Chengdu has two main claims to fame: pandas and its spicy Sichuan cuisine. Its fiery food has earned this laid-back, in-the-know traveler’s favorite the UNESCO title of “City of Gastronomy.” So, once you’ve gotten an eyeful of frisky, bamboo-eating bears over at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, be sure to grab a Sichuan hot pot in one of the city’s packed restaurants. Plenty of other things to do in Chengdu await, including visits to the birthplace of Taoism, Mount Qingcheng, and to stunning Wenshu Yuan Monastery.
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather and are the best times to visit Chengdu. Summer is the peak season, with crowds and prices to match. It’s also hot and humid, which makes outdoor activities unpleasant, including for giant pandas—who are lethargic and prone to sleep in the heat. Pandas typically give birth in August, so visit in fall and winter to see cubs. Avoid the city over the week-long Chinese holidays in May and October.
Chengdu has an excellent public transportation network. Buses offer the widest coverage, while the metro is easier to use for but still expanding. Sightseeing buses are a good alternative for tourists, and cover many major attractions. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, though language will be an issue for non-Chinese speakers, who may prefer to use rideshare apps like DiDi. Chengdu’s flat topography makes cycling another good option, and bike shares are readily available.
Giant pandas are one of Chengdu's biggest draws. Most visitors flock to the fairly central Giant Panda Breeding Center, and it’s tough to beat the crowds, even when you go early. Visitors with more time should consider Dujiangyan Panda Center, Wolong National Nature Reserve, or Bifengxia Panda Base. They’re further away, so less crowded, but also in a more natural setting. Some offer panda volunteer positions, although volunteers have to pay for the privilege.
