Chengdu
Tea houses, pandas at dawn, and a city that has never once hurried anyone.
- Best months
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- Days needed
- 3–5
- Airports
- TFU · CTU
- Difficulty
- Low
What to see
The short version
Chengdu is the counter-argument to the idea that China is a fast country. People sit in tea houses for four hours and consider it a full day's work.
It's also the best base for the west: Sichuan is where the plains end and the mountains start, so day trips go somewhere dramatic fast.
Chengdu through the year
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
March–May
Spring
Look for pandas among fresh bamboo and spend time in one of the city’s shaded tea gardens.
June–August
Summer
Keep an early slot for the Panda Base and explore the Kuanzhai Alleys when the shop lights come on.
September–November
Autumn
Walk the red walls of Wuhou Shrine and look for turning ginkgo leaves around the city’s temples.
December–February
Winter
Overcast skies make soft light for teahouse scenes. The bridge reflections are a good evening stop.