Moreover, the cuisine is quite unique here, with spices often very spicy. A Chinese proverb states, "Do not go to visit Chengdu when you are young" because once you come here, you'll never want to leave.

Chengdu Overview
Everything began there more than 2,000 years ago, when China split into Three Kingdoms. One of the Three Kingdoms named Shu Kingdom ruled the southwestern region of China and established its capital in Chengdu. Since then the city has been developed but hasn’t lost its prosperous and serene atmosphere. It is often said that Suzhou and Hangzhou are heavens on earth due to their landscapes. However, Chengdu is an earthly paradise of a different kind compared to Hangzhou. The residents here know how to enjoy life and leisure. The previous capital was difficult to access for outsiders, so the locals kept their traditional amusements until today. You will find card games and mahjong widely played in many teahouses.

Today, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan, a land of plenty in agricultural resources as well as in nature and culture resources. This prosperous city is liberal and dynamic developing quickly while its residents continue to keep their lifestyles closely linked with their ancestors. As a city developing at a fast rate, Chengdu is not short of foreign investments. However, despite the few direct international flights there remains increasing foreign trade and tourism. There is only one European airline, KLM that operates direct flights from Amsterdam for the Shuangliu International Airport. Nonetheless, the domestic flight options are large enough for visitors to travel in and out of the city. Considering you won’t only visit Chengdu you should set it as your first destination while you have a China tour, so don’t miss the hometown of the panda while visiting China.

The Gate to Tibetan Regions
Once in Chengdu, you are at the gate to the Tibetan region. Here, you are at a province with a diverse group of minorities. Although Chengdu is very interesting, the west and north of the province are full of wonderful sights such as Mount Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha, Jiuzhagou Valley and everyone´s favorite giant pandas. Surrounded by the mountains, you will lose yourself in the landscapes of Sichuan province.

Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour with Optional Baby Panda Holding

Spend a morning with some of China’s most majestic mammals during a 3-hour tour of either the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center or the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center from Chengdu. Accompanied by a professional panda keeper, stroll through the baby and adult panda areas and gain fascinating insight into the behavior, mating habits and physiology of the creatures.

 

Spend a morning with some of China’s most majestic mammals during a 3-hour tour of either the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center or the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center from Chengdu. Accompanied by a professional panda keeper, stroll through the baby and adult panda areas and gain fascinating insight into the behavior, mating habits and physiology of the creatures.