Must-see highlights
Chengdu City Guide
Home to a 2,300-year-old city that never moved—explore the ancient Shu roots of Sanxingdui and Jinsha, Three Kingdoms heritage at Wuhou Shrine and Du Fu's Cottage, the 2,000-year-old Dujiangyan irrigation marvel, living intangible heritage (Sichuan Opera, Shu embroidery, pixian bean paste), teahouse and alleyway culture, plus hotpot street food and a 3-day itinerary (city centre–pandas–Mount Qingcheng).
Chengdu is famous for pandas, but its relaxed pace, generous food culture and tradition of gathering over tea make visitors want to stay longer.
Reach the Panda Base when it opens, before the heat of the day encourages its residents to retreat indoors.
Spend the afternoon at a traditional tea house, then explore neighborhoods where contemporary cafés sit comfortably beside old courtyards.
Make dinner an event: begin gently, ask for your preferred spice level and let Sichuan's fragrant peppercorns redefine what heat can taste like.