Chengdu: The Happiest City in China and a Global Culinary Capital
Below are some highlights compiled by travel experts and visitors to encapsulate the essence of Chengdu.
The Happiest City in China
Image: internet
If you prioritize visiting a place where locals are always smiling and cheerful, look no further than Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This city has been voted the “Happiest City in China” for 12 consecutive years, according to an annual survey conducted by Oriental Outlook magazine in collaboration with the national news agency Xinhua. The survey results are based on voting data from residents and experts, evaluating various categories such as income, healthcare services, living standards, and attractions.
A New Beautiful Home for Pandas
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The home for the city’s most beloved residents—pandas—is currently undergoing a major upgrade. The new facility is set to open in early 2022 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This complex consists of circular buildings situated in a vast area with rolling hills and lush greenery.
The Most Beautiful Bookstore in China
Image: Arch Daily
The bookstore is designed and built with inspiration from the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, the oldest irrigation system in the world. The bookstore features shelves made of curved walnut wood that extend from the ceiling to the floor. The ceiling is mirrored, making the pathways and corridors resemble a kaleidoscope. The architects hope that the beautiful space of the bookstore will attract not only avid readers but also those who typically shy away from books.
A Vast and Spectacular New Airport
Image: Xinhua
One of the most beautiful new airports in the world, Tianfu Airport in Chengdu, offers a modern experience where travelers can enjoy advanced technologies such as facial recognition software, automated check-in counters, and robot guides. Operational since 2021, it is the largest civil airport opened under China’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). The airport features six runways and is expected to accommodate 60 million passengers annually by 2025.
A Global Culinary Capital
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Chengdu was the first city to be recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy in 2010. Some of the most famous dishes here include the spicy hot pot and the mouth-numbing Sichuan tofu, as well as Zhong bao (dumplings filled with meat, chili oil, and sweet soy sauce) and sweet noodles. Two other must-try dishes are the smoked duck with its crispy, sweet skin and savory meat, paired with tofu—a soft and sweet variety.
Vibrant Nightlife
Image: Trip Advisor
In a recent study by Trip.com, Chengdu was ranked as one of the top 10 tourist destinations for nightlife in the country. It has the second highest number of bars in China, surpassed only by Shanghai. If you seek a quiet atmosphere, you can visit local tea houses to sip on hot drinks while playing cards or enjoying musical performances.
A City Where Visitors Can “Time Travel to the Ancient Era”
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Image: Getty Images
Chengdu is considered the only city in China that has not changed its name in 2,300 years. One of the famous historical destinations is Sino Ocean Taikoo Li (Taikoo Li shopping district), which is bustling with commerce surrounding the 1,400-year-old Daci Temple. You can visit Bitieshi, a beautifully restored house from the Qing Dynasty located inside the charming boutique hotel, Temple House. The Jinli Ancient Street, a pedestrian street stretching 550 meters, is also a unique destination filled with numerous snack shops.
A City Looking Towards the Future
Image: OMA
Image: Getty Images
The Chinese government plans to transform Chengdu into a scientific city in the western part of the country, particularly in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship.
