Flourishing Chengdu

» Si Chuan

Chengdu Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Today's Chengdu weather forcast

Chengdu Seasons

Chengdu is sheltered from northwest winds from Siberia in winter by the Qinling Mountains to the north, so the climate here is mild and humid.

Summer is longer, but not as hot as in cities such as Wuhan and Nanjing in the Lower Yangtse downstream.

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Winter is milder than in the Lower Yangtze because of the sheltering effect of the Qinling. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter.

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Rainfall is reliable year-round but peaks in the summer months.

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Top 4 Chengdu Attractions

Chengdu History

Name of "Cheng Du"

History of Chengdu dates back to the early fourth century BC. This was when the king 9th Kaiming of Shu transferred his capital from Pixian to the current location of Chengdu.

History suggests that the king was influenced by the act of King Tai of Zhou who shifted his capital. It is said that - "it took a year to become a town; it took 2 years to become a capital". Keeping this in mind, the city was given the name "Cheng Du," meaning to "become (Cheng) a capital (Du)." But many of the recent studies differ on the reason behind shifting of the capital.

Beginning

In 316 BC, Shu was conquered by the State of Qin. Qin general Zhang Yi, who was against this conquest, founded a new city. This was the beginning of today's Chengdu. When the Han Dynasty came to power, the city was renamed Yzhou. Then, through the passage of time, came the era of Three Kingdoms Liu Bei. This brought about the fall of Western Han Dynasty. The Southwest kingdom of Shu-Han was established and the city of Chengdu was made its capital.

Progress

History of Chengdu is noted for a significant incident. During the rulings of the Northern Song Dynasty at around 960A.D, Chengdu saw the birth of paper currency. As the sun of the Song Dynasty and Ming Dynasty was about to set, two rebel leaders had set up their capitals here. The capitals were known as Dshu and Dxi respectively.

Recent Period

It was during the Second World War when things took a sharp turn for Chengdu. In order to escape the hands of Japanese invasion, the Chinese Nationalist government fled to Sichuan Province. This created an influx of academics, businessmen, traders and workers to the city of Chengdu. This eventually resulted in setting up of cultural institutions and important industries in the region. At present, Chengdu is a premier industrial base in China.

Chengdu Food

Sichuan Dishes

Ma Po's Bean Curd, or Bean curd with mince and chili oil, one of the most influential flavors of Sichuan cuisine, served in every Sichuan restaurant.

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Gong Bao Ji Ding, or Spicy diced chicken with peanuts, a specialty of Sichuan cuisine, diced chicken, hot pepper and peanuts.

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Yu Xiang Rou Si, or Fish Flavored Shredded Pork, fish-flavored dish in the unique style of Sichuan cuisine. The delicious dish has no fish but has the flavor of fish.

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Hui Guo Rou Pian, or Twice Cooked Spicy Pork Slices, a traditional Sichuan dish. The tasty pork slices are fried crisp without greasiness.

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Signiture Dish

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Featured Chengdu Restaurants

Chengdu Entertainment

Shopping

Jinli, a recreational and cultural street, reflects the diversity and beauty of Sichuan folk customs and culture.

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Nightlife

Sichuan Opera - An important part of Chengdu culture, began in the Qing Dynasty as a combination of five operatic tunes introduced from other regions.

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Tea Houses - As the saying goes, Tea houses of Sichuan rank first in the world, while those of Chengdu rank first in Sichuan. here, tea houses are far more than places for drinking tea.

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Pubs and Clubs are primarily in busy streets such as Renmin South Road and west of Yangshi Street. Cafes, discos, karaoke bars, ballrooms, and bowling alleys are also here.

Chengdu Map

Chengdu City Map

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Chengdu Attraction Map

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Chengdu Transportation

Get In

Chengdu is one of the most important economic centers and transportation and communication hubs in southwestern China. The transportation network is well developed, and it is the start of many national highways.

Air - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), the only airport in Chengdu, offers airlines to all major cities in China.

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Railway - Chengdu Railway Station is the largest railway hub in Chengdu, including common trains and tourist express train serves to neighboring areas.

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Bus - Chengdu has several main coach stations including Chengdu Bus Station (Wugui Bridge Bus Station), New South Gate Bus Station, Ximen (West Gate) Bus Station. etc.

Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base - As one of the important centers in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas, it insists on the goal - be a world-class research facility, conservation education center, and international educational tourism destination.

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Du Fu Cottage - It is the residence of the great realistic poet of Tang Dynasty - Du Fu, when he took refuge in Chengdu as a shrine to Chinese literature and a commemorative museum in the form of a traditional garden.

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Leshan Giant Buddha - A local saying describes it like this: "The Mountain unveils a Buddha, while the Buddha fades into the mountain." The world's largest and tallest sculpture of a Buddha is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Sichuan Province.

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Mt. Emeishan - As one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, it has been drawing pilgrims and tourists for 2,000 years with the enjoyable natural scenery, extensive Buddhist culture, abundant range of species and unique landform.

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Chengdu Highlights List

Natural Scene

• Mt. Emeishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Small Three Gorges
• Wangjiang Park

Historical Site

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Wenshuyuan
• Du Fu Cottage
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Cultural Site

• Sanxingdui Ruins
• Wangjiang Park
• Wenshuyuan

Shopping & Leisure

• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Chengdu Highlights

Chengdu FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Chengdu?
2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Customs

1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Other Hints

1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

• What about climate in Chengdu?

  The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

  The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.

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• What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

  The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.

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• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

  The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

  The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.

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• What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

  Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

  You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

  You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.

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• What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.

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• What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

  Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

  Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

  Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

  All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.

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• What are entertainments in Chengdu?

  The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

  When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!

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• I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

  Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.

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• Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

  Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

  You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

  If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.

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• What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

  There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

  Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.

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• Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

  At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.

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• What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

  Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

  This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.

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• What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

  The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

  At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

  In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

  And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

  Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

  If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.

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• What's the city code of Chengdu?

  Chengdu's City Code: 028

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