Whilst Chengdu is not traditionally thought of as one of China’s biggest tourist destinations. It is nonetheless an important business hub that also offers a surprisingly rich visitor experience, thanks to its comparatively laid back pace of life and myriad cultural offerings. Located in China's Sichuan Province, Chengdu is sometimes called the "Land of Milk and Honey” thanks to its fertile landscape and is particularly noteworthy for being home to some of the country’s most famous wildlife - pandas, which can be seen at a dedicated research centre. Chengdu is also noteworthy as Unesco's first-ever City of Gastronomy.
Where to stay in Chengdu
Chengdu has plenty of fantastic places to stay, though these can vary a great deal in quality, so it is advisable to book through a trusted provider. Serviced apartments offer the perfect solution for anyone making an extended stay in the city, as these offer a home-from-home whilst still including many of the benefits of traditional accommodation, such as room cleaning, reception and concierge services. Complemented with full kitchen facilities, these properties are ideal for those who wish to take care of their own dining requirements - perhaps even trying their hand at cooking up the local specialties. Whether you are looking for a self-contained studio or larger corporate housing in Chengdu, the Squa.re can match you with the best serviced apartments available in the area.
What to do in Chengdu
Chengdu is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a huge amount to see and do. Many first time visitors may simply enjoy taking in the local culture, with the vast selection of exciting nightspots, unique dining experiences and awe-inspiring architecture. The city is known for having a more relaxed pace of life than China’s more notorious destinations, so is a great place to simply stroll around, taking in the sights.
The city also provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about China’s enigmatic culture and history, with several museums, heritage sights and even a Wenshu monastery open to the public. Visitors can even take traditional Chinese cookery courses, to learn about the famous sichuan cuisine, or
Of course the region is also a great place from which to explore the surrounding countryside. China offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes anywhere in the world and Chengdu benefits from being just a short journey from several national parks. There are also plenty of large green spaces in the city itself, for those who are simply looking to spend some time outdoors without travelling too far from the centre.
Tips for staying in Chengdu
Places to eat
China’s cuisine is amongst the most popular in the world and Chengdu’s Unesco status makes it one of the best places to enjoy authentic dishes. Shujiuxiang Hot Pot Restaurant, Qinshanzhai and Chenmapo Sichuan Restaurant represent some of the best regional dining, popluar with locals and tourists. For those looking for international cuisine, there’s also places like Shamrock Irish Bar and Restaurant and Paulaner Brauhaus Restaurant.
Shopping
Shopping is serious business in Chengdu and there are several expansive shopping centres, with hundreds of retail units and hyper-modern facilities. Isetan Department Store, Ascott Raffles City Chengdu and Renhe Spring Department Store are some of the largest malls in the city centre, offering a huge variety of consumer goods, places to eat and various entertainments. Alternatively, a little further from the main areas are Jiufang Shopping Center and Lotte Department Store.
Attractions
Arguably the biggest attraction in the area is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the region’s most famous residents. Wangjiang Pavilion Park meanwhile is a great opportunity to explore bamboo gardens and see some stunning traditional architecture. For those seeking further cultural attractions, there’s also Chengdu Mass Art Gallery, showcasing local and international artistic talent.
Transport
Chengdu has an exceptionally well developed public transport network, comprised of several railway lines connecting multiple areas of the city as well as offering services across the wider region. There’s also a reliable and cost-effective bus service, with regular routes to all the major areas or the city. Bicylces can be hired from the local station and make for a great way of exploring the urban area, whilst taxis are also available for making journeys further afield. Chengdu is also home to one of China’s busiest airports, so is an ideal base for those planning to travel across the rest of the country.
Local Business
Chengdu is an attractive place for business investment, with many local and international firms operating locally. The city is an important centre for technology, with Microsoft, Dell and Samsung all having a big presence. Communications are also an important feature in the local economy, with Nokia, Motorola and Cisco being major employers. Local manufacturing is also represented by firms such as Dongfang Electric and CRRC Chungdu.
