Located in the southwest of China, Chengdu is a city with a history of over 4,500 years of civilization and 2,300 years of city history, known as the "Land of Abundance" since ancient times. It is famous for its slow pace of life, lovely giant pandas, delicious Sichuan cuisine and warm hospitality. As a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, Chengdu combines ancient culture with modern comfort, making it a perfect destination for foreign travelers to experience the true charm of China.

The highlight of Chengdu is undoubtedly the giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see these cute creatures up close. You can watch them munch on bamboo, play around and take photos — going in the morning is highly recommended, as pandas are more active then. Besides the research base, you can also visit the Panda Valley for a more peaceful viewing experience. These lovely animals are not only the symbol of Chengdu, but also the messengers of friendship between China and the world.

Chengdu is a paradise for food lovers. As the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine, it offers a variety of flavors, not just spicy food — the most distinctive feature is its diverse tastes, emphasizing both light and pungent flavors. Don’t miss the spicy and fragrant Chengdu hot pot, tender Mapo Tofu, crispy Dan Dan Noodles and delicious egg tarts with osmanthus flavor. You can taste these snacks in Jinli Ancient Street, Chunxi Road or local food markets, where you can also feel the strong local food culture.

To experience the slow life of Chengdu, you can go to Kuanzhai Alleys, a place that preserves the style of old Chengdu. Wander along the narrow lanes, visit traditional handicraft shops, drink a bowl of local gaimai tea (covered bowl tea) and try the local folk activity of ear cleaning. People’s Park is also a good choice — sit in the century-old Heming Tea House, chat with locals and enjoy the peaceful afternoon, which is the true life of Chengdu.

For culture lovers, there are many places worth visiting. Wuhou Temple is the only temple in China that honors both a ruler and his minister, commemorating Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei, and the "red walls and bamboo shadows" here are perfect for taking photos. Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, is a quiet classical garden with lush greenery. Jinli Ancient Street, adjacent to Wuhou Temple, is a pedestrian street with ancient styles, where you can watch Sichuan Opera face-changing and buy souvenirs.

Practical Travel Tips. Chengdu has convenient public transportation, including subways and buses that support international cards. You can download Alipay or WeChat Pay for easy payment (a Chinese bank card may be needed). The best time to visit is March-June and September-November, when the weather is pleasant. Foreign tourists can fill in the entry card online in advance for a smooth entry experience. Chengdu is a safe and friendly city, where you can travel at ease and feel the warmth of this "Park City with Snowy Mountain Skyline".