Back from Chengdu, sharing some honest truths
Just got back from wandering around Chengdu, and the aroma of hot pot is still lingering in my mind! As a "seasoned tourist" who spent four days exploring, this is purely a personal experience sharing, no gimmicks, no ads. If you're planning to go, save this now!
🎒 Travel preparations, avoid these pitfalls
ID card is a must! Although most scenic spots in Chengdu accept QR codes, you'll need your ID card for high-speed rail and hotel check-in. Link your health code to the "Sichuan Tianfu Health Code" in advance. Although it's not as strict now, some older restaurants may still require it. Be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes! I learned my lesson the hard way after getting blisters twice from wearing new shoes 😭. Also, it occasionally rains in Chengdu in April, so pack a foldable umbrella or disposable raincoat – light and practical.
🌟 Must-visit attractions, these 5 are sure winners
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Listen to me! Get there by 8 am. The panda cubs are most active at this time, climbing trees, play-fighting, and munching on bamboo – so cute you'll want to faint! Remember to enter through the south gate and take the sightseeing bus (10 yuan/person) to the top of the mountain. It's easier to explore from top to bottom and avoid the crowds. Don't spend too long at the panda enclosure, the red panda nursery and Swan Lake are also super adorable!
2. Chunxi Road - IFS International Financial Center: The main attraction here isn't shopping, it's taking a photo with the "Climbing Panda" on the rooftop! It's best to arrive before 10 am when there are fewer people and the lighting is good. After taking photos, stroll around Taikoo Li. The alleys are full of interesting cultural and creative shops. When you're tired, grab a "Coconut Watermelon" drink from Cha Bai Dao – refreshing and palate-cleansing.
3. Kuanzhai Alley: People say it's crowded with tourists, but I think early morning and evening are the most charming times. At 9 am, the old teahouses are just opening. Sit on a bamboo chair, sip a cup of covered bowl tea, and watch the tea master perform the long-spouted teapot tea art. In the evening, the red lanterns light up. Buy a tanghulu (candied fruit) and enjoy it as you walk – sweet to the heart! Don't buy souvenirs on the main street. The nearby Kuixinglou Street has a more local vibe, full of small restaurants loved by locals.
4. Du Fu Thatched Cottage: The cottage in spring is like an ink painting! Red walls, green bamboo, and blooming crabapple blossoms – every shot is a masterpiece. I recommend renting an audio guide (30 yuan) to learn about Du Fu's story, otherwise, just looking at the buildings might be boring. After your visit, exit through the side gate and you'll find yourself in Huanhuaxi Park. Take a stroll along the lake and spot various water birds – very relaxing.
5. Jinli: Come at night! With the lanterns lit and the opera singing, you'll instantly feel transported back in time. I recommend trying the "danhonggao" (egg cakes). They come in sweet and savory flavors, and you can mix and match. I tried the pork floss + cream, surprisingly delicious! Don't buy souvenirs on the main street. Walk deeper inside, and you'll find small shops selling Shu embroidery handkerchiefs and Sichuan opera face mask fridge magnets – exquisite and affordable.
🍜 Tried and tested food, go for these with your eyes closed
▪️ Ye Popo Bo Bo Chicken (Taikoo Li Branch): They have both red oil and Sichuan peppercorn broths. The skewers are priced individually. I recommend the chicken gizzards, tripe, and quail eggs. After cooking, roll them in the dipping sauce – so good you'll lick your fingers! Remember to order a bowl of chicken soup rice to soothe the spice and warm your stomach.
▪️ Gan Ji Feichang Fen (Ma'an East Road Branch): A time-honored brand with long queues of locals! The intestines are super clean, and the noodles are handmade and chewy. Be sure to add a "jiaozi" (dumpling) to soak up the flavorful broth. A bowl in the morning will energize you for the whole day.
▪️ Tao Lin Restaurant (Chunxi Road Branch): They have all the classic Sichuan dishes! The Mapo Tofu is spicy and fragrant, the tofu so tender it melts in your mouth. The twice-cooked pork is rich but not greasy, perfect with garlic sprouts – you could easily eat three bowls of rice with it. The portions are huge, so three dishes are enough for two people.
▪️ Dongzikou Zhang Lao Er Liangfen (Wenshu Monastery Branch): The sweet water noodles are a must-try! Thick noodles coated in a rich peanut sauce, sprinkled with chili and sesame seeds – every bite is pure satisfaction. They also have yellow jelly noodles and Zhong dumplings. The prices are reasonable, so you can't go wrong with anything you order.
▪️ Ice Jelly: Almost every shop has it. I recommend adding glutinous rice balls and fruit – refreshing and perfect for cooling down after hot pot. A bowl after a spicy meal is pure bliss.
⚠️ Important notes to save you time
1. Transportation: Taxis are readily available in the city center, with a starting fare of 10 yuan. However, traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so it's best to travel at off-peak times. The subway covers major attractions. Download the "Tianfutong" app for QR code payments.
2. Queuing: Expect queues at popular restaurants. Use the "Meiwei Buyong Deng" app to get a queue number in advance, especially during mealtimes. Waiting for an hour is quite normal.
3. Dialect: Chengdu people speak with a natural "soft filter." If you don't understand, just ask "Can you speak Mandarin?" Everyone is very friendly and will switch.
4. Clothing: The temperature in Chengdu in April ranges from 15-25°C. Wear a light jacket and a long-sleeved T-shirt for easy layering. Fashionable ladies can bring a floral dress for stunning photos at Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Jinli.
Chengdu is truly a city you won't want to leave. The slow-paced life, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the endless delicious food – everything is heartwarming. If you're planning to go, remember not to rush. Take your time to explore, savor the food, and experience the city's vibrant atmosphere. Trust me, you'll be just like me, longing for the taste of hot pot long after you've returned. ❤️