Chengdu (成都)
Explore 54 spots discovered from 6 YouTube travel videos.
Based on 6 videos
Popular Spots
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
People's Park
Kuanzhai Xiangjie, Wide and Narrow Alley
Taikoo Li
New Century Global Center
SKP
SHUYANFU
Chunxi Pedestrian Road
Panda Valley
Lening
Chengdu Train Station
Da Ci Temple
Practical tips from creators in Chengdu
Helpful advice mentioned across multiple travel videos
Authentic Sichuan Beef Soup and Shao Mai
Order local beef soup dishes that feature a rich, beefy broth and various cuts of beef, including internal organs, offering a strong, authentic flavor. Also try the local Shao Mai.
Best time to visit Panda Sanctuary
It is highly recommended to visit the Chengdu Panda Sanctuary outside of summer months, specifically around October-November or March-April, to avoid extreme heat and see pandas in their outdoor enclosures.
Best way to experience Leshan Giant Buddha
Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha site on foot by walking down the famous Nine Bends Plank Road for a more immersive experience. It is recommended to be in good physical condition, wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water due to the steep and winding path.
Book Jiuzhaigou National Park tickets online
Purchase Jiuzhaigou National Park entrance tickets online in advance to secure entry, as there's a daily limit of approximately 20,000 tickets. Register your ID or passport when booking.
Booking high-speed train tickets in China
Use the Trip.com app to book high-speed train tickets in China, but allow plenty of extra time at the station as signage is not in English and you may need to figure out how to get physical tickets.
Bus ride to Jiuzhaigou County
The bus ride from Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station to Jiuzhaigou County takes about 2 hours and costs 51 CNY per person one way (approx. $7 USD). It is recommended to book bus tickets ahead of time.
Dining in Jiuzhaigou National Park
Food portions in the park's food court are large, and dishes tend to be very oily. Consider ordering less food to avoid waste and ask to reduce oil if you have a sensitive stomach.
Essential Apps & Connectivity for Chengdu
It is essential to have a smartphone with apps like Alipay and a VPN. An eSIM is recommended for connectivity. Alipay is crucial for ride-shares (Didi), scanning menus, paying in restaurants, and using public transport like buses and the metro by linking payment details to get a QR code.
Ideal time for Jiuzhaigou visit
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou is September and October to experience the autumn colors, although it is also peak season.
Must-Try Hot Pot Delicacies
At Chengdu hot pot restaurants, don't miss trying unique dishes like the "mystery money bag" and sea snail for an authentic culinary adventure. The bibs provided are also a highlight.
Navigating Chengdu's MRT with Alipay
Chengdu's MRT (metro rapid transit) is a convenient way to commute. It's highly recommended to set up Alipay for easy ticket purchase and entry, as buying single-trip cards or multi-use cards can be challenging for foreigners.
Overcoming language barriers for food ordering
When ordering food in Chengdu, be prepared for menus to be in simplified Chinese; Google Translate or similar translation apps can help you understand options, or simply point to pictures.
Park shuttle bus system
At the park entrance, visitors board shuttle buses that randomly take them to either the right or left side of the park, creating a "lottery" system to manage crowds.
Prepare for extensive walking in Jiuzhaigou National Park
Visitors should be prepared for a significant amount of walking within the national park. Pack snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes.
SKP Mall and the Tower of Life Light Show
SKP Mall is the largest sunken mall in Asia and a great place to visit on hot or rainy days. Be sure to time your visit to the adjacent Tower of Life for 7:30 PM to witness the spectacular bamboo art light installations and cascading water.
Taking photos for locals
Locals may ask you to take photos or videos for them, assuming you are a professional due to your camera gear. Be patient and willing to help.
Train journey to Jiuzhaigou
The train ride to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station takes about 2 hours and costs 140 CNY per person (approx. $20 USD).
Try 'Three Cannon Balls' Glutinous Rice Snack
Sample 'Santa Pao' (Three Cannon Balls), a local snack consisting of sweet glutinous rice balls served in a sweet sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, often prepared with a lively showmanship.
Try Green Sichuan Pepper Panda Ice Cream
Experience a unique Green Sichuan Pepper Panda Ice Cream with a slight numbing 'mala' flavor, a local specialty in Chengdu.
Try Sichuan street food
Explore the diverse and historical Kuanzhai Alley for authentic Sichuan street food, including spicy beef satay and chewy fried potatoes, and traditional steamed buns (Baozi) and steamed flower cake (Huagao).