Chengdu has been settled since the 4th century, which makes it one of China's most ancient cities. There's a charming teahouse culture, fabulous food, plenty of green space to enjoy and a chance to meet the endangered giant pandas.

Things to do

Home to over 100 giant pandas, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is one of China's most popular attractions. Visit in autumn or winter to see tiny new-born pandas crawling around the nursery. Mornings are usually the best time to visit, as pandas spend most of the afternoon napping.

More than 100 years old, the Shufeng Yayun Teahouse offers a fascinating glimpse at life in ancient China. It hosts captivating shows that feature live music, puppetry and the region's famous fire breathers. Arrive early and you can try on elaborate costumes and paint your face with traditional makeup.

The magnificent Wenshu Temple dates to the Tang dynasty and attracts a constant stream of worshippers. After strolling around the grounds, why not enjoy traditional Buddhist cuisine at the temple's on-site vegetarian restaurant?

Lined with leafy willow trees, People’s Park is Chengdu's go-to green space. On weekends, locals flock to the park to take part in group tai chi lessons. It's anchored by a serene lake and dotted with atmospheric teahouses.

Getting around

Chengdu is serviced by an efficient network of metro trains and local buses. Bikes are an eco-friendly way to get from A to B, with plenty of designated cycling lanes crisscrossing the city. You can fly into Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, located around 30 minutes from the city centre.