Want to travel to Chengdu but do you know anything about this super HOT destination? The journey to explore Chengdu will open up opportunities to meet pandas, experience unique cuisine as well as better understand China’s rich culture and history. Now, let’s check out our Chengdu blog with the ultimate guide to Chengdu for all kinds of travelers below!
Chengdu – a vibrant city, famous for its rich cultural beauty and majestic scenery of Western China. Every street corner, every historical site, every road in Chengdu contains ancient stories, attracting curious tourists to explore.
With a unique combination of modern life and traditional spirit, Chengdu is not only an ideal destination to relax but also a place to explore and experience the cultural diversity of China. Let’s start your journey to Chengdu with Klook Vietnam, where the past and present blend in a wonderful space.
Where is Chengdu? (#Chengdu blog)
Located in Southwest China, Chengdu is both an important trading center and a famous tourist destination with more than 4,000 years of history. From the Jinsha culture to today’s modern metropolis, Chengdu has experienced special historical changes and still retains its unique cultural identity.
The history of Chengdu is not only the story of a city but also an important part of Chinese culture. Known as the “paradise country”, “the heart of Sichuan”, Chengdu has witnessed remarkable development and is a destination that attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year.
Guide to Traveling from Vietnam to Chengdu, China
Currently, there are many Vietnamese airlines operating flights from major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Chengdu such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Asiana Airlines, Eva Air, … This creates favorable conditions for you to flexibly arrange and choose a flight time suitable for your itinerary.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the main airport of Chengdu, about 16 km from the city center. You can travel from the airport to the city center by taxi, bus or subway. Chengdu has a developed public transportation system with buses, subways, taxis, … You can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to travel around this place.
When is the best time and season to travel to Chengdu?
Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan, attracts visitors with its modern beauty combined with ancient features, long-standing culture and rich cuisine. This place is like a peaceful symphony in the heart of Sichuan, containing countless interesting things waiting for you to discover.
If you want to immerse yourself in a pleasant, cool atmosphere, come to Chengdu in spring (March – May) or autumn (September – November). These are the two most beautiful seasons in Chengdu, when the weather is warm and mild, flowers and grasses bloom brilliantly, adorning the city with a romantic and vibrant beauty.
In spring, Chengdu puts on a splendid coat with colorful gardens in Chengdu. Lantern festivals and peach blossom festivals take place jubilantly, giving visitors the opportunity to experience unique local culture.
In autumn, Chengdu puts on a brilliant red and yellow coat of leaves, creating a poetic and romantic scene. Spicy fish hotpot, moon cakes, persimmons – autumn specialties will captivate your taste buds. Meanwhile, winter brings cold weather and possible snow, which is the right time for those who want to experience the cold feeling in Chengdu.
Famous Chengdu Tourist Destinations to Visit
Chengdu owns countless valuable historical and cultural relics, an ideal destination for those who love to explore. Visitors can visit the famous landmarks below.
Qingcheng Mountain (#Chengdu blog)
Qingcheng Mountain is one of the famous mountains located about 70km from the center of Chengdu city. With its wild and majestic beauty, Qingcheng Mountain attracts you with its wonderful natural scenery and peaceful and fresh feeling.
Standing out on Qingcheng Mountain is the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. In addition to the mountain scenery and historical structures, Mount Qingcheng has many other attractions worth exploring. The Taoist Temple is one of the important destinations, where you can learn about local beliefs.
Chengdu Renmin Park (People’s Park)
Famous as one of the eight ancient scenic spots of Yongzhou, People’s Park emerges as a must-see destination for those who want to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Chengdu. This place is like a hidden gem in the heart of the city, attracting visitors with its poetic and majestic scenery and long-standing historical and cultural values.
One of the highlights of the park is the Phoenix Tower. This tower is not only a symbol of Chengdu’s culture and history but also a destination that attracts many tourists with its unique architecture and Chinese architectural style.
Chengdu Panda Reserve (Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding)
The Panda Reserve is a must-see destination when you come to Chengdu. Established in 1987, it serves as an important research and conservation center, dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating the rare panda species.
Coming to the Panda Reserve, you will have the opportunity to admire the lovely pandas and observe their natural behavior in a habitat that is recreated to be close to the wild. Join the guided tours, you will fully explore the reserve, learn about the history of its formation, the conservation mission and the efforts of scientists in protecting the pandas from extinction.
Wuhou Temple
Wuhou temple is not only a famous historical site but also an impressive architectural complex with temples, shady gardens and the famous red wall. This is a place built for the famous general Zhuge Liang, one of the most famous historical figures in China. Besides exploring the architecture and history, Wuhou temple is also a great destination for those who love taking pictures. With a beautiful backdrop, you can create vivid and meaningful photos.
Wuhou Temple is a complex that includes temples and tombs of two famous historical figures: Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Here, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the quiet and peaceful space of the temple, visit the unique architecture and admire the statues and stone tablets carved with the images of great historical figures.
In addition, Wuhou Temple also attracts tourists with its beautiful natural scenery and pleasant, cool climate all year round. You can stroll in the green gardens, admire the rows of ancient trees and relax in the peaceful and serene space of this place.
Jinli Ancient Street, Chengdu
With about 300 years of history, Jinli Ancient Street is an ideal destination when traveling to Chengdu. This ancient Street was once the commercial and cultural center of this land, and today still retains the traditional beauty of an ancient town.
When entering Jinli Ancient Street, you will be fascinated by the small streets, wooden houses and traditional handicraft shops. Not only is it a place to enjoy unique architectural works, this place is also an ideal shopping area for you to get souvenirs imbued with Chinese culture.
Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu
With a total area of up to 60,000 hectares, Jiuzhaigou is a natural paradise with a rich and diverse ecosystem. Famous destinations that you should not miss in Jiugou Camp are Five Flower Lake, Wutai Lake and Baiyu Waterfall.
Exploring Jiuzhaigou when traveling to Chengdu is a great opportunity to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty and enjoy peaceful moments in the wild nature. Jiuzhaigou promises to bring you memorable memories in your journey to explore Chengdu.
Chengdu Tianfu Square
With its large area and impressive architecture, this square is a gathering place for many cultural, entertainment and educational activities, attracting residents and tourists every day.
At Tianfu Square, you can participate in many different fun activities. Children can enjoy the green space, while adults can enjoy outdoor art performances or participate in cultural and musical events.
Anshun Bridge (Dongmen Bridge)
Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Anshun Bridge across the Jinjiang River is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vivid picture of Chinese history and culture.
In particular, in the evening, when the sparkling lights are turned on, Anshun Bridge becomes a sparkling highlight on the Jin River, creating a sparkling and romantic scene.
New Century Global Center
With an area of up to 1.7 million square meters, New Century Global Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment areas and various services, meeting all your needs.
In addition to shopping, New Century Global Centre is also an ideal place to enjoy cuisine. Here, you can find a variety of restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international cuisine.
Delicious Specialties of Chengdu
Chengdu not only attracts tourists with its poetic natural landscape and long-standing historical relics, but is also a culinary paradise with specialties bearing the spicy and delicious flavor of Sichuan. Let’s explore some dishes that cannot be missed when coming to Chengdu:
Sichuan Hot Pot
The dish that makes Sichuan cuisine famous with its spicy and fragrant broth from typical chili peppers and herbs. Visitors can choose a variety of hot pot ingredients such as beef, pork, seafood, vegetables, etc.
Stir-fried Noodle with spicy sauce
The chewy noodles are stir-fried with spicy and fragrant satay, combined with meats, vegetables and eggs to create a unique flavor that stimulates the taste buds.
Cold Noodles with Spicy Sauce
The perfect cooling dish with chewy noodles, spicy sauce mixed with crispy vegetables, minced meat and roasted peanuts.
Dandan Noodles
A famous noodle dish with a rich broth made from minced meat, black bean sauce, roasted sesame and chili. The chewy noodles blend with the delicious broth, creating an irresistible flavor.
Mapo Tofu
A dish made from soft tofu, stir-fried with minced meat, chili and spices to create a characteristic spicy, salty flavor.
Kung Pao Chicken
A familiar dish with crispy chicken, marinated with rich spices, stir-fried with bell peppers, onions and vegetables.
In addition, Chengdu also has countless other specialties such as: Xiao Long Bao dumplings, salty water dumplings, Sichuan baked cakes, etc. Each dish has its own unique flavor, promising to satisfy visitors.
Experience of Self-sufficient Chengdu Travel – Things to Note
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is famous for its poetic scenery, long-standing culture and rich cuisine. Planning a self-guided tour of Chengdu will give you a great experience and save you money.
- Prepare a map or phone app: Chengdu has a large and complex urban structure, so having a guide will help you avoid getting lost and enjoy the sights to the fullest.
- Pay attention to the spiciness of the dishes: note that some dishes may be spicier than you expect. In particular, Mapo Tofu, a famous Sichuan dish, is often spicy and characterized by strong spices. If you do not like spicy food, ask for less spices when ordering.
- Be careful when moving: whether you are walking or traveling by public transport, always pay attention to traffic safety. Obey the street rules and pay attention to the surrounding environment, keeping yourself and others safe throughout the journey.
- Refer to travel websites, blogs, forums to learn about Chengdu’s attractions, culture, cuisine, etc. Plan your itinerary, accommodation, food, etc. in detail.
- Apply for a visa: If you are a foreigner, apply for a Chinese tourist visa before coming to Chengdu.
- Pre-book 4G SIM & China Pocket WiFi Device: When preparing for a trip to Chengdu, having a mobile phone SIM and a reliable Wifi connection is one of the important factors that help you easily move and experience the city conveniently. You can buy a tourist SIM card at mobile phone stores or sales counters at Chengdu International Airport. However, for more convenience, you should buy the service at Klook.
Traveling to Chengdu is a colorful and diverse experience, from the beauty of ancient architecture to the unique flavors of Sichuan cuisine. With a variety of historical, cultural and natural attractions, Chengdu is not only a place to explore but also a place to enjoy and experience new things. Whether you are a foodie, history, culture or nature enthusiast, Chengdu has magical corners waiting for you to discover.
The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Chengdu you can refer to
- Dujiangyan Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng Tour from Chengdu
- Chengdu Gourmet Night Group Tour
- Chasing Dawa for 3 days and 2 nights (free Tibetan travel photography + Gedi Ram +
- Dawa Gengza + Shenmu Lei)
- Chengdu Radio and TV Tower Admission Ticket
- Essence of Chengdu City Private Day Tour
- Chengdu Downtown Private Car Charter
- Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class
- Dujiangyan Admission Ticket Chengdu
- Chengdu Food Day Tour with Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket
- Dufu’s Thatched Cottage Ticket Chengdu
- Classic Chengdu One Day City Tour
- Giant Buddha and Tea Terrace Town Day Tour from Chengdu
- Chengdu Private Day Tour (With Visit to Chengdu Panda Base and Hotpot Experience)
Read more top places to visit in Chengdu here. Read more China guide here.