First time in Chengdu? Four things you have to do in Chengdu

If you're looking for a destination that combines a rich history, incredible (and internationally renowned) cuisine, a fascinating culture, and, of course, the adorable company of giant pandas, then Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is the place for you. This city is a magnet for those who want to experience the region's laid-back lifestyle or for those with a taste for spicy food (and cute pandas). Discover why Chengdu is the city no one wants to leave.

The Best Time to Visit Chengdu

To have the best experience, choosing the right dates is crucial. The weather plays a key role, and without a doubt, the best months to visit Chengdu are from March to June and from September to November.

During these seasons, the city is bathed in simply delightful spring and autumn weather. Temperatures range from a pleasant 18°C to 27°C, creating the perfect environment for exploring without the oppressive summer heat or the gloomy, damp cold of winter. What's more, this pleasant climate isn't just good for tourists; it also puts the city's most famous residents in a great mood! The adorable giant pandas at the Research Center are often much more active and playful outdoors during these months, increasing your chances of seeing them in all their glory.

Enjoy the local cuisine at the Night Markets

Welcome to the world's spice capital! They say the best way to get to know the heart of a city is through its street food, and Chengdu is no exception. Sichuan cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, dominated by the heat of chilies and the unique numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.

Beyond classic tourist spots like Jinli Street or Kuanzhai Alley, the real culinary magic lies hidden in the night markets where locals satisfy their cravings. We recommend venturing out and getting lost in the authenticity of places like:

• Fuqin Night Market: A bustling paradise filled with tempting aromas.
• Jianshe Alley Night Market: Ideal for sampling local specialties in a vibrant atmosphere.
• Liulangwan Night Market: A favorite among the city's foodies.
• Yemaozi Night Market: Offers a genuine experience away from the tourist crowds.

Dare to try everything! From mapo tofu to spicy dumplings, every bite is an adventure for your senses.

Take a walk on Jinli Street

Immerse yourself in Chengdu's relaxed and historic atmosphere with a stroll along the iconic Jinli Street . Located right next to the Wuhou Temple, this street is a perfect recreation of traditional ancient Chinese architecture.

Although the buildings, with their wooden facades and brick walls, have an undeniably ancient appearance, they were actually built recently to emulate the style of the Qing Dynasty. The name "Jinli" refers to the narrow lanes lined with brocade, a fabric for which Chengdu was once famous. Here, you can wander among craft shops, traditional snack stalls, and cozy tea houses, experiencing what life was like in an old-fashioned market. Don't miss the nearby Wuhou Temple, a shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, one of the most brilliant strategists in Chinese history.

Meet the Panda in its Home: Panda Base and Dujiangyan Panda Valley

The moment you've all been waiting for! Seeing a giant panda up close is a truly heartwarming experience. In Chengdu, you have two incredible options to do just that:

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base):
Just 10 km from the city center, this center is the premier sanctuary for the giant panda. Founded in 1987 with only 6 rescued pandas, it now houses more than 150 of them. The enclosure is designed to closely mimic the pandas ' natural habitat, with vast areas covered in bamboo forests. It's the perfect place to see these magnificent animals eat, play, and, with a bit of luck, climb trees. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2. Dujiangyan Panda Valley:
If you're looking for a more nature- and conservation-oriented experience, this is the place for you. It's open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This center focuses on the research, breeding, and training of pandas for their reintroduction into the wild. Here, the pandas live in enclosures that closely resemble their natural environment. One of the best times to visit is around 9:00 a.m., during feeding time, when they tend to be most active. And don't miss the red panda enclosure, where these adorably curious little animals can roam freely!

Marvel at the Face-Changing Opera (Bian Lian)

End your day with one of Sichuan's most amazing cultural traditions: Bian Lian , or "Face Changing." This unique performing art is a subgenre of Sichuan Opera where actors, dressed in vibrant costumes and masks, change their faces in the blink of an eye to the beat of fast-paced music.

Each mask change isn't just a magic trick; it's a way of telling a story, representing an emotional shift in the character (fear, anger, joy) or a change in the play's context. It's a mesmerizing and vibrant spectacle that will leave you speechless, trying to figure out how they do it. You can experience this wonder in many of Chengdu's traditional theaters and teahouses, which offer performances daily.

Pack your adventurous spirit and your love of good food, and get ready to fall in love with this amazing city!