Chengdu is known as the hometown of pandas. Here, you can see hundreds of adorable pandas all in one place!
Chengdu is famous for two things: pandas and hotpot.
Back in 1994, there were only 18 pandas in Chengdu. But thanks to expert care and breeding, their number grew to over 200 by 2021. You can visit several places in Chengdu to see pandas, like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Panda Base in Dujiangyan, and the Wolong Panda Center in Shenshuping.
Besides pandas, Chengdu is home to stunning natural sites like Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan, and Mount Siguniang. It also boasts historical landmarks like Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, and Jinli Ancient Street.
And when you’re in Chengdu, you can’t leave without trying hotpot. Known for its spicy, numbing flavors, Chengdu hotpot is made with a mix of natural spices and chili peppers. If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, you can always go for a milder broth. Of course, hotpot isn’t the only local treat—there’s also Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan noodles, and Bobo chicken, all of which are must-try dishes!
Scenic Photos of Chengdu
Do you like pandas? This is the world’s largest panda breeding and conservation center, with 240 giant pandas!
Chengdu is a great place to visit all year round.
Spring in Chengdu starts in March and lasts until May. The temperature ranges from about 50°F to 72°F (10°C to 22°C). During these months, the weather is cool and the air is fresh, making it the best time to visit. Spring is also perfect for flower watching. You can enjoy the peach blossoms at Longquan Mountain, the cherry blossoms at Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, and the tulips at Chengdu Botanical Garden. The Longquan Mountain Peach Blossom Festival happens from mid-March to early April, when the whole mountain turns into a sea of pink.
Summer in Chengdu usually starts in June and runs through August. The weather can get pretty hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures often hitting over 86°F (30°C), and it can feel humid and a bit stifling. However, compared to Chongqing, where the summer temps can break 104°F (40°C), Chengdu’s climate is more bearable. If you’re planning to visit in summer, you can always head to nearby spots like Dujiangyan or Qingcheng Mountain. These places are cooler and perfect for escaping the heat while still enjoying some sightseeing.
Autumn in Chengdu generally begins in September and lasts until November, with temperatures ranging from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C). Fall in Chengdu is beautiful, especially when the ginkgo trees turn golden. You’ll see splashes of yellow all over the city, with ginkgo leaves falling like golden confetti, covering the ground like a carpet. This is the perfect time to explore Chengdu, with the weather being ideal for outdoor activities and long sightseeing tours.
Winter in Chengdu typically starts in mid-November and lasts through February, with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 54°F (0°C to 12°C). Even though it’s winter, it hardly ever drops below freezing, and there’s a lot of sunshine, so it still feels pretty warm. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is open year-round, and you can still see the pandas out and about, so you don’t have to worry about missing them.
Four Seasons in Chengdu
Chengdu is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in China.
For example: a hotpot meal costs around 80 CNY (about 11 USD) per person, a bowl of noodles is about 15 CNY (about 2 USD), coffee is around 15 CNY (about 2 USD), a 500ml beer costs 10 CNY (about 1.40 USD), and a 550ml bottle of water is just 2 CNY (about 0.30 USD). (There’s no sales tax in China, so that’s the final price.)
Plus, public restrooms and mall bathrooms are free.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, located in the southwest of China.
Chengdu is in the southwest of China, while Beijing is in the northeast. The straight-line distance between Beijing and Chengdu is about 1,515 kilometers (941 miles). A flight takes about 3 hours, and the high-speed train takes at least 7 hours.
You can check the current time in Chengdun here: Time in Chengdu.
Yes!
Great atmosphere: Chengdu has a lively vibe, with lots of morning and night markets. Everything you need is easily accessible. The spring weather is particularly nice—mild, with no extreme winds or storms. Chengdu is also full of parks and greenways, making the city beautiful and green.
Low cost of living: The cost of living in Chengdu is relatively low, especially for rent and food. Rent in the city center is around 2,000 CNY (about 275 USD) per month, and you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the old town for under 1,500 CNY (about 205 USD). Everyday items like fruits and vegetables are also cheaper—for example, apples cost about 3 CNY (about 0.40 USD) per pound, and potatoes are around 2.5 CNY (about 0.35 USD) per pound.
Convenient transportation: Chengdu has a great public transportation network, including subways, buses, and shared bikes. Bus fares are affordable, and biking around the city is a pleasant experience. There are also 4 high-speed rail stations and 2 international airports, making travel super easy.
Rich food scene: Chengdu is known as the “food capital,” with tons of delicious local snacks and Sichuan restaurants. If you love food, it’s a paradise.
