Chengdu 成都 (Chéngdū)

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and an unusually comfortable base for exploring western China. Its appeal comes less from monumental city-centre sights than from the combination of tea culture, neighbourhood life, excellent food, major museums and easy access to surrounding historic and natural attractions.

Highlights

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地 is the city's best-known attraction. Early mornings are generally the best time to see active pandas.

People's Park 人民公园 (Rénmín Gōngyuán) is a good introduction to the city's teahouse culture, while Kuanzhai Alleys 宽窄巷子 (Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi) and Jinli 锦里 (Jǐnlǐ) provide more polished historic-street experiences.

Sanxingdui Museum 三星堆博物馆 (Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn), north of Chengdu near Guanghan, displays the extraordinary bronze masks, statues and ritual objects of the ancient Shu culture.

Good day trips

Dujiangyan and Qingchengshan combine well in a long day. Sanxingdui is straightforward by rail and taxi. Bifengxia near Ya'an offers another panda-focused excursion in a greener valley setting.