Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is one of China's most relaxed and liveable cities. It is best known as the home of the giant panda — the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding allows visitors to observe these beloved animals in a naturalistic setting, often just metres away from playful cubs.

The city is the undisputed capital of Sichuan cuisine, one of China's Eight Great Culinary Traditions. Famous for its bold use of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn — which creates a unique numbing-spicy sensation — the local food ranges from fiery hotpot to the more subtle flavours of kung pao chicken and mapo tofu. Chengdu was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2010.

Chengdu's teahouse culture is central to daily life. Locals gather in bamboo-shaded teahouses to sip jasmine tea, play mahjong, and watch traditional Sichuan opera performances featuring the mesmerising art of face-changing (bianlian). The city also serves as a gateway to spectacular scenery, including the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei.