'''Chengdu''' (___s ''Chengd?''; [http://www.chengdu.gov.cn]) is the capital of Sichuan Province in south-west China.

Understand

Chengdu is located in the fertile plains of China's Sichuan province. Due to its agricultural wealth Chengdu is sometimes called "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan river bisects the city although boat traffic, common until the 1960's, has all but disappeared. The greater city area is divided into five districts and 12 counties, altogether home to more than 9.2 million people. Chengdu is known to be a very laid-back city and ranked one of the most livable cities in China in recent years. It is credited with a good nightlife scene and contains many new western style buildings in the large city center. Summer weather is hot and humid, as the city is surrounded by mountains in the Red Basin. The most touted sites are the temples and historical sites, however they are modern re-constructions of little interest and with extremely high entrance fees. For a tourist, Chengdu's only real attraction is its airport, and they would be best to quickly move on to other regions of Sichuan and Western China. But, it can also be a very nice city, lots of trees, nice people. You would be best to form your own opinion rather than not coming.

Get in

Long Distance Public Bus (Coaches)

There are three bus stations in Chengdu, and they serve different destinations.

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Wuguiqiao

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Train

Frequent buses also leave for Chongqing, which is the beginning of many cruises down the Yangtze. These tours are available around town in Chengdu, and include transport to Chongqing, about three or four hours away. Train connections are available to Kunming in Yunnan, Chongqing and Xi'an..

Plane

The airport is located 20km outside of Chengdu. Chengdu airport is one of the main air hubs in China, ranked 5th in passenger volume. It has flights to most major cities in China and some international destinations including Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Singapore and Osaka. It serves flights to smaller cities within Sichuan Province, including the popular tourist destination Jiuzhaigou.

Taxi fare from the airport to the city center averages \45. There is no extra charge for luggage or additional passengers. Going from the city ''to'' the airport, add an additional \10 to cover the toll on the Airport Expressway. There is also bus no. 303, which will take you to the China Airlines office on Renmin Nanlu (2. Section) next to the entrance of the Minshan-Hotel (there is no bus stop! just look for a bunch of taxis/pedicabs, since they are also ''waiting'' for the bus :). You are right in the center of the city and it costs \10 per person. The last bus leaves the airport around 1 am.

If you intend to take a taxi, be sure to turn LEFT when you exit the domestic arrival area toward the taxi stand and get in a marked, green-and-yellow or blue-and-yellow taxi. Turning right may lead you towards no-goods who are waiting to prey on foreign tourists with unmarked vehicles. Beware as these people sometimes sport official-looking ID, but is in reality fake. The fare offered will often exceed \100, and if you bargain with them, you may find yourself sitting in the cab for a while until agreeing to raise the price back up.

Get around

  • Chengdu has an extensive system of '''city buses''' plying the streets. At each bus stop, there is a list of the bus lines coming through on this road, and on some city maps the whole network is displayed. Tickets are \1 for common and \2 for air-conditioned buses. After 10pm, tickets are \2 for common and \3 for air-conditioned buses.
  • '''Taxis''' are equipped with meters, which should be used. A free taxi will display an illuminated sign with Chinese characters in its dashboard. Taxi fare is \5 on flagfall and increase at \1.4 per km. At night, the fare is \7 on flag fall and increase at \1.6 per km.The meter records fares in increments of \1. Try to have small change on hand for taxi rides.
  • There were tricycles (_O??) who will take you short distances before 2008. Tricycle services in the City of Chengdu was discontinued in 2008. Fix a price (\4-10) in advance.In city, tricycles are forbidden to pass in some streets.
  • Most guest houses have '''bicycles for hire'''. Check for technical problems before starting out unless you want to be held responsible for it later. If you leave your bicycle, do so in one of the designated "parking lots", where it will be guarded over for a small fee. If you can't find such a place, be sure to lock it securely against some structure.
  • A '''subway system'''[http://www.cdmetro.cn] is under construction. The first line is slated to open in 2010. It will start at Tian Fu Square and extend southward down Ren Min Nan road.
  • See

    In Chengdu

  • '''Tian Fu Square''' This square, overlooked by an enormous Chairman Mao statue in the center of the city, has been spruced up. Every evening at dusk, as well as at noontime, an elaborate water show, synchronized to music, bursts out from the square's fountains. Below the square will be shopping and the future hub of Chengdu's subway system.
  • '''Sichuan Science and Technology Museum'''[http://www.scstm.com] (_l_____Z? ) Located directly behind the Chairman Mao statue in the city center's Tian Fu Square, this huge 4 storey museum is filled with interactive exhibits about science, aerodynamics, space, mathematics, robotics and physics. Children will love the interactive displays and indoor playground on the 4th floor. Adults will appreciate the descriptions in both English and Chinese. Everyone will love the crowd-pleasers like the robotic orchestra and walk-through maps of Sichuan's waterways. Admission is \35 per adult, free for children. To get there, take a taxi or bus to Tian Fu Square and walk to the large building directly behind the Chairman Mao statue. Note: During weekdays this museum can be overrun by local school groups.
  • '''Chengdu Zoo''' The Zoo, located in the north of the city near the Panda Research Base, offers all the typical animals that one might expect in a zoo (elephant, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, as well as panda bears). While the zoo itself is large and spread out, some of the cages are woefully small and the facility seems understaffed. Might be good for a family to visit. Admission is \12 per adult. The zoo has vendors selling Chinese snacks as well as some carnival type rides.
  • '''Sichuan University Museum''' (_l_____w____? Sichuan Daxue Bowuguan_j[http://www.scu.edu.cn/dwg/bwg.htm] has an excellent display of local artifacts and is worth while way of spending an hour or two. The museum is one of the better in China and there are four floors of well lite, air conditioned displays with decent English translations. Starting in the basement, enter the first room where dozens of stone carvings dating from the Han dynasty to the Tang are on display. The room next door has a moderately interesting display on the museum's history and numerous examples of ancient bronzes and stone age artifacts. The first floor is mostly artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasty, including furniture, silk clothing, and an interesting display of leather puppets. The second floor has the perhaps the most engaging display: artifacts and daily use items from ethnic minority groups in China's southwest, including Tibetans, Miao, Yi, Qiang, Jianpo and Naxi. The third floor has a decent display of calligraphy scrolls, paintings, and ceramics. The museum is located on Wangjiang Road (_]_]_H), about a 15 minute ride from Xinnanmen bus station or a 40 minute walk. Admission is \30 (students \10) and the museum is open from 9:00-5:00 seven days a week. It's telephone number is (028_j85412313.
  • '''Sichuan Opera''' Most guest houses and travel agencies offer to arrange visits to these traditional shows. It's more like a burlesque cabaret than an actual opera, sometimes including magicians, traditional musicians, shadow plays, comedy (spoken in Chinese though), and dancers besides the traditional pieces. Of course the most famous is never omitted: quick face-changing and fire spitting performed by dancers clad in colourful traditional costumes. You will follow the story sitting at your table, sipping on your constantly refilled tea cup and nibbling some salted snacks. Note that there are many teahouses in the city that offer the show every night. Try the local favorite at Shu Feng Ya Yun (__?____) teahouse located in Chengdu Culture Park (______?) on Qintai Road (it's beside Qingyang Temple). You will be seated on a covered open ground (cooled by fan; no A/C), which is actually the center of the traditional teahouse building. You might have to book in advance or just ask the concierge of your hotel to book it for you. The price of the ticket range from 150 yuan (US$25; back rows) to 220 yuan (US$35; front rows) per person.
  • '''Jin Li Ancient Street''' (?_____X). This neighborhood is part of the old city of Chengdu, it features hotels and small stores in and old-fashioned style. Antiques are sold in a variety of different stores. It is very popular among both tourists and locals, especially at night, with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. You will find a lot of famous local snack food over there, price ranging from 1-10RMB. Restaurants and bars in Jin Li are more expensive than outside. There are also antique hotels in there. But Jin Li is a must visit place for foreigners.
  • '''Jin Sha Excavation Site''' is a recently discovered site featuring various tools and art pieces from around 3000 years ago. The amount of unearthed items is just massive. They include pottery, blades, jade items, building foundations and various golden art pieces.
  • '''Wenshu Temple''', (_____@) 15 Wenshu Yuan Jie, (___s_____@_X 15 __ - off Renmin Zhong Lu). This Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple is the most impressive, and perhaps also the most used, temple in Chengdu. It is dedicated to the Buddhist representation of Wisdom, Wenshu Pusa (''Manjusri Bodhisatva''), and contains more than 450 Buddha statues and other precious relics. In addition to the halls and gardens, the temple also has a charming tea house that offers an insightful window of Chengdu life as it is frequented by locals who engage in games of chess, reading, knitting and just chatting with family and friends. The temple also has a delightful vegetarian restaurant with seats offering views over the gardens.
  • '''Qingyang Temple''' (Qing Yang Gong; ___r?), No.9 Xi Er Duan, Yihuan Lu (__?_H_____i9__). The "Palace of the Green Ram" has an entrance price of ten kuai. This Taoist temple is the oldest and biggest of its kind in the area, located in the West of downtown. A large and still-active temple that takes into consideration Taoist philosophy in its construction, and with both a park next door and a number of relaxed courtyards inside. While it has a long history, the buildings are modern, cheaply-made concrete constructions, and it quite frequently shows. The statues inside are also cheap modern constructions of no real interest. A teahouse and a vegetarian restaurant can be found within the temple complex.
  • Around Chengdu

  • Floraland (___F_V?). This amusement park is outside of Chengdu. Expect an expensive taxi ride out to the suburbs, or take one of the buses that will guide you to the park. The park includes a moderate selection of rides (water, relaxing and thrill), and various recreation activities. Weekends can get packed, so try to go during a weekday if possible. Tickets are about \60.

  • '''Panda Research Base''' - 028-83510033 [http://www.panda.org.cn/english/index.htm] - This is the biggest facility of this kind in the world. Due to habitat destruction and other reasons, the Giant Panda is maybe the most famous endangered animal. The Research Base is home to some 60 giant Pandas, but also has some Red Pandas and a colony of black-necked cranes. The Research Center affords views of the pandas from much closer than is possible at many Western zoos. Be sure to bring your camera. The Research Base also has a small museum and a cinema screening related documentaries. A restaurant and souvenir-stalls top off the tourist installations. Admission fee is \30. The best time to visit is in the morning, when pandas are most active. It is possible to take your picture while holding a Red Panda for a fee of \50; occasionally during the morning you can take a pictures alongside a giant panda for a fee of \1100 per person. Knowledgable English-speaking tour guides can be hired at the office by the Base entrance. The cost for a guide for a small group is \100. There are several ways to get there:
  • * By '''Taxi''' (recommended) the cost is about \35 from downtown Chengdu.
  • * By '''Bus''' (if you are on an ultra-low budget) Catch a northbound bus Nr.1 (\1) and stay with it until the local bus-terminal. Leave the local bus-terminal through the exit leading to the long distance-terminal (LDT), but do not enter the latter. Instead, wait for the suburbian public bus Nr.532 or 107 to come by and stop at the left corner of the LDT. For another \1 it will take you to the Panda research center within 20 min. Get off when you see a big white Panda-Statue in the middle of the street.
  • Do

  • Chunxi Road (_t___H). Take an afternoon or evening to walk down this shopping street, located in the center of the city. Makes for a good change of pace. Various clothing stores, bookstores, restaurants, arcades, and cinemas. Good place to find something to eat; including a hotpot buffet, Japanese restaurants, western food, and much more. However, the major disadvantage with this area is that each brand has many stores in this location. For instance, Nike, Adidas, and Li-Ning, each have about 4-5 stores in Chunxi Road alone which reduces the variety of things to buy. If you are looking for stores in the same vein as Louis Vuitton and Ermenegildo Zegna, these stores are located outside of the Chunxi Road area and near the Tianfu Square district.

  • KTV. arious locations. Spend an evening singing with friends, enjoy popcorn, beer and other refreshments. Songs available in English, Chinese, and more.

  • '''Foot and body Massage''' Chengdu is famous for its relax and layback lifestyle. Foot and body massage is very popular in Chengdu with a lot of varieties. Generally, these places cater to groups of people who come in together, relax in a private room, perhaps eating fruit or sipping tea, while receiving a fully-clothed massage or foot washing. Prices are very reasonable, often well under RMB80 per person. Some places offer 25RMB per hour for a very nice foot massage, including washing, soaking and massaging feet, free hot/cold drink (tea, coke or juice), fresh fruit. A great way to relax with friends.
  • '''Read a Book''' The Chengdu Bookworm (see listing under Eat) has a membership-based lending library of English language books, as well as travel guides for sale. Peter's Tex Mex, as well as some of the other restaurants that cater to foreigners, have book exchanges.
  • For up-to-date information on activities, places and attractions you should check out the CHENGDOO citylife magazine's listings. You'll find copies in most bars, restaurants, cafes, hostels and hotels.

  • '''Play Weiqi(the game of go)''' A weiqi tutor lives in Chengdu(KGS 8d),who can teach weiqi in english.[http://goplayer.blog.sohu.com/]
  • Cosmetics and Hairs. Local woman love to get their nails and hairs done at the mall. You can get your nails done beautifully(filed,buffered,polished and hand painted with beautiful patent) between 10-20RMB at most shopping centre. There are quite a few very popular ones located on the ground floor of Beijing Hualian(_k__??_jin Yanshikou. You can also get your hair temporarily straighten or curled at 10-15RMB. They do very nice style and it will last until you wash your hair.

    Learn

    The following universities accept foreign students with the proper visa:
  • '''Sichuan University'''
  • '''Southwestern University of Finance and Economics'''
  • '''Sichuan Normal University'''
  • '''Southwest University for Nationalities'''
  • Those interested in ongoing, '''private classes''' in the Chinese language can hire a experienced teacher for \40-\85 per hour. Ask for a referral at one of the universities, or from another student. Textbooks for learning Chinese are available at many local bookshops.
  • Work

  • Job postings for English teachers are located in many guest houses, at Western bars and restaurants, anywhere foreigners congregate.
  • The '''Peace Corps''' [http://www.peacecorps.gov] has its China headquarters in Chengdu and places highly selected and qualified US Citizen volunteers in 2 year assignments throughout West China, (Sichuan, Chongqing, Gansu, and Guizhou)
  • Buy

  • There is a big antiquities-market close to the ''Green Ram'' Taoist-temple in the western city. From the temple, walk straight west. It's on your right hand side after you crossed the bridge over the channel. You'll find communist relics, old porcelain dishes, jewellery, calligraphy equipment and also some Tibetan stuff. Be warned that overpricing is excessive (10-20x the real price), so bargain hard.
  • All sorts of plush pandas, and other panda trinkets, are sold at the gate of the panda base, as well as ones of a slightly higher quality at the shop inside the panda base itself.
  • Supermarkets are located throughout the city, although the selection of imported foods is limited. If you must buy American food, and don't mind a 50% premium over US prices, '''Sabrina's Country Store''' at #54 Ke Hua Bei Lu, across from the western gate of Sichuan University and near Linshiguan Lu has friendly service and all imported products. Phone 8524-2987.
  • Major retailers '''Carrefour, Metro''' and '''Wal Mart''' have locations in Chengdu.
  • Eat

    Sichuan being the most known Chinese food style within China, you will find no shortage of delicious Sichuan food in Chengdu. Most of the food is quite spicy, be sure to order non spicy (_s_v__ ''bu yao la''), little spicy (____ ''w?i la'') food, old spicy (very spicy) (_V__''lao la''). If you are not accustomed to it yet, a bottle of soy milk or milk will work much better than water to quell the fire. If you are used to authentic Indian or Thai food, the level of spiciness in Sichuan food should be no problem at all. However, Sichuan food also makes heavy use of Sichuan "peppercorn" or huajiao (_____j- which looks like but is not a true peppercorn, and causes your mouth to become somewhat numb. Huajiao is commonly added in most of spicy dishes. If you can eat spicy food but dont like huajiao, you need to order "bu yao huajiao" (_s_v_____j. However, huajiao (in addition to causing numbing) has an important citrusy taste that it adds to foods and authentic Sichuan tastes bank on the play between the flavours of both huajiao and chili peppers, and it is strongly recommend you at least try the authentic versions with the huajiao before deciding for yourself.

    The spiciest food in Chengdu is hotpot (also called steampot), although the tradition originated in Chongqing, so it is not really Chengdu food. Sichuan hotpots are basically a big pot of soup and spices simmering in a hole in the middle of your table. Patrons choose from a large selection of meats, vegetables and other add-ins. Most popular include: lamb, mushrooms, beef, tofu, quail eggs, potatoes, kuail eggs and many many others (pork, green vegetables, fish balls, carrots, hot dogs, and even pig's brain!) You can choose spicy pot or non spicy pot. With spicy hot pots, unlike eastern hot pots, the soup is NOT for drinking; instead, fish out your cooked items with chopsticks (do not fish the liquid out with a spoon, it is too spicy even for locals to drink; the fished out vegetables will be spicy enough), dip them in the small bowl of oil provided to each person, and enjoy.

    There are also a lot of weird local snack type of food, such as spicy dragon prawns (look like very small crayfish_C ____??), spicy snails_i_____c___j, Chongqing duck neck_i____??_q_j, Bangbang chicken(____?_j, spicy rabbit meat(_____\___j.These ones are so delicious and you must try them. But you need to ask a local to take you to the right place. Quite often you will find that the small restaurants and shops offer the most delicious and cheapest food.

    Budget

  • There are a number of stalls and hole in the wall type places all over town. Food here is dirt cheap - expect to pay no more than \8 for a meal, and the quality is good. Things to be on the lookout for are spicy bowls of breakfast noodles, dan dan mian (_S_S__), double cooked pork, and dozens of dishes coated in "ma la" the Sichuan chili spice famous the world over.
  • Yulin Chuan Chuan Xiang (__________). arious locations throughout the city. Cheap and fast hotpot variety. This is a help-yourself style meal, go to a backroom and choose your own kabobs. Stick the kabobs into a hotpot soup, and have them boil. Pull them out and enjoy. Large kabobs are \1, and small ones are \0.1 each. Expect to be full for less than \25. There are both spicy and non-spicy variations. There is a large selection of meats, vegetables, and other add-ins. Beer is available in large bottles and Dou Nai (A sweeter Soymilk) is also served.

  • Find some '''Lanzhou Lamian (?_B_f__)''', located everywhere. A bowl of Noodles starts for about \4, and reach a maximum of \7. Varieties include egg, lamb and beef. Other dishes are reasonable in price as well. Breads for 1 kuai a piece, and Mutton Kabobs (_r____) go for 1 kuai per stick. Da Pan Ji (__??) is a great choice if eating with a group. Usually offered in small or large sizes, a small size will cost about \40 and feed 3 or 4 people. A large order might cost about \60. This dish includes chicken, potatoes, onions and other vegetables in a moderately spicy sauce. Can eat with bread or noodles to make a great meal.
  • '''Steamed buns/Baozi (___q)'''are sold for breakfast or lunch from street vendors throughout the city. Yacai bao (______) is a local Sichuan special variety you're unlikely to find elsewhere and typically contains some mixture of Yacai (____), a type of preserved vegetable, and potentially some meat. Other typical fillings include beef, red bean paste, mushrooms, green vegetables or pork. Three buns cost around \1 or larger buns cost \1 each as well. A container of soy milk (____ ''dou jiang'') is about the same price.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Wenshu Temple Vegetarian Restaurant''' (_____@_f_`?) 15 Wenshu Jie (_____@_X 15 __). Tel:''+8 28'' 693-870. Located in the grounds of a monastery and run by monks, Wenshu Restaurant offers a huge selection of traditional vegetarian dishes, including some containing imitation meat.
  • Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant (_k_C_____{____). arious locations throughout the city. Authentic Japanese food. Meals range from \20 upwards. Expect a plate of sushi to be quite a bit more expensive, but sides are generally decent priced. Serves Curry, Tonkatsu, Unagi-Don, Fried Rices, Sushi, Ramen Noodles, and various other selections. Serves Chinese and Japanese Beers, as well as a selection of Plum Wine and Sake. Locations include Chunxi Lu (_t___H), Yulin Nan Lu (_______H), Outside of Sichuan University (Near Cafe Paname), and more.

  • '''Chen Mapo (?___k)''' on Shuanglin Lu 208 (___s_s_o___H208___V?__?__??__ ) supposedly opened by the Mapo herself in 1862. ''The'' place to eat Mapo Doufu, it doesn't get any more authentic than this. Spicy food eaters will love this, those who do not like spicy food should probably skip it altogether. Website: [http://www.chenmapo.com/]
  • Splurge

  • '''Veranda Bridge Restaurant''' This restaurant is actually a historic bridge over the Fulan river. Sichuan food. Very good reputation within Chengdu. Expect to pay at least US$10 per person for food, drinks additional.
  • '''Huang Cheng Lao Ma''' [http://www.hclm.net] Phone 8513-9999. Located on 3rd section of south part of the 2nd Ring Road. Elaborate restaurant featuring hot pot followed by live entertainment, including Sichuan face-changing. Don't miss the diorama scene of ancient Chengdu built into the restaurant lobby's floor. A separate section on the ground floor of the restaurant also features a pan-Asian buffet with contemporary entertainment. Child care is available on premises. Prices are in the range of RMB100 per person for dinner and one drink.
  • Western Food

    Chengdu has a few local Western restaurants. Service is always friendly, although you should expect occasional mistakes, such as appetizers served at the same time as your meal. Chengdu is just starting to get accustomed to Western tastes.

  • The '''Chengdu Bookworm'''[http://www.chengdubookworm.com/] The Bookworm has something for everyone: it is an English language lending library, a Western restaurant, a bar, as well as an occasional venue for local singing and musical talent. Expats might want to join the membership library or take kids to the children's morning story hours. Evenings, you might find a travel author reading from and signing books, poetry reading, or singing. Great place for to connect with others, catch up on some reading, or just relax. 28 ''Renmin Nan Lu''.
  • '''Grandma's Kitchen''' Western restaurant with four locations around Chengdu, including one next door to Peter's on Zhong Hua Yuan.
  • '''Peter's Tex-Mex''' Actually an American restaurant with some Mexican dishes. Peter's has good food. The Zhong Hua Yuan location _i028_j 85180903 also has homemade ice cream, the best ice cream you will find in Chengdu. If you are coming from out of town, the Zhong Hua Yuan location is right in a major expat area with lots of other restaurants and shopping surrounding it. Prices range from \12 to more than \150 for a meal.
  • '''Zoe's Barbeque & Restaurant'''[http://www.zoesbbq.com] - Western BBQ and more,the best pork ribs in Chengdu .. Good food with friendly service, plus wireless access. N0.30 Section.4 Renmin Nanlu (_l_____H_l_i30__) _i028_j 85593345
  • '''Paul and Dave's Oasis''' is a place for volunteers, ex-pats, and all manner of foreigners, a place where you can go and just chill. Though he does serve Chinese food, you're better off going elsewhere for this, it is however a place where you can sit and lose yourself for a day or so. Usually ocupied by the local foreigners, usually playing Western music. This place is conveniently located directly opposite the Travel Hotel and main Bus station (other side of river).
  • Fast food including '''McDonald's, KFC, Subway''' and '''Pizza Hut''' have locations throughout Chengdu. McDonald's and Pizza Hut add some distinctively Chinese offerings to their menus. Unusual cultural tidbit: At Pizza Hut only one trip to the salad bar is allowed per person. Notice how many Chinese turn their salad plates into artistic creations, stacked high with vegetables to share. Also Chinese chain '''Dico's''' is spread throughout the city, a good KFC alternative.
  • All of the hotels in the "Splurge" category have Western restaurants or buffets. Call ahead for more information.
  • Drink

  • Club 88_@(88____?). hao Ling Lu 88 hao, Wuhou district (_____H 88__ ______). Currently Chengdu's hottest club. Awesome lighting and music, dancing in the walkways and people just trying to get seen. Expect crowds of people, packed tables, and action going on through the night well past the other clubs closing times. Get there early to get a table or come (very)late to wind down the night when everything else dies.

  • Babi I. r Huan Lu San Duan 18 Hao __?_H_O_i_\____. 28-6605-9955. This club is located in the southwest part of the city nearby the Wuhou, Tongzilin and Yulin districts. One of the few clubs that keeps on going past 1am. Drink before coming, since alcohol prices are steep like most clubs. Expect a small dance floor (but bigger than some of the others), and too many tables. Mix and a couple KTV joints also make up this complex.

  • Cafe Paname. 43 Ke Hua Bei Lu __?_k_H143__(Nearby Sichuan University). A bar with a younger crowd and laidback environment Expect an occasional DJ event which will make the bar a little more lively on Fridays and Holidays. \10 Sunitory Beer on tap is a perk.

  • '''Highfly Cafe''', 18 LinJiang Rd, 028-85442820 is a relaxed place with a tiny outside sitting area. They serve beers and western food including pizza and breakfast. There is one computer for free Internet access and a small book exchange (2 for 1).
  • '''Feeling4Seasons Cafe''' [http://www.f4scafe.cn], Orient Times Mall 2F, Xia dongda street (near Dongmen bridge), Chengdu. Phone 028-66208848. Good Italian coffee: espresso, cappuccino, especially latte. Also pasta and pizza. They also provide Internet service: wireless access for your laptop, loan of a wireless card if you don't have one, use of a PC if required. You can also burn CDs. It is also one famous China blog freelancer's cafe bar; he published a book named "Ten Years, Flying with one Dream".
  • '''Shamrock Pub _O______?''' [http://www.shamrockinchengdu.com], #15, 4th Section, Renmin Nan Lu, 028-8523-6158 ( located near Linshiguan Lu and the US Consulate), an Irish pub in Chengdu is currently the hub of Chengdu's small expatriate community (of approximately 3,000). Friendly pub atmosphere and live music some evenings. In addition to drinks the pub serves dishes including pizza, meat pies, sausage rolls, steaks, burgers, currys and a range of other snacks. The pub is also an active sponsor of several nonprofit organizations, including holding events for moon bear rescue and for the disabled. Copies of the informative Chengdoo book are available at the Shamrock.
  • '''High Connections Coffee House''' [http://www.highconnections.com] is located on the west side of Chengdu near Metro and the Southwest Financial University at Qingyang Qu Shuangqing Nanlu 6 Hao Fu A-20, 028-8732-5855. The coffeehouse provides a relaxing, comfortable, environment with soft lighting and easy-listening music. They have non-smoking and smoking sections. Bring your computer and hook up to the wireless Internet. They also have large conference rooms available for meetings.
  • Also, on the southern bank of the Jin Jiang there is a row of bars between Renmin Nanlu and Xinnan Lu. Individual Beers will cost \10-\20 per bottle, but buying bulk cans will save you a good bit of money with special deals. There will also be street vendors selling various snacks. This makes for a good night with the clubs Babi II, Ta & Ta, and Soho just around the bend.

  • 8trees Wine Bar & Restaurant. o 9 Ping An Alley. 28-86699060 . ttp://www.8trees.com.cn/. Located in a century old Roman Catholic church, 8trees offers the most unique romantic dinning experience. Recommended signature dishes are the tantalizing mouthwatering North American beef, marinated with fresh herbs and spices; the lamb main simmered with exotic spices; On the lighter side, there is the conscious side dish which is very popular with weight-watching regulars who complement their meals with the rich creamy soups offered in the menu. A must see for the church underground wine cellar.

    Sleep

  • '''Chengdu Dreams Travel International Youth Hostel _i___V_____N_O??_j''', Opposite the Wuhou temple at 242 Wuhouci Road (___s_s_____K___X242__). Tel:''86 28'' 8557-0315 8557-0322 E-mail: dreams-travel-yh1@hotmail.com [http://www.dreams-travel.com/youthhostel/en/index.asp]. Reachable by bus 57 from near the train station to Wuhouci station (_____K__), cross the street and walk slightly further. Dorm beds (\30, \25 with HI card) and private rooms of various sorts available. Travel Office and English help, 24hour Large volume hot shower, a roof-top bar, garden tea house, kitchen for self cooking. Tends to be frequented by Chinese tourists more than foreigners, but the hostel staff have at least 2-3 people that speak perfect English.
  • '''Chengdu Jason's Nest Guest House (___s___s_V_____N___q)''', No.26 west way of south railway station, 0086-28-85125498, [http://www.travelnest.com.cn/about_en.asp]. Fully-equipped hostel with spacious bright rooms, clean bunks, the Tibetan-style dining room and bar. Located in the leisure, entertainment, dining center of Chengdu, with most attractions within a \10 taxi ride. It's a \30 taxi ride from the airport or north rail station, a 10-minute walk from the south station, or call for a free pick-up. Helpful, very knowledgeable staff.
  • '''Traffic Hotel''' (____?_X; No. 6 Linjian St, ___s_s?_]_H6__; tel. 028-85451017; [http://booking.traffichotel.com/hotel/home.php]), conveniently placed just near Renmin Nanlu directly bordering the Xinnanmen bus station. This hotel is one hundred percent geared towards foreign backpackers and is a good place to organize a tour or buy tickets. Four-bed dorms rooms are \30 per bed and three-bed dorms are \40. The rooms and shared bathrooms for \40 are very clean and come with a reliable air conditioner. Washing machines are available for \10 per load; bring your own detergent. Singles and doubles start at \200 and range up to \500.
  • '''Chengdu Mix Hostel (Backpackers' Accommodation, Guesthouse & Youth Hostel)''' ___s?_F?___N___q, Address:No.23 Xing Hui Xi Lu, Ren Jia Wan, Wan Fu Bridge, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R.China. [http://www.mixhostel.com/index_eng.htm] [http://www.donkey-pal.com/index_eng.htm], E-mail:mixhostel@hotmail.com. In downtown near Wenshu Temple, with cheap beds, and lots of people. Wi-fi for laptops, free Internet. Atmospheric building with a lot of Tibetan knick-knacks. The staff all seem somewhere around twenty. They're obviously over-worked and under-trained, with poor English and poor customer service, frequently mistaking food orders and even room reservations. Rooms without air-condition are sweltering hot even in mild weather, the shared showers are dirty and broken down. If you call ahead and book they will pick you up from the train or bus station.
  • '''Dragon Town Youth Hostel''' ___s_s?_J_q27__, ''27 Kuanxiangzi St, tel. 028-86648408, fax 028-86245901, reception@dragontown.com.cn, [http://www.dragontown.com.cn]''. A five minute walk north of the Renmin park. Serving younger people and families, catering mostly for young western budget tourists. Many traveling services available from within the hostel, such as tours to nearby attractions, Tibet travel tours. Facilities include Internet access, restaurant and camp grounds. Cheapest accommodation is \15/bed with rooms starting from \100.
  • '''Sam's Guest house''' ''130 Shanxi Jie, samtour@yahoo.com: tel.028-86118322'', 10 minutes walk from the Chairman Mao Statue at Renmin Nanlu. Look for Rongcheng Fandian (Rongcheng hotel). Sam's Guest house office is next to the entrance to the Rongcheng Fandian. Rooms start from \80. Doubles are \120.
  • '''Sim's Cozy Garden Hostel ___s_V_____N___q''' ''No.211 North Section 4, First Ring Rd, Chengdu, Sichuan, China 610081, tel :028-81979337, simscozygh@yahoo.co.jp, [http://www.gogosc.com/en.asp]'' Opened in 2004 by two experienced travelers (husband & wife team), it's reopened in a new location in January 2008 close to the original place(42 Xizhushi, close to Wenshu temple in the northern part of town)[http://www.pbase.com/napier/ctu_sim], with a small garden and great atmosphere and look. Care has been taken to avoid the typical pains of the traveler's everyday life, so for instance toilets are equipped with paper, there is a lockable security box at your bed, mosquito-coils adorn the rooms and corridors, the bar-restaurant provides guitars and cold beers, western and Chinese food and so on. Staff is extremely friendly, helpful and speaks English. They do arrange tours to several sights. There is internet access for \5 per hour (it is free if log out before 10 mins) at the bar (free for WiFi access which works from all bedroom). A dorm bed is \30, single (\120 with shower), doubles and family room with/without air-con are from \80 to \240. If you don't want to stay in the dorm, is advisable to make a reservation some days in advance.
  • '''Xiaoguanyuan Hotel''' (__?? ''xi?ogu?nyuan''), ___s_s?_J_q40__, ''40 Kuanxiangzi St, tel. 028-86640663, 028-86639883, 028-86640241''. Beautiful garden and classical architecture hotel. Staff is Chinese speaking only though, but with a good location and rooms starting from \100, a very good offer. Just 50m from the Dragon Town Youth hostel. As at February 2007, Kuanxiangzi Lu is undergoing extensive reservations, and it appears that '''Xiaoguanyuan Rest House has closed down'''.
  • '''The Loft''' Located three blocks north of Dragon Town Hostel. Very modern hostel. Use to be a printing factory but now converted to a contemporary style hostel. Has free pool table, free Internet access (Nov.2006), TV and DVD. Rooms are clean. Twins and doubles cost \120.
  • Mid Range

    The vast majority of Chengdu's mid-range hotels are not affiliated with a national or international brand and generally charge between RMB 300 to RMB 700 per night. The hotels in this category can generally put up the facade of the more luxurious hotels, but often suffer noticeably from deferred maintenance or haphazard customer service. Many are geared mostly towards Chinese and Asian tour groups. The hotels listed below are the best of the bunch with lobby staff who speak at least a basic level of English and usually offer a free Chinese breakfast.

  • '''Chengdu Wenjun Mansion Hotel'''[http://www.dreams-travel.com/wenjun/en/], 180# Qintai Street. TEL_F''+86 28'' 8613-8785_@8613-8884. The hotel offers a wide range of rooms from single to family. About RMB180-260/night. This attractive courtyard-style hotel is situated on one of the more tourist-friendly streets in the city,Qingtai Lu, surrounded by buildings in a similar Han and Tang Dynasty style. The courtyard is a perfect place for tired travelers to relax with a drink and play a borrowed game of mahjong or just chat.
  • WenJun Mansion Hotel

  • '''Jin Jiang Inn''' [http://www.jj-inn.com] Part of a China-wide hotel chain; 3 locations in Chengdu; the South Chengdu Yulin location is near Ren Min Nan Road and the US Consulate. Good value for money with rooms from \129-179 per night. Rooms are small but clean and well apportioned. Breakfast and free internet provided. Secure lobby area and friendly staff.
  • '''Super 8 Hotel'''[http://www.super8.com] In the SOHO Building, #60 Ke Hua Bei Lu, phone 86-28-85250058. Located above an enclosed shopping arcade, near the Western Gate of Sichuan University. Free internet. No breakfast. Rooms are small and poorly designed and priced from \139-188 per night.
  • '''[http://www.newtimesmaruikahotel-chengdu.com/ New Times Maruika Hotel Chengdu]''' is located in Qingyang District, in the province of Sichuan. The hotel lies within 2 km from the Chengdu Railway Station, Pacific Department, and city center. The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is 30 km away. It is conveniently accessible to railway stations, the airport, and various transport systems. This three-star Chengdu hotel features air-conditioned guestrooms that has cable TV, a private toilet and bath, safe, hair dryer, and a free broadband Internet connection. Address: Block B, Wen Wu Road, New Times Square, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Phone Number: 86-28-86530188. Fax Number: 86-28-86617982. Price: CNY 197.79
  • Splurge

    Chengdu's luxury hotels provide world class service at very reasonable prices. Business and leisure travelers can expect, at a minimum, to find fluent English speaking staff, Western and Chinese restaurants, full conference facilities, business center, sauna and concierge service at all of these hotels. Room rates range from US$115 - $US200 per night for a standard or deluxe room. The Kempinski and the Jin Jiang hotel are generally the lowest price within this category.

  • '''Chengdu Lido Sheraton'''[http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1296] Modern, American managed hotel conveniently located in in the center of Chengdu near Tian Fu Square and the sports stadium, but a few blocks away from shopping districts. This hotel can accommodate the most discriminating of guests in luxury and world class service.
  • '''Sofitel Chengdu'''[http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/3717/fiche_hotel.shtml]: French managed, overlooks Fulan river, similar to but more expensive than the Sheraton.
  • '''Jin Jiang Hotel'''[http://www.jjhotel.com]: Chengdu's first international luxury hotel, the Jin Jiang still offers good service. While it has been eclipsed in luxury by the newer hotels listed in this section, it offers reasonable room rates and great service, with good facilities for conferences of all sizes.
  • '''Kempinski Hotel'''[http://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel/details.htm?id=91]: German managed hotel offers hospitality and luxury. Great German events, including Ocktoberfest, Christmas and New Year's parties. Excellent gym, pool and workout facilities. Close to the United States Consulate.
  • '''Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel'''[http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/CTUCH?&GCID=S13444x010&KEYWORD=%22chengdu+hotel%22&cm_mmc=Google-PS-CrownePlaza-_-BN+INDIVIDUAL+HOTELS-_-Chengdu-_-chengdu+hotel%7C-%7C100000000000000092190]: The Holiday Inn goes all out to indulge its guests with the finest of service. Great service, very responsive management.
  • '''Shangri La Hotel'''[http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/chengdu/shangrila] Chengdu's newest luxury hotel, opened 2007. Very creative buffet restaurant.
  • '''Forstar Hotel'''[http://www.forstarhotelchengdu.com] is a business hotel in Sichuan, China. It offers upscale meeting room facilities, convention center, and business center. It_fs also a four-star quality accommodation in Chengdu that offers luxurious amenities to vacationing tourists. It has elegant guestrooms, posh restaurant, full service spa, and recreational rooms. Online reservations are now available.
  • '''Jinyu Sunshine Hotel'''[http://www.jinyusunshinehotel-chengdu.com] is a four-star hotel in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. It offers over 150 guestrooms, all elegantly furnished. Other hotel facilities include banquet halls, restaurants, gift shop, spa, and KTV. Online reservations are now available.
  • Headline text

    Contact

    Consulates

  • '''United States Consulate General'''[http://chengdu.usconsulate.gov/] (____?___s??__?) #4 Linshiguan Lu, Chengdu. Phone 8558-3992. American Citizen Services hours Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-5:00pm, Fridays 9:00-4:00pm.
  • '''Royal Thai Consulate'''[http://www.thaichengdu.com] (____?____??__??___s?__?) Located in the Kempinski Hotel: 42 Renmin Nan Rd. 4th Section C210-212, Sichuan 610041
  • '''German Consulate General''' (_____u?_M___a__?___s??__?) 25th Floor of Western Tower located at No. 19, 4th Section Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, Tel: (0086-28)8528 0800 Fax: (0086-28) 8526 8308
  • '''Consulate General of Singapore''' (_V____?___s??__?) 31/F East Guan Cheng Square, No.308, Shun Cheng Main Street, Chengdu. Phone 86 28 8652 7222
  • '''Consulate General of the Republic of Korea''' (?__?___s??__?) No. 2, Wangfu Oasis Hotel, Xianan Main Street of Chengdu. Phone 86 28 8616 5800
  • Phone

    China's country code is '''86'''. Chengdu's area code is '''28'''. Coin-operated pay phones are located throughout Chengdu, and calling cards can be purchased from many vendors. Local landline phone numbers are eight digits long; cellular phone numbers in Sichuan are eleven digits long and start with 13 or 15.

    Internet

    '''Internet access''' can be found in most guesthouses and through cheap internet cafes all over town. Look out for the ''Pacman''-character ? in the Chinese name for internet bar: __?.

  • A large Internet cafe is located on the second floor of the Xinnianmen bus station, just 100 meters from the Jiaotong Fandian hotel. The connection is fast and access is \2/hour.
  • Stay safe

    Thieves are prevalent around certain areas of Chengdu. Be careful around the Yanshikou markets and especially around the North train station. There are also many thieves on crowded buses who use razors to cut open pockets and bags. Also watch your bag at all times when riding bicycles around the city, thieves like to run alongside bicycles at traffic lights and reach into bags.

    Cope

    For such a big city, there's surprisingly little Western influence in Chengdu but certainly more than regional "rival" Chongqing. It's definitely not Beijing or Shanghai but this is changing fast with the arrival of more and more foreign students, teachers, and business people. This may be trying initially, as the level of English spoken is noticeably lower than other places, but it's also a blessing; carry a phrasebook and enjoy the authentic Chinese urban experience.

  • Jingyi Optical. 9 Chunxi North Road. 028)86655689. uwu@jyglasses.com.cn. ttp://www.jyglasses.com.cn. A large and professional opticians with a good range of glasses, contact lenses and checkup facilities.

    Get out

    Chengdu is the gateway to Sichuan. Daytrips and trek can be organized to any major attraction is the province. The Giant Budda, Mount Qincheng, Stone Elephant Lake and Jian Chuan Museum can all be reached by regular bus or tour bus (ask your hotel for guidance). Families and those short of time might consider hiring a car with driver (\300-900 per day, depending upon type of car and experience of driver, with cars booked at the luxury hotels the most expensive and highest quality).

  • The '''Giant Buddha''' in Leshan is probably the most popular nearby destination. A day trip to this ancient man-made wonder should be about \100-150. Two day tours are available which combine the Buddha with a visit to the nearby Buddhist holy mountain Emei Shan.
  • '''Mount Qingcheng''' (_____R) and the '''Dujiangyan irrigation system''' (_s_]__, built 250 BC) Dujiangyan_Irrigation_System are easy day trips about 40km from Chengdu and make for a fascinating visit. You can do both sites in one long day, or better yet, plan to spend a day at each. Qingcheng is a beautiful mountain with an extensive and well kept network of steps and pathways; it includes many pagodas, a small lake, and a chair-lift for those who don't want to walk. Qingcheng is an important site in the Taoist religion. Dujiangyan has a fascinating history and a marvelous swinging pedestrian bridge. Both trips involve lots of walking. The entrance fees for both sites are not cheap. The mountain is \90. The cable car up is \35 one way or \60 round trip. There is a boat one needs to take to cross a natural pond for \5. The irrigation system costs an additional \90 to enter.
  • '''Stone Elephant Lake Ecological Resort'''(______) [http://www.selake.com] is a fantastic park with acres upon acres of live tulips and tiger lily flowers as well as nature walks and boat rides, and stone carved animals. The best time to go is during the Tulip Festival in early Spring and when the Tiger Lillies bloom in late summer, however, various flowers are usually in bloom from March through August and the nature walks are open year round. Bring your camera. Also bring a picnic lunch or eat in one of the several Chinese restaurants and noodle shops there. The park is about an hour and 15 minutes drive of pure highway driving south of Chengdu. Arrange a car to take you there or ask about bus service. Admission is \50.
  • '''Jian Chuan Museum Cluster''' Industrialist Fan Jian Chuan built this campus of museums to explain the history of 20th Century China. This is the first privately owned museum in Sichuan (privately operated museums in China have only been permitted since the year 2001). The Museum campus contains four buildings about World War II in China - one explaining the Communist Party role, one the Kuomington, one about the American volunteer group "Flying Tigers", and one about Sichuan volunteers. There is also a the modestly named "New China Porcelian Museum", which actually tells the story of the Cultural Revolution through porcelians of that era. A museum that more directly addresses that era is under construction. You will also see buildings explaining the practice of foot-binding and one about prisoners of war. Nearby, you can also walk through a landlord's manor. Make a day trip out of it; the Museum is in the nearby county of Dayi about an hour's drive from Chengdu. Admission is \60. Get around the museum cluster by walking or rent a bicycle built for two; a tea-house is located on site.
  • '''Bi Feng Xia'''[http://www.bifengxia.com] Bi Feng Xia is a large ecological park in the mountains about a two and a half hour drive from Chengdu. It centers around a huge gorge with waterfalls. One can hike down into the gorge on well marked paths and take an elevator back up. The park also has special panda bear habitats, as well as a more traditional "zoo". The main reason to go here is for the walks and hikes into the gorge. The zoo, although filled with animals such as tigers, lions, bears, monkeys, and even a drive-through section, has woefully inadequate and sometimes smelly enclosures. (The enormous bird aviary is one exception). Admission is about \80, with additional charges for bus rides between different sections of the park. There is a hotel and basic restaurants on site. Given the distance from Chengdu, probably best to make an overnight trip if you wish to stay here.
  • '''Huang Long Xi''' (__?__) is worth a day trip. Buses start from Xinnanmen station (_V__??__) and take two hours. The little town features a lot of original dwellings and old temples.
  • '''Luodai''' (__?) is an ancient village inhabited by the Hakkas minority. Buses start form (_V__??__) and take about an hour.
  • '''Sanxingdui''' (_O____ ''sanxingdui'') - This is an ancient Chinese city where archaeologists discovered remarkable artifacts that radiocarbon dated circa 12th-11th centuries BCE, and Sanxingdui (Three star mound) is the name given to this previously unknown Bronze Age culture. The Sanxingdui archaeological museum is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Chengdu in Sichuan Province and 10 kilometers east of the city of Guanghan. From Zhaojue Temple Bus Station catch a bus to Guanghan (\14) and from there use public bus No. 6 to reach the museum (\2). Entrance is \82 (\42 for students). 0838-5651550.
  • '''Further afield''', you can also trek out to the Tibetan areas of Sichuan. Buses leave everyday for Moxi and other towns. These long bus trips from Xinnanmen-bus station (it's about seven hours to Moxi, and the heating systems on buses in the winter are painfully inadequate) pass through incredibly steep mountain valleys wandering through the Gongga Mountain range. This all terminates at the Hailuogo Glacier, a massive park nearly nine hours from Chengdu. A good two or three day trip.
  • The Jiuzhaigou (____?) Valley to the north of Chengdu is famous for its stunning nature and the cyan water terasses.
  • Siguniang Scenic Park (_l____). Located to the northwest of Chengdu, these mountains are sometimes called "China Alps" but are also known as the "four girls" or "four maidens". Prior to the May 12 2008 earthquake, buses could be caught between 6:30AM and 12:00 from Chadianzi (___X_q) tourism bus station (6-9 hours). As a result of the quake there is now a single bus at 6:40AM that takes up to 12 hours. Catch the bus to Xiaojin (____) and let the driver know your destination is Rilong village (____?).