Life of Travel
Pandas, Sichuan hot pot, tea house culture, and China's most relaxed metropolis
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and China's most livable big city. Home to the beloved Giant Panda, the city is also famous for face-melting Sichuan hot pot, traditional tea houses, and a remarkably laid-back vibe. Visit the pandas, climb Leshan's Giant Buddha, and discover why Chengdu was named UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Baby Pandas
Hot Pot
Jinli Street
Leshan Buddha
March to May
Best weather, blooming flowers. Baby pandas are born in autumn, so spring babies are playful.
September to November
Comfortable temperatures, clear skies. Panda breeding season in autumn means potential newborn sightings.
Note: Chengdu is known for overcast skies. Don't expect much sunshine. Summers are hot and humid (30°C+), winters are cold and damp.
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See giant pandas in a naturalistic breeding center
Best for: Pandas • Early Morning • Photography • Conservation
World's largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliff
Best for: UNESCO Site • Day Trip • River Cruise • Photography
Historic street with snacks, crafts, and entertainment
Best for: Street Food • Shopping • Evening Walk • Local Culture
Experience authentic Chengdu tea house culture
Best for: Tea Houses • Local Life • Relaxation • People Watching
Hot Pot: Bubbling pot of ma la (numbing spicy) broth. Cook meat, veggies, and noodles. Essential experience
Mapo Tofu: Silky tofu in spicy, numbing sauce with minced pork. Sichuan's iconic dish
Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy minced pork over noodles with chili oil, peanuts, and pickled vegetables
Rabbit Head: Local delicacy. Adventurous eaters only. Street food favorite
Sichuan Peppercorn: The numbing sensation (ma) that makes Sichuan food unique. Try it raw at markets
Go Early
Arrive at 7:30am opening. Pandas are most active during morning feeding (8 to 10am).
Book Online
Reserve tickets in advance, especially on weekends. Passport required.
Getting There
Base is 10km from center. Taxi, Didi, or metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue station.
Baby Pandas
Nursery has babies. Born Aug to Sep, best viewing Nov to May when they're small and playful.
3 to 4 days ideal. Day 1 for pandas, Day 2 for Leshan Buddha, Day 3 for city exploration and hot pot, Day 4 for tea houses and markets.
Yes! But you can ask for bu la (not spicy) or wei la (slightly spicy). Hot pot places have mild broth options. The numbing sensation is unique and addictive.
No. This was once possible but is no longer offered due to conservation and animal welfare concerns. You can get quite close for photos though.
Absolutely. The 71m Buddha is incredible. Take high-speed train (1 hour) or join a tour. Allow 4 to 5 hours at the site. Combine with boat cruise for best views.
Excellent for families! Children absolutely love the pandas, especially the baby pandas at the nursery. The relaxed pace suits families, and Sichuan food can be ordered mild. The Panda Base is very accessible with good facilities.
Let us take the stress out of planning your perfect family trip. We'll arrange panda visits at the best times for children, family-friendly hotels, and ensure the little ones get to see the baby pandas.
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