Chengdu: Living Guide
A lovely city to live in filled with old and new. History lovers can come view the ancient temples, shops and tea rooms. While if you want a modern approach there are several shopping centers, restaurants and parks for you to relax at. A popular city with Chinese residents but still taking off for expats!
The Basics
The capital of Sichuan province. One of three most populated cities in Western China. There are no well-known cities nearby, but the closest ones are Mianyang 111km, Neijiang 153km and Yibin 223km away.
Chengdu is a rather warm city from April to October hitting highs of 30° and only goes down to 14°. But it feels like an extra 10° with the sticky humidity!
The transport lines are very developed hosting one of the busiest airports, several bus stations and lots of train routes. The airport is 16km from Chengdu centre and flies internationally. The city buses cost from 1-2 yuan and take tourists to most scenic spots. The railway station links to larger cities with faster trains, also some coaches take you to nearby tourist areas for as little as 25 yuan.
City Highlights
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A must-see for all expats, a research base home to fifty pandas! A huge complex built to provide information for tourists about the Giant Panda and Red Panda. Also, to help the animals adapt to living in wild circumstances so then they can be released in the future. Opening hours from 7:30am till 6pm, make sure to arrive early so you catch them while they’re awake! It is around 40 minutes from the city center, with bus routes taking you directly, or you can grab a taxi or didi. Entry fees are 58 yuan.
Wuhou Temple
One of the city’s biggest attractions, with statues dedicated to Zhuge Liang and Emperor Liu Bei and ancient inscriptions. If you’re going to live here it’s definitely a must visit. The temple covers 37,000 square meters of paths and woods and contains interesting architecture and tons of historical pieces. It is open from 8:00am to 5:50pm and is accessible via Metro Line 3 to Gaoshengqiao, then just a 5 minute walk.
Jinli Street
It’s full of souvenir shops and classical Chinese ornaments such as the Shu Embroidery and Sichuan Lacquer Ware. You can check out the amazing architecture and antique houses while dipping into some local snack shops. On traditional festival days there can be lantern exhibitions, eating competitions on the Dragon Boat Festival or appreciating the full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Taikoo li
An open shopping center comprising of traditional Sichuan styled buildings, international definitely worth a look. Try to avoid on national holidays – but on the plus side, there are ‘slow lanes’ for tea rooms and restaurants, and ‘fast lanes’ for shopping brands and viewing the Chinese heritage, limiting congestion and being annoyed!
Panda KFC
Yes! You read that correctly, a Panda themed KFC! It stands out for its unique layout with elements of the panda, bamboo trees and a large panda mailbox. A great place for a well-known meal with a Chinese touch and a great photo opportunity! It is open from 06:00am to 11:00pm.
Shamrock
One of the biggest expat hotspots in Chengdu, a lively bar/diner with pool tables, a tasty menu and live performances on weekends. It’s an Irish pub with a great atmosphere and lovely regulars, making it easy to find new friends.
Mooney’s Bar & Restaurant
Based at the Shangri-La Hotel and provides live nightly performances featuring international bands. It’s easy to relax in their super comfy seating, and if your hungry – order one of their amazing steaks! It hosts the most popular ladies’ night every Thursday as well as themed parties every two weeks, this bar is never short of an event, making it a potential regular spot to visit.
Anshun Lang Bridge
Located on the Jinjiang River and dates back as far as 1270, it’s a historical masterpiece. Most people go at night to the top-class restaurant on the bridge as it lights up and sparkles against the water, helping to set the mood for a romantic dinner.
Surrounding Areas
Mianyang
A great city to visit to expand your knowledge through the Technology Museum where you can learn all about nuclear expansion, missiles and space technology. As well as experiencing breath-taking views of Mount Doutuan overlooking the valleys. One being the Valley of Medicine King, where pretty pink medicine trees are scattered everywhere and will set you back only 90 yuan.
Neijiang
Take a trip back in time and come view the historic artifacts that Neijiang has to offer. Shengshui Temple is a top attraction showing the Buddhist communities artwork and statues such as the row of giant terracotta Buddhist monks. If you want to relax and have a romantic picnic visit Guyu Lake and listen to the dulcet tones of birds singing.
Yibin
The first city on the Yangtze River, a small population of 800,000 that is very traditional and with little visitation from westerners. Lizhuang Ancient town was built in 200 BC and hosts some of the oldest streets and popular local dishes such as white rice cake and black tea. Another top attraction is the Shunan Bamboo Sea, which is the oldest and largest bamboo forest in China. The natural streams and waterfalls are great for scenic onlookers - or you can go white water rafting!
We hope this helps you decide if Chengdu is for you!