport by bus in less than an hour. Also, animal lovers must visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see, touch, interact, and even hold adorable baby pandas.

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring lasts from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to February. The average annual temperature in the city is 16.5 degrees Celsius. The official language spoken in Chengdu is Mandarin. However, the locals in the city also widely use the Sichuan dialect.

Travel Tips for Chengdu

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Chengdu

A guide to Chengdu's local transportation

Metro
Bus
Taxi

The Chengdu metro system is an easy, affordable, and efficient way to get around the city. While the metro system in China is similar to other developed countries, the security checks are slightly tighter. During the security check, you will need to put your bag through an x-ray machine. The metro operates every day from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. The fare is quite affordable, approximately 0.5 or 1 RMB per stop.

Practical Tips for Chengdu

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Where is the popular shopping place in Chengdu?

If you're looking to purchase some souvenirs in Chengdu, then Jinli Street is definitely worth a visit. This charming narrow street is located just east of Wuhou Temple and offers a wide variety of Chengdu's specialties and snacks. You can also shop for Sichuan Province's famous handicrafts, such as paper-cutting, clay statues, and Shu embroidery. If you're looking for more shopping options, head over to the Kuanzhai Alley Night Market. This market is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Chengdu and is located in the colorful Kuanzhai Alley area. At the night market, you can find a wide range of souvenirs, local cuisine, and other items to take back home.

What are the places to visit in Chengdu?

Chengdu is home to many tourist attractions to explore, spanning from historical and cultural sites to natural and culinary destinations. Among the must-visit places in Chengdu is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which houses around 600 giant pandas and offers various activities like up-close encounters with pandas, educational sessions, and souvenir shopping. Another must-see is the Wuhou Temple, built in honor of the famous Chinese general and statesman Zhuge Liang, and considered one of the most significant temples in China. Meanwhile, the ancient town of Luodai, which was formerly the first town of the Hakka people, attracts tourists with its Hakka-style building architecture, thousand-year-old streets, and well-kept culture. Visitors to Luodai can also enjoy sipping tea while playing mahjong at the town's shops.

When is the recommended time to visit Chengdu?

Chengdu is at its most beautiful and pleasant during the spring season when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, and the weather is mild and pleasant. This time of the year is perfect for exploring the city's stunning parks, enjoying the local food, and immersing yourself in Chengdu's rich cultural heritage.

What are the recommended local cuisines in Chengdu?

Chengdu is the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine, making it a popular destination for culinary tourism. Besides hot pot, Chengdu is home to various other delicious dishes, such as Bo Bo Chicken, which consists of boneless chicken pieces mixed with various seasonings in a pottery bowl. Bo Bo Chicken has crispy skin and tender meat, with a perfect balance of spicy, fresh, sweet, and salty flavors. Mapo tofu is another well-known Sichuan dish that is simple in ingredients and affordable in price but has an irresistible aroma and spiciness. Sichuan's seafood dishes are also not to be missed, especially the Douban fish menu, which is cooked with Pixian Douban sauce and water lettuce and has a rich peanut paste aroma that will make you want it more.

What are the interesting events or festivals held in Chengdu?

Chengdu is a city known for its many fascinating festivals and events, which include cultural, art, and culinary celebrations. Several of the city's regular events include the Chengdu International Tourism Fair (CITF), an international tourism exhibition held every September that showcases tourism products and services from around the world. The Chengdu International Panda Culture Festival (CIPCF), held every October, is a panda-themed cultural festival that features various cultural and entertainment events. Finally, there is Chengdu International Fashion Week (CFW), which occurs every December, where various fashion collections from leading designers worldwide are held.

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