Happy Chinese New Year to all of our readers!
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China and is the home of the giant panda. It’s known as the ‘land of abundance’ because of its fertile plains.
But Chengdu has a lot more to boast about than this. Visitors will find it hard to decide where to visit first; the Sichuan Opera, one of the infamous teahouses or to the Panda Research Base?
Cuddle a baby panda
There’s no better place in the world than Sichuan to see giant panda bears in their native habitat. After all, 80 percent of the world’s population of giant pandas live in this area. Sadly, only around 1,000 giant panda bears remain in the wild today, so encountering these gentle creatures in their home environment really is an incredible experience.
The Chengdu Research Base of the Giant Panda Breeding Centre opened for visitors in 1995, with the aim to preserve and increase the number of giant pandas and then release some back into the wild. The centre is only 11km from downtown Chengdu and is easily accessible by taxi.
The best time to visit is in the morning during feeding hours (8am to 10am), to watch the pandas busily munching their way through a bamboo breakfast. They tend to sleep a lot during the day, so arrive early.
Wander through the grounds at your own pace, taking in the sights of the young pandas playing together, strolling around or snoozing in the afternoon sun. Some of the pandas are so friendly that you can get quite close and they won’t bat an eyelid. Stop off at the panda nursery to catch a glimpse of the adorable baby pandas and even cuddle one in your arms.
When you’re there keep a lookout for the red panda, easily spotted due to its unusual red and brown fur. Also the Giant Panda Museum is definitely worth a visit.
For a spot of culture
Sichuan Opera is one of China’s oldest and most popular forms of entertainment. The opera is based on everyday events and local legends. Performances feature acrobatic displays, high pitched singing, colourful costumes and stylised acting. Be entertained by the variety of stunts such as fire spitting, sword-hiding, stick puppetry and rapid face changing. A performer often changes his or her make-up in an instant by spinning around or quickly moving their arm across their faces.
Visit the Sanxingdui Museum to discover Sichuan culture that existed between 2,800 and 800BCE. The museum contains a selection of ancient remains including gold, pottery, bone objects and bronze artefacts.
If you have an interest in literature, stop off at the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu. The picturesque garden and museum was built to pay tribute to Du Fu, a notable poet of the Tsang Dynasty and widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese poets.
Not for all the tea in China
Whatever you do, don’t go home without sampling the local speciality – hotpot.
Visit one of Chengdu’s ‘hole in the wall’ food establishments to try out authentic Sichuan cuisine. It’s so cheap they’re practically giving it away.
There are lots of hotpot shops worth visiting in the older part of Chengdu, right beside Chunxi Lu Market. Choose from a selection of meat and vegetables, which are then cooked in huge big pots of hot spicy oil. These hotpots certainly have a kick, so if this doesn’t appeal to your senses then ask for your meal to be prepared in the non-spicy broth instead.
We like the legendary hotpots from Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot on Yulin Street. Also don’t worry about not being able to find it - the traditional Chinese woodwork front is lit up with thousands of lights, making this restaurant a hard one to miss!
Chengdu is renowned for its seasoned signature taste. Think spicy peppers, strong flavours and plenty to go around.
Chengdu restaurant menus feature vegetable, meat, seafood and tofu dishes alongside an impressive variety of fried rice. Be warned, many dishes are cooked with mala, the notorious Sichuan chilli spice that's sure to make you sweat.
Chengdu is also famous for Xiaochi or ‘small eats’, and the Chinese barbecue is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Street traders set up these barbeques on the side of road, cooking inexpensive food on charcoal grills. Choose from an interesting selection of fresh meat, veg and fish on wooden skewers and then wait a few minutes while your food sizzles away on the grill. If you are feeling (very) brave add a drop of local spicy sauce, then make yourself comfortable on one of the little roadside stools, for a spot of people watching while you devour this scrumptious snack.
Fancy a cuppa? Chengdu has thousands of tea houses to choose from. These establishments are often packed with local people playing Chinese chess and card games. Take a step back in time at the People’s Park Teahouse, located downtown; it dates back over 100 years. Order a pot of green tea then relax into a rickety bamboo chair taking in the picturesque lake views.
Chinese New Year
One of the most important traditional holidays in the Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year ushers in a new year with festivity and fun.
With different years represented by different zodiac animal signs, 2012 sees the year of the Dragon return. The dragon symbolises power, strength and good luck. In popular belief, those born in the year of the dragon are attributed to being brave, innovative and driven.
Celebrated through an array of countries, the Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and traditionally lasts 15 days. This year, the celebrations began on 23rd January and will end on 6th February.
Where to stay?
Sofitel Wanda
Sofitel Wanda is walking distance from downtown Chengdu but this hotel has plenty to keep you entertained without stepping foot outdoors. Choose from three restaurants, a spa, sauna and swimming pool.
Mustn’t miss: After a long day's sightseeing, visit the spa for a spot of pampering, relax and unwind while the hotel’s masseuse soothes those tired muscles.
Tibet Hotel Chengdu
The Tibet Hotel Chengdu is known for its friendly, efficient staff. The hotel is located on the banks of the Jinjiang River so make sure you ask for a room with a view when you book.
Mustn’t miss: The dinner buffet, don’t eat for a week in preparation!
Crown Plaza Chengdu
This family friendly hotel has plenty to keep everyone happy; a spa, restaurants, babysitting service and two pools including one for the kids.
Mustn’t miss: If you fancy a break from Chinese cuisine sample the legendary Mississippi Grill steak.
Holiday Inn Century City
This modern and inexpensive hotel is located in the Century City complex in southern Chengdu, nearby attractions are the Temple of Marquis, Qingcheng Mountain, Qingyan Palace and Sichuan Opera.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to Skybar, take in the moonlit views of Chengdu’s skyline, as you linger over a drink.
Catriona Doherty
