Chengdu, China Travel Guide
Sichuan Information for the Best Places to Visit, Tours, and Food
Oct 1, 2009
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, blends a puree of ancient culture with thriving modernity, while still offering travelers easy access to some of China’s most unspoiled wilderness areas. Chengdu, nestled along the Fu and Nan Rivers, boasts some of the spiciest cuisine, the best bars, and a population as laidback as a lazy summer Sunday.
With a history of almost 2400 years, Chengdu brims with cultural legacy and tradition, both running deeper than the never-ending glasses of tea, travelers are likely to enjoy at one of the many sanctimonious river-park teahouses.
Also, within easy access by bus or train, Chengdu offers a unique stepping-stone to the Sichuan basin, which is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Eastern flank of the soaring Tibetan plateau, the majestic Yangtze River, and a range of unspoiled wilderness areas like Juiziaghou, the last refuge of wild Giant Pandas.
Chengdu, which means, “becoming a capital,” was created in the 4th century BC and is the birthplace of many great things: modern irrigation and flood control, which can still be seen at Dujiangyan Irrigation System; tea cooking and tea culture; the use of paper money; the wood-block printing system; the legendary poet-sage Dufu; and, of course, the blistering spices of hotpot.
Chengdu was also situated at the beginning of the Southern Silk Road, so it has always had a thriving marketplace, and its time-honored specialty is colorful brocades and elegant embroidery. Traces of the beginning of the Bronze Age in China have also been linked to Chengdu and the Sichuan basin.
Chengdu, now the fifth largest city in China, is located at the western edge of the Sichuan basin, just east of the fractured Tibetan plateau, and north of the Yangtze River. The western border of the sharp Qinling Mountains shelters the city, so winters are mild and summers are relatively cool. Most of the year it’s neither too hot nor too cold to be outside.
Chengdu does have some interminably grey periods during the winter and on average receives less sunlight per year than London. But, travelers should not let those facts be daunting, because the warmth, hospitality, and laid-back attitude travelers will find amongst the locals makes up for a spell of dreariness.
The optimal time to visit would be spring, from March-June and in October or November when all the flowers are coming into bloom. Late July and August can get a little hot and humid.
Tourist Activities Around Chengdu and Sichuan Area
Chengdu has a wealth of activities to keep even the busiest travelers occupied for weeks. This section will show tourists all of the best temples, tours, mountains, and hidden places only the locals know about.
Also any highlight of Sichuan travel is trying all of the delicious and spicy foods. From hot pot to bar-b-q, this section will show travelers the best foods and the best places to enjoy them around Chengdu. Check out the dining section.
Shopping and Entertainment for Chengdu Travel. From the latest Asian and Western fashion trends, to cheap places to find electronics like cameras and cell phones, and reliable places to find authentic antiques or real jade.
Travel Guide for Getting To, From, and Around Chengdu
Like many other Chinese cities, Chengdu can overwhelm, shock, and awe the newcomer, but this section will give travelers tips on how to easily get around Chengdu by bus, taxi, bike, or on foot. This section also provides some suggested routes, which can be done in a few hours or a few days, so you can maximize your time in the city.
Chengdu is the largest transportation hub in southwest China. This section shows travelers how to get in and out of Chengdu with the least amount of hassle. Tips in this section include, how to get to the airport, train stations, bus stations, and what to expect once travelers get there.
Dangers and Annoyance for Chengdu Travelers
Chengdu is an extremely safe city, but this section gives travelers advice for both a safe and culturally positive experience. This section highlights some of the common problems travelers will encounter in the Sichuan Basin and how to deal with them.
Chengdu is a wonderful city that holds a wealth of potential waiting to be discovered. Be advised thought that this city's motto is "A city which tourists do not want to leave once they visit." With so much to see and do around Chengdu, the minimum recommended length of time is 3-5 days for the city and 1-2 weeks for the surrounding basin. For more information on Chengdu click on the subtitles heading.
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