Known to be one of China’s Happiest Cities, Chengdu is a fast-growing city that’s become more popular among locals and tourists to visit. As the capital of the Sichuan province, this dynamic destination offers stunning views, classic cultures, and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. Need more convincing before you put “visiting Chengdu” on your travel plans? Well, here are 8 reasons why it’s time for Chengdu to be your next holiday destination.
Time for Chengdu’s precious pandas
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Did you know that there are less than 2,000 giant pandas in the world today, and just about 80% of them are now in Chengdu? Perhaps one of the most prominent attractions in Chengdu, spending a day visiting the clumsily adorable pandas is a great reason for you to visit the city. After all, giant pandas are considered one of the country’s national treasures, and the opportunity to see them lazing around or snacking in the middle of the day is a must-do, especially if it’s your first time visiting Chengdu.
The most popular spot to get up close and personal with China’s national animal is at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where approximately 120 of these playful pandas now reside. From newborn cubs to adult pandas, this research base focuses on the conservation and breeding of giant pandas to help prevent the extinction of these adorable bears worldwide. With a heavy focus on making the enclosures feel most natural to the giant pandas, you’ll notice that most pandas are allowed outdoors so guests can get really close to the animals.
We highly recommend visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding earlier in the day to catch the pandas when they’re most active. You may otherwise see them napping the day away, as pandas often sleep up to 12 hours a day. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the base after visiting the giant pandas, as you may even cross paths with the resident red pandas, who are free to explore the sanctuary.
Time for Chengdu’s stunning sights
Photo by If you’re someone who enjoys a holiday where seeing stunning sights will make your day, visiting Chengdu just has to be on your list. With amazing views everywhere you turn, the city offers a perfect blend of modern buildings and traditional nature that’s pleasing to the eye. One such spectacular view is the Anshun Lang Bridge that crosses the Jin River. Housing a large restaurant, this pedestrian-only covered walkway is a sight to behold in the day. However, it’s the view at night when the bridge is illuminated and the lights reflect off the water that makes it a must-see, especially for those visiting Chengdu for the first time.
Chengdu’s Huanglong National Park, on the other hand, brings forth the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Here, you’ll be able to visit Chengdu’s world-renowned “6 wonders” comprising colourful pools, beaches, snow mountains, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. Located 3,000 meters above sea level, the Huanglong National Park promises an unparalleled view of lush greenery and its unbelievable surroundings.
Do note that the hike up the mountains of the Huanglong National Park can be really tiring, especially if you’re not someone who’s used to the trails. Luckily, the addition of modern amenities has made it easier for tourists to still enjoy the park. As such, why not consider hopping on a cable car to make your way up the mountain? You’ll then only have to walk down, saving you energy for the day, yet still enjoy that breathtaking view when you arrive at the top.
Time for Chengdu’s delicious delicacies
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As Chengdu is set in the Sichuan province, it comes as no surprise that the city’s gastronomy scene brings the heat with all things spicy. One of the most popular meals to try is undeniably the spicy hotpot, also known as mala, that’s served with various meats and vegetables. Often enjoyed as a communal delicacy, the soup base brings along a numbing sensation thanks to the Sichuan peppercorns that are used. Dried chillies are then added to the broth, marrying the flavours to create a unique flavour that’s both spicy yet addictive.
But then again, you shouldn’t let this scare you from visiting Chengdu, as the city is also home to plenty of non-spicy dishes. In fact, Chengdu was even recognised as the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2011 – a title befitting of the city’s variety of flavours. A local favourite that fits under the non-spicy department is the Twice-Cooked Pork. Its unique name is derived from the cooking method of the dish, whereby thin slices of pork belly are first simmered until tender before being stir-fried to achieve a crispy, brown texture. Perfect with rice, the twice-cooked pork is an iconic homestyle dish that can be found all over Chengdu.
Not keen for a full meal? Make your way to the Kuanzhai Alley to sample the best street foods of Chengdu. From piping hot steamed buns to the sweet and cooling bingfen jelly, the options are almost endless, and you might just find yourself visiting Chengdu numerous times to try them all.
Time for Chengdu’s lively leisure
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Another draw to visiting Chengdu is how relaxing the city is. Despite being a rising capital, you’ll often find pockets of calm hidden right at your doorstep. To immerse yourself in the culture of the locals and see how they live out a leisurely life, you’ll want to head to the People’s Park or Renmin Gongyuan. It was built in 1911 and had previously been known as the Shaocheng Park, taking its spot as the first public park to exist in Chengdu.
From live music to traditional dances and even groups playing friendly games of mahjong out in the open, the People’s Park is considered a melting pot for locals and tourists from all walks of life to come together to relax, unwind, and strike up conversations. An interesting sight that you can also find at the People’s Park is set along the Match Corner, where eligible bachelors and bachelorettes can put up their personal details on a poster in hopes of finding a romantic partner. While most posters are also put up by the parents of these singles, it’s simply an interesting sight to see rows of papers being set out to the public along the Match Corner.
Other notable spots in Chengdu where you can live out leisurely include Wangjianglou Park or Baihuatan Park, just to name a few. Featuring unique attractions such as lush bamboo forests in the former and tall gingko trees in the latter, each of these public parks is simply fantastic if you’re interested in slowing down while on holiday.
Time for Chengdu’s traditional teahouses
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If it wasn’t already evident, the locals in Chengdu are masters at living life in the slow lane. And what better way to enjoy your time here than to be a part of them? As such, you’ll want to explore a favourite pastime for many – hanging out at teahouses to sip on freshly brewed tea while people watching and talking about the good times.
The Old Teahouse in Pengzhen is one of the most iconic teahouses, just an hour outside of the bustling Chengdu centre. If the name hadn’t already been a clue, it’s also said to be the oldest teahouse in the city, having been established some 300 years ago. The teas here are made most traditionally, with coal-fire stoves warming up the teahouse as the kettle boils away in the middle of the store.
Locals are said to already be around from as early as 4 AM, so do expect a large crowd who are otherwise very friendly and willing to share a table with anyone who passes by. Ever so often, you’ll see the manager swishing a kettle in the air – either for show or to swap the pots around. There are plenty of tea varieties here at the Old Teahouse in Pengzhen, although for those who want the true experience of tasting what the locals do while visiting Chengdu, a hearty cup of Maofeng green tea that’s infused with jasmine blossoms will never go wrong.
Time for Chengdu’s shopping scenes
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While much of the city may feel like it focuses only on relaxing and unwinding with a cup of good tea, the truth cannot be further from that, and visiting Chengdu will change your mind. Enter the New Century Global Center, the largest building in the world in terms of floor area. Opened in 2013, this multipurpose building complex houses everything you can imagine under one roof, including retail outlets, cineplexes, an Olympic-sized skating rink, business offices, two 5-star hotels, and even a waterpark that’s complete with an artificial beach.
Of course, if you’d prefer a less overwhelming experience with a local flair, we’d recommend visiting Jinli Ancient Street. Set in the heart of Chengdu, Jinli Ancient Street stretches over 550 metres and is where you’ll see a host of traditional architecture, local crafts, souvenir shops and plenty of street food to fill your appetite. Known to be the oldest shopping street in the city, you’ll find the grey-brick buildings towering on both sides of the road. This is where the businesses are set out, evoking nostalgia amid the modern-day atmosphere.
What’s more, the Jinli Ancient Street is especially beautiful at night when the lanterns that adorn the streets are lit up and is a must-see for anyone visiting Chengdu. Its easy accessibility via public transport and iconic location adjacent to the Wuhou Temple are also reasons why many locals and tourists often swing by Jinli Ancient Street when seeking out the best of Chengdu’s shopping scenes.
Time for Chengdu’s timeless temples (and museums too!)
Speaking of temples, Chengdu is no stranger to a variety of shrines across the city. One of the most popular shrines is the Wuhou Temple in downtown Chengdu. Dedicated to Zhuge Liang, an intelligent military strategist from the era of the Three Kingdoms, the Wuhou Temple brings a sense of calm to an otherwise bustling city centre. It’s covered with cypress trees and bonsai to create a pocket of green, evoking a sense of welcome to anyone who sets foot into the temple. Beyond the lush foliage, the Wuhou Temple also houses the Tomb of Liubei, a warlord turned emperor of Shu Han, one of the Three Kingdoms of China.
If you’re a fan of archaeology, you’ll also have to see the museums when visiting Chengdu. The Sanxingdui Museum, located an hour north of the city centre, has always been a favourite, with many past visitors marvelling at how unique the museum is. Featuring large bronze masks and tall statues, the museum showcases what’s said to be an ancient civilisation that lived in the area some 3,000 years ago.
The exaggerated facial features on the statues here can be jarring at first glance, but it’s also what draws visitors to the mysterious Sanxingdui Museum. To avoid the crowds, you’ll want to come by earlier in the day and spend more time on the second floor to see the best displays the museum has to offer.
Time for Chengdu’s captivating carvings
Finally, no trip to Chengdu would be complete without taking on a side visit to Leshan. Set 2 and a half hours away from the city centre, this is where you’ll see the iconic Leshan Giant Buddha that’s been carved out of a Cretaceous sandstone cliff at Lingyun Mountain’s Qifeng Peak. Measuring at 71 metres tall, it’s the largest and tallest Buddha statue, as well as the largest pre-modern statue in the world. The statue was believed to have been built in the Tang Dynasty which dates between 711 and 803, and was officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
For the best views of the Leshan Giant Buddha, it’s recommended that you follow the pedestrian walkway that’s been set out. This gives you a changing perspective of the statue’s body, and you can truly appreciate the work of art up close. As plenty of walking is to be expected, it’s recommended that you wear comfortable footwear to avoid fatigue. Another great way to appreciate the Buddha statue is by taking a sightseeing boat that operates around the area, allowing visitors to get a more panoramic view of the statue itself. However, you’ll have to be patient for your spot on the boat, as they often have a small capacity of just 35 passengers at one time.
Ready to set off to this beautiful city? Well, buckle up because it’s time for Chengdu with Malaysia Airlines’ new route! With 7 flights lifting off weekly, you can now start your vacation with the iconic warmth of Malaysian Hospitality while anticipating the adventures ahead of you.