Chengdu is located in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, in the hinterland of the Chengdu Plain. The terrain is flat, with an average altitude of about 500 meters. It has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. The annual average temperature is around 16°C. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild with little fog.
Chengdu is the birthplace of the ancient Shu civilization, with a history of over 3,000 years as a city. In 256 BC, Li Bing and his son built the Dujiangyan irrigation system, turning Chengdu into the "Land of Abundance." During the Tang and Song dynasties, it was a prosperous metropolis known as "Yangzhou first, Chengdu second," and to this day retains historical landmarks such as Kuanzhai Alley and the Wuhou Shrine.
Chengdu's culture is inclusive and laid-back, with a thriving teahouse culture. Locals enjoy playing mahjong and watching Sichuan opera face-changing. The cuisine is famous for its spicy and numbing flavors, with hotpot, chuanchuan, and Sichuan dishes renowned worldwide. The pace of life is slow, and "comfortable" (bashi) is the life philosophy of Chengdu residents.
As a major city in western China, Chengdu is building itself into an 'international gateway hub,' with two international airports and a GDP exceeding 2 trillion yuan. In 2024, the second phase of Tianfu International Airport expansion will begin, and a 'park city' will be developed in the future to enhance its global influence.
The best time to visit 成都 is Spring and autumn (March to June and September to November).
The best time to visit Chengdu is in spring and autumn. From March to June, the weather is mild and flowers bloom everywhere; from September to November, the sky is clear and the air is crisp, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid the humid summer and the chilly, overcast winter.
Spring (March-May): Temperature 15-25°C, moderate rainfall. Recommended activities include visiting Longquanyi to admire peach blossoms, watching crabapple flowers at People's Park, and enjoying a spring outing at Sansheng Township. You can also attend the Dujiangyan Water Releasing Festival.
Autumn (September-November): Temperatures range 15-22°C with plenty of sunny days. Recommended activities include admiring ginkgo trees at University of Electronic Science and Technology, hiking at Mount Qingcheng, and witnessing early snow at Xiling Snow Mountain. The International Panda Festival is held in September.
Li Bing and his son presided over the construction of Dujiangyan, turning the Chengdu Plain into the Land of Abundance.
Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor in Chengdu and established the Shu Han regime. The Wuhou Shrine commemorates Zhuge Liang.
Recommended places to visit
The water conservancy project from the Warring States period still irrigates the Chengdu Plain today and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Qing Dynasty ancient streets, consisting of Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley, where you can experience the slow-paced life of Chengdu.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Built in 256 BC, this water conservancy project still plays a role in flood control and irrigation today, as part of the Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan World Cultural Heritage site.
A famous Taoist mountain, renowned for its tranquility, home to numerous Taoist temples and monasteries, and listed together with Dujiangyan as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Sichuan opera stunt: performers change facial masks in an instant to reveal characters' inner thoughts; a national intangible cultural heritage.
Chengdu's traditional silk weaving craftsmanship, with its long history and exquisite patterns, is hailed as an 'Oriental treasure'.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Shuangliu Airport has Terminals 1 and 2, with extensive domestic and international routes. Tianfu Airport opened in 2021 and mainly handles international flights. The two airports are connected by Metro Line 18, taking about 45 minutes.
Depending on the route
Chengdu East Station is a major high-speed rail station, connecting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Chengdu South Station operates intercity trains, while Chengdu West Station handles regular-speed trains. The metro provides direct access to each station.
High-speed rail second class seats cost about 0.5 yuan per kilometer.
Chengdu Metro has opened 12 lines, covering major urban areas and attractions, with fares ranging from 2 to 12 yuan. Bus routes are dense, with a fare of 2 yuan, and payments can be made by scanning code via the Tianfu Tong APP.
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Chengdu hotpot is famous for its numbing, spicy, fresh, and aromatic flavors. The broth is made with beef tallow, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili peppers, and is simmered to perfection. Common ingredients for dipping include tripe and goose intestines.
A famous Sichuan snack, noodles mixed with minced meat, peanuts, and chili oil, savory with a slight spiciness.
Chengdu served as the capital of the Former Shu and Later Shu, and its economy and culture flourished.
The peaceful liberation of Chengdu made it the seat of the Western Sichuan Administrative Office, and later it became the capital of Sichuan Province.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport officially opened, making Chengdu the third city in China to have two international airports.
The world's largest panda breeding institution, where you can observe giant pandas up close, ideal for family trips.
The temple commemorating Zhuge Liang, the only temple in China where a ruler and his minister are worshipped together, a sacred site of Three Kingdoms culture.
One of the birthplaces of Taoism, the front mountain has many ancient Taoist temples, while the back mountain offers serene natural scenery. It is a World Cultural Heritage site.
Metro 2-12 yuan, bus 2 yuan
Sichuan cuisine representative, tofu tender and smooth, rich in spicy and numbing flavor, minced beef adds aroma.
Hot pot variation: ingredients are skewered on bamboo sticks for self-selection, cooked in a spicy broth, and dipped in a dry or oil-based dipping sauce.
Chengdu traditional dessert, glutinous rice dumplings with various fillings such as black sesame and peanut, with a soft, sticky, and sweet taste.