Chengdu Photo

About Chengdu: What comes to mind when you think of Chengdu, China? Cuddly pandas or spicy Sichuan peppercorns? Chengdu is in fact a mega provincial capital of Sichuan Province and an economic powerhouse of southwestern China. Moreover, the city’s abundance of cultural and historical sights, together with its laidback lifestyle, make Chengdu one of the most attractive and livable large cities too.Known in China as the "Land of Milk and Honey", Chengdu is blessed with fertile land and plenty of water. Located in central Sichuan, it is one of the country's leading rice and wheat-growing regions. Historically, Chengdu was first settled 2400 years ago, through the centuries it transformed itself into the political and cultural center of southwest China. On top of the economic significance, Chengdu also has a long history of scholarly accomplishments, with some of China's most crucial historical literature coming from there. Today the city is still a highly academic city with numerous top-rated universities and scientific research centers.With a total population of over 16 million, around 9 million reside in the Chengdu metro area. There are 11 urban districts and Qingyang District is considered as the city center with attractions like Whenshu Yuan Temple and Tianfu Square. The neighboring Wuhou District is a mix of historic sites and busy commercial centers like Jinli Old Street and Temple.From ancient temples to stunning natural wonders, mesmerizing folk performances to addictive culinary creations, Chengdu is one of China’s top ten tourist destinations. There are so many breathtaking scenic spots on offer, it will take a few days to just tick off the top sites. For visitors looking for those unforgettable experiences, consider drinking tea with locals at People’s Park, hunt for souvenirs at Jinli Old Street, be entertained by Sichuan opera, test your spice tolerance with Chengdu Hot Pot, and last not least, feed a panda in the Giant Panda Base, etc.Chengdu is the economic and transportation hub of the region, so currently there are two major airports serving the city - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Convenient airport to downtown transfer options are available at both locations, such as airport shuttle, the metro, and taxis. Getting around town is also simple and convenient, as there are 12 metro lines to take you around town and stations have bilingual signs, maps, and ticket machines. Going between tourist attractions, sightseeing buses offer easy transportation.