For a city relatively unknown to the rest of the world, there is plenty to do, see and taste in Chengdu. Home to the internationally popular Great Panda, Chengdu is also famous for fiery hotpots, relaxing teahouses, Daoist temples and, more recently, an archeological mystery. For Chengdu hosts one of the most spectacular discoveries of the 20th century – Sanxingdui. It’s a puzzle that may never be solved. The array of gold-plated, bronze masks unearthed in the late 1980’s not only reveal the existence of a sophisticated society here 32 centuries ago, but also are some of the most beautiful art pieces of this period in the world.

In addition, Chengdu has pandas – did we mention them already? If you are looking for authenticity, look no further than Chengdu. Capital of landlocked Sichuan province, this historic city helped weave the fabric of China’s civilization. You may see a face-changer perform in a bustling tea house serving Sichuanese Eight Treasure tea, enjoy some of its famed gastronomy such as General Bao’s Chicken, or chance upon monks practicing taichi in the Temple of the Dark Ram, a founding bastion of Daoism. But for animal lovers, these of course come a distant second to Sichuan province’s one true star and VIP, the Panda.

chengdu HIGHLIGHTS

A selection a some of the many incredible experiences that await you

An early visit to the Pandas on a cloudy day was amazing, the bears were active and there were no crowds. Equally exciting was Sanxingdui, an extraordinary museum that should not be missed, and our two dinners among the best of the trip.

M.G. & J.G., USA

Custom Itineraries

Explore chengdu through the eyes of a local

Chengdu is a fun and cultured city that has much to offer and so we highly recommend making this city a part of your tour. If not on your first trip, then on the second when you explore more of western China, it is a must. And since Chengdu was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, if you’re a foodie this is a must-eat destination.

We customize each of our itineraries based on your interests and traveling style. The itinerary below forms a base to start the conversation.

Day01
FLY TO CHENGDU
Fly to the capital city of Sichuan province, the start of the southern Silk Road, gateway to Tibet, and home of China’s cutest export – the panda.
Day02
PANDAS & SANXINGDUI
Rise and shine, it’s time to see Pandas! We depart early in the morning to get to the Panda Research Institute just in time to watch pandas eat breakfast and maybe even feed them yourself. After lunch, you will be driven an hour outside the city to see the mysterious and beautiful Sanxingdui.
Day03
MEET WITH A DAOIST MONK
Today you will travel to one of China’s most important Daoist Temples to personally meet with a Daoist monk to discuss everything from ideology to the energy forces of Yin & Yang.

Luxury Accommodations

New investment in hotels flooded into Chengdu from 2013, providing a healthy new range of attractive accommodations to explore.

Learn More

Ritz Carlton

Located in the heart of the city on a site of what was once an imperial palace this new property seamlessly blends the luxury of Chengdu’s past with her present.

St. Regis

Centrally located in Chengdu’s business district the St. Regis provides their signature services in this upscale luxury property.

Temple House

A uniquely imagined property honouring the historic buildings of Chengdu with Bitieshi, a remarkable restored Qing dynasty courtyard as the inspiration for the design.

Waldorf Astoria

Soaring 52 stories, the Waldorf Astoria blends classic elegance and modern grandeur with inspirational environments and modern luxuries.

Your Personal Traveling Concierge

Our China Hosts

Our China Hosts are part of what makes us unique; they help explain our success for over twenty years. Our China Hosts have been hand selected and expertly trained to provide you with the most unforgettable journey. From seamlessly ensuring flawless logistics, to deepening your cultural immersion, to effecting last minute adjustments, in the words of a guest, they take a trip "from excellence to perfection". Before you travel with us, it's hard to imagine what a China Host brings to the party. After, it's hard to imagine traveling without one.

suggested guide: Rebecca (Luo Hong)

After graduating from the School of Business Administration at Sichuan University, Rebecca qualified as a national tour guide in 1997. Over the past 20 years she has shared her passion for her hometown as a tour guide. She has great enthusiasm for her role and prides herself on offering an abundance of professional knowledge, warm-hearted service, and of course excellent English (which she now herself judges for the National Tour Guide Qualification Examination). Rebecca is very fond of travelling and continues to pass on her enthusiasm and passion for travel to anyone she meets.

Fine Dining & Authentic Cuisine

Experience the finest in Chinese and Western cuisine

If you like spice you’re in for a treat. Chengdu is a foodie must destination. Try some of the provinces most famous dishes including Dan Dan Mian - one the most flavourful noodle dish you will find anywhere else in the world; La Zi Ji – chicken marinated in a sea of Sichuan peppers, garlic and ginger; and of course, the famous Huo Guo – or Sichuan Hot Pot.

Demographics

  • Capital City of Sichuan Province
  • Consists of 10 districts, 5 county-level cities and 5 counties
  • Population: 14.43 million (2014)
  • Literal Meaning of Chengdu: Turning into a Capital
  • The birth place of paper money

Brief History

  • 311 BCE - Chengdu is established
  • 221 - Chengdu becomes the capital of the Shu dynasty
  • 618-907 - Under the Tang Dynasty the city is known as Yizhou
  • 960-1279 - Paper money is introduced under the Song dynasty. This concept quickly spreads throughout China and the world.
  • 1368 – Chengdu becomes the capital of Sichuan province
  • 1644 – Chengdu is destroyed after a massive raid by Zhang Xianzhong killing a massive part of the population. Tigers are said to roam the derelict city.
  • 2006 – Wolong Nature Preserve Panda Sanctuary becomes a UNESCO World Heritage site

Geography

  • Located at the western edge of the Sichuan Basin, sitting on the Chengdu plain and bordered by Longmen and Qionglai Mountains.
  • Altitude: 450 – 720 metres (1,480 – 2,360 ft)
  • Highest peak: 50m (1,600 ft)
  • Main Rivers: Jin River, Fu River and Sha River
  • Total area coverage: 12,390 km2 (4,780 m2)
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