The Irresistible Call of Chengdu
There’s so much about Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province, that quietly astounds.
For one, there is the rich and layered history. Chengdu has thrived for over two millennia and holds the rare honour of being the only Chinese city to have retained its name for more than 2,300 years. That alone speaks volumes. Then, of course, there’s its people. Chengdu has consistently been named the happiest city in China by annual local surveys, and after spending time here, I can confidently vouch for its joyful reputation.
Travel, too, feels unusually seamless. As I sat comfortably aboard a high-speed train gliding towards Jiuzhaigou Valley—perched at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,500 metres—I was struck by how effortlessly one could reach such remote beauty. China’s transport infrastructure, it must be said, is in a league of its own.
But those aren’t the only reasons I fell for Chengdu. Its beauty, both natural and cultural, is simply unmatched. No wonder it features on Trip.com’s Trip.Best 2025 Global 100 Must-Visit Destinations list. Chengdu is the ideal launchpad for travellers seeking a well-rounded journey where spectacular landscapes, rare wildlife, and a vibrant food culture converge. Even better, the Malaysian Ringgit stretches surprisingly far here, making everything from dining to experiences refreshingly affordable.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor looking for fresh inspiration, here are some top Trip.Best picks to get you started.
Jiuzhai Valley National Park
If there’s one natural wonder in China that deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list, it’s Jiuzhai Valley, or Jiuzhaigou as it’s locally known. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve, it’s named after the nine Tibetan villages nestled within its boundaries.
The park is famous for its mesmerising alpine scenery: cascading waterfalls, mirror-like blue lakes, and mountains that change hues with the seasons. Jiuzhai Valley also boasts rich biodiversity, from over 220 bird species to rare flora and fauna, including the golden snub-nosed monkey and, yes, the giant panda.
Spanning 720 square kilometres, exploring the entire park could take days. But if you’re pressed for time, don’t miss the surreal hues of Five Flower Lake or the serene expanse of Long Lake. My personal favourite, however, is the boardwalk near Pearl Shoal Waterfall, an ideal spot for a therapeutic forest stroll that soothes the soul. The park is serviced by shuttle buses, and while it’s perfectly navigable on your own, hiring a guide can add depth to the experience.
Book your train ride to Jiuzhai Valley National Park here.
Romance Show Jiuzhai
If you’re overnighting in the Jiuzhaigou area, don’t miss the Romance Show Jiuzhai. This goosebump-inducing show is told through dazzling visuals, choreography, and live action. It is split into four acts, from the mythical origins of Jiuzhaigou and tales of the ancient Qiang people, to a Tang Dynasty princess’s marriage to a Tibetan king, and the devastation of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. It is performed in Mandarin, but don’t let that deter you. The emotion is palpable, and the production values are top-notch. You’ll be swept away by the atmosphere, even if you don’t understand every word.
Book your ticket to Romance Shows Jiuzhai here.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Let’s be honest, you don’t come to Chengdu and skip the giant pandas. That would be downright criminal!
The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the largest panda sanctuary of its kind and offers visitors a chance to see these gentle giants up close in a thoughtfully designed habitat. More than 100 pandas call the base home, along with their mischievous red panda cousins. Multiple viewing platforms also mean everyone gets a great look at these cute creatures.
Do visit before 10:00 a.m. for peak panda activity. This way, you get to enjoy seeing the giant pandas munching on bamboo or tumbling about like oversized toddlers. If you’re lucky enough to visit between July and September, you may even see the ultra-cute cubs playing around in the nursery.
Book your ticket to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding here.
Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Did you know Chengdu is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? It only takes one bite of a spicy local dish to understand why. At the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, you can go beyond just tasting as this is where you learn the history, techniques, and soul of Sichuan cooking. Visitors can tour the exhibitions or join a cooking class led by local chefs. Learn how to make kung pao chicken or make your own cute giant panda pao. There are also plenty of food to sample, including vegetarian and vegan options, which reflect the influence of Buddhism and Taoism in Sichuan’s culinary heritage.
Book your ticket to Sichuan Cuisine Museum here.
Margo Manor Hotpot
You might think having steaming hotpot outdoors sounds odd, until you try it at Margo Manor. Here, under an open sky and flanked by tranquil greenery, diners enjoy steaming pots of piping hot broth while being entertained by live performances. There’s a variety of soup bases on offer, but if you’re feeling brave, opt for the signature mala which is a bold, numbing broth infused with Sichuan peppercorns. There are also Muslim-friendly options available, making it an inclusive experience for all food lovers.
Book your ticket to Margo Manor Hotpot here.
Chengdu IFS and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li
For a dose of retail therapy, head to Chengdu International Finance Square (IFS). It’s home to all the luxury names you’d expect, as well as local favourites like Songmont. And oh, don’t forget to keep your camera ready! There’s a rather cheeky giant panda sculpture clambering over the side of the building that’s become something of a social media darling.
Just around the corner lies Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, a beautifully designed open-air complex built around the 1,400-year-old Daci Temple. The juxtaposition of heritage architecture with modern boutiques and cafés is wonderfully done. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon wander.
Anshun Lang Bridge at Night
As day turns to night, head to Anshun Lang Bridge, a historic Qing Dynasty structure that comes alive after dark. Its graceful silhouette glows with golden light, reflected perfectly in the still waters of the Jin River. The surrounding area is perfect for a stroll, lined with teahouses and cosy bars with live jazz or acoustic sets. In a city famed for its spicy food and cute giant pandas, this riverside scene reminds you that Chengdu is, above all, a city that knows how to slow down.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR CHENGDU FIRST-TIMERS
Best time to visit:
March to May and September to November offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. December to February is colder but more budget-friendly. Avoid travelling during China’s National Day Golden Week (1–7 October), when the city becomes particularly crowded.
Cashless culture:
Most locals use WeChat Pay or Alipay. International cards aren’t always accepted, so it’s wise to carry a little cash just in case.
Getting around:
Chengdu’s metro is modern, cheap, and foreigner-friendly. Pick up a Tianfu Tong card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay to breeze through. Taxis and Didi are also widely available.
Learn more about Gaya Travel Magazine’s past experience in Chengdu and Sichuan here: https://www.gayatravel.com.my/sichuan-not-just-pandas-tai-chi-and-spicy-hot-pot-dish/
Gaya Travel team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Trip.com for making the writer’s trip to Chengdu possible and smooth-sailing.
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