City TourSichuan, a province with natural abundance cultural heritage and tasty food, is endowed with numerous family-friendly spots. Of them, the provincial capital Chengdu is a top choice for a family holiday. Herein, this article will be a Chengdu guidebook, including attractions, food, and recommendations for great family tours.
I.Best Time to Visit Chengdu
The best time to visit Chengdu is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Spring brings blooming flowers, like the peach blossoms on Longquan Mountain, creating a colorful and pleasant environment for family outings. Autumn, on the other hand, is marked by clear skies and cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, and winter (December to February) is relatively cold and damp. However, if your family enjoys skiing, the winter months are great for a trip to Xiling Snow Mountain near Chengdu.
II. Must – visit Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A trip to Chengdu is not complete without a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is a family place that you must visit because here, you get the opportunity to be close to the lovely giant pandas. Go early morning at 8am. At this hour, the giant pandas are active eating bamboo and playing. Try to visit the Moon Delivery Room first and see the adorable panda cubs. The base is huge, with beautiful gardens and enclosures that simulate the natural habitat of the giant pandas. There is also an area where you can observe the red pandas, which are equally adorable. Tickets: around 55 yuan per person.
Kuanzhai Alley
Composed of Kuanxiang, Zhaixiang and Jingxiang, Kuanzhai Alley is a wonderful place where you can experience the classical charm of ancient Chengdu. Traditionally decorated Sichuan architectures stand on both sides of the alley, and you are able to appreciate all sorts of local snacks, handicrafts and teahouses. Strolling along the alley, your family can savor such local snacks as Zhong dumplings, rabbit heads and sugar-coated fruit. There are also frequent street performers and folk cultural exhibitions, such as Sichuan opera face-changing performances, which is a great experience for children. Kuanzhai Alley is free to enter.
Jinli Ancient Street
Jinli is another old street that pulses with nightlife. The alleys are lined with red lanterns, which illuminate the path in a dimly lit atmosphere. It is here that you can taste various Sichuan foods from hot pot so hot it numbs your mouth to sweets. Trinket shops with traditional handicrafts such as Sichuan embroidery and bamboo products offer plenty. The street also often hosts cultural events such as traditional wedding ceremonies and performances of folk music. It is ideal for family photos and getting in touch with the local culture. Jinli Ancient Street charges no admission fee.
Wuhou Temple
Wuhou Temple is the most popular temple in memory of Zhuge Liang, the greatest military strategist of the Three Kingdoms. It is a solemn atmosphere, exquisite buildings, and rich historical relics. Wuhou Temple is a great place to teach children about Chinese history and culture. Red-walled gallery is also available, which is a great place to shoot a team photo. Tickets: approximately 60 yuan each.
III. Recommended Day-trip Schedule in Chengdu
Morning
- Wake up early in the morning and go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend 3-4 hours there and observe the giant pandas during their routine life.
- Following the departure from the panda base, have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Have some local foods like Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken.
Afternoon
- Visit Kuanzhai Alley. Walk along the alley, browse around the shops and try some local snacks. It is even possible to rest in a teahouse to experience the old Sichuan tea culture.
- Late afternoon visit Wuhou Temple. Spend about 2-3 hours studying the history of the Three Kingdoms.
Evening
Have dinner at Jinli Ancient Street. There are some restaurants and snack stalls to choose from. After dinner, stroll along the street, enjoy the night view, and perhaps watch a cultural show.
IV. Food in Chengdu
Chengdu is famous for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. Here are some must – try dishes for your family:
Hot Pot
Chengdu hot pot is world – renowned. The spicy broth is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, mutton, vegetables, and tofu. If your family can’t handle too much spiciness, you can choose a milder broth or a combination of spicy and non – spicy broths.
Chuan Chuan Xiang
Chuan Chuan Xiang is a street food in Chengdu. All sorts of ingredients are placed on bamboo sticks and steamed in a hot or non-spicy pot. You pay depending on the number of bamboo sticks you eat. It’s delicious and fun to try lots of different foods.
Archetypal Sichuan Cuisine
Don’t miss the famous foods like Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Twice-cooked Pork.
Snacks
Chengdu provides many snacks. Try the egg baked cake, long Chao Shou, and eight-treasure rice.
V. Chengdu Family Travel Tips
Transportation
- Chengdu has an organized public transportation system, including buses and subways. The local transportation app can be downloaded so that it will be easy to pay for the ride.
- It also has ride-hailing companies and taxis such as Didi.
- If you would rather visit the areas that are located farther from the city center, such as Dujiangyan or Qingcheng Mountain, you may take the high-speed train or bus.
Accommodation
- Choose a downtown hotel, for example, in the neighborhood of Chunxi Road or Kuanzhai Alley. These are near most tourist sites and offer ample restaurants and shops.
- Search for child-friendly accommodations or apartments that have facilities such as extra beds, cots, and pools.
Cultural Etiquette
- Sichuan residents are very welcoming. Be respectful and courteous when visiting the local sites.
- In some traditional teahouses, tea is poured in a particular way. You can observe and follow local etiquette if you wish to submerge yourself in the culture.
Language
Most of the Chengdu locals speak the Sichuan dialect, although many are able to speak basic Mandarin. Learning a few simple Sichuanese phrases is fun and handy, including “Ni hao” (hello) and “Xie xie” (thank you).
Conclusion
In brief, Chengdu is a perfect family travel destination with its adorable giant pandas, rich history, delicious food, and hospitable people. Grab this guide and you and your family will surely have a wonderful trip in this beautiful city of Chengdu. We are one of the most renowned tour operators in Sichuan Province with experienced tour guides. We can customize tours for you. Contact Chengdu Travel Agency today to start your Chengdu travel!
