Five to Know: Chengdu, China

Chengdu, China’s fifth largest city, bursts with color. From the deep burgundy of the region’s spicy pepper and the fiery orange of the embroidered crafts to the deep brown teakwood temples, hot pink moon cakes and skyscrapers with neon green light shows—bright, vibrant hues are everywhere. Visitors can’t help but notice the colorful, whimsical charm of this up-and-coming destination.

Located in the Southwestern province of Sichuan, Chengdu has often been overlooked by international travelers, known merely as the location of China’s Giant Panda Research Base (the city’s slogan is ‘More Than Pandas’). But a recent arrival of tech companies and a rise in modern architecture has put Chengdu on the map. Referred to as the Silicon Valley of China, the city has transformed from a small-scale Chinese metropolis to an international destination boasting an exciting culinary scene and a chic, luxurious hideaway hotel. Here are five more things to know when planning a trip there.

Visitors do not visit Chengdu for a jam-packed sightseeing schedule or a buzzing nightlife scene. Instead, afternoons are spent in teahouses, strolling through the People’s Park or browsing local specialties at the lively outdoor markets (don’t miss the ‘glass’ caramel crafts, handmade on the spot, that resemble ornate lace folding fans). As a result, a visit to Chengdu is a wonderful culmination to a China journey: travelers will appreciate the city’s laid-back, relaxed personality after a visiting the country’s bustling capitals.

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2. Visitors come for the pandas… Thanks to its furry celebrities, Chengdu has beckoned international tourists for years. Travelers can arrange a tour of the Giant Panda Research Center to get up close with the adult pandas and their pint-sized cubs and learn about their many quirks. Pandas are some of the most fascinating mammals on earth, having recently been removed from the worldwide endangered species list, and watching them sunbathe and cuddle (and do not much else) is a treat for all ages. Contact the Bookings Team to arrange a tour.

3. … But stay for the cuisine. From sizzling tofu stir fry to red-hot chili noodles, Chengdu is China’s spicy food capital. The region’s famous Sichuan pepper is found in many local specialties and, while delicious, has a numbing effect on the taste buds and should be sampled with caution. ‘Hotpot’ restaurants serve the area’s signature soup—which ranges from mildly spicy to unbearably so—and contains a blend of vegetables, meat and noodles. Travelers should be sure to inquire what sort of hotpot they are ordering as some incorporate adventurous ingredients such as pork blood.