Tailor made China holidays

Use our 'add to Travel Planner' button to save itineraries, hotels and places to your wish list. Then send them to us for a tailor made quote.

 Speak to our experts

Let's start creating your adventure today. Call to discuss your holiday with one of our personal travel experts on 0844 4880116.


Request a quote online

Chengdu holidays

Surrounded by giant pandas and natural riches, affluent Chengdu still retains much of its charm. Known as the 'land of plenty', a long history, deep rooted culture and contrasting landscapes prove just as much an attraction as Sichuan’s most famous inhabitant, the panda. Enjoy meeting these lovable animals up close, and discovering the laid back city of Chengdu.

Chengdu holiday highlights
• To many visitors, the lure of the giant panda proves irresistible and the trail to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a popular one.

• Sichuan is the historical centre of China’s tea drinking culture, said to date back over 3,000 years. While their role as the centre of local society is long gone, tea houses remain popular places to gather with friends and colleagues. Slowly make your way through a dazzling array of different flavours from the menu and if chance permits, the intricate process of brewing, straining and serving the tea is an enjoyably educating sight and experience not to be missed.

Time difference / local time

GMT +8 hours

Language

Mandarin

Currency

Renminbi

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in busy areas.

Highlights

Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre
This national treasure breeds and rears endangered giant pandas in a simulated natural environment. Visit early to see them at their most active as they have breakfast.

Wenshu Temple
Visit this wonderfully preserved landmark, where 450 Buddha statues are displayed.

Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage
Discover the home of Tang poet Du Fu, who died in 770AD and was later dubbed the ‘poetic saint’.

Jin Li Street
The ‘first street of the Shu Kingdom’, on this restored ancient road you can sample local delicacies and soak up the historical atmosphere.

Tian Fu Square
Watched over by a huge Chairman Mao statue, this vibrant square’s fountains come to life in spring and summer with a water show at noon and dusk.

Passports and Visas

• UK and Irish passport holders need a visa to travel to China.
• You can get your visa from Kuoni’s Visa Travel Service – make sure you apply for it at least six weeks before you’re travelling - or direct from the Chinese Embassy (call 0891 880 808).

Events and festivals

February
Chengdu Lantern Festival
Head to Cultural Park for dazzling lantern displays in celebration of the first full moon of the year, with food stalls, music and acrobatics.

March-April
Chengdu Flower Festival
See in springtime with vibrant flower displays at Taoist temple Qingyang Palace.

June
Chengdu Dragon Boat Festival
Watch thrilling dragon boat races in remembrance of ancient poet Qu Yuan.

Shopping

• Browse department stores and small shops selling souvenirs and clothes.
• Friendship shops sell goods including silk fabric, handicrafts, clothing and electrical goods.
• Barter for handicrafts and wicker goods at the free markets, and clothes from street traders.
• When buying antiques, make sure they sport the shop’s official red seal or you may run into problems when leaving the country.

Flying time to destination

10 hours

Eating/Drinking

Food
• Hotels usually serve western-style breakfast, a Chinese table d’hôte lunch and dinner.
• Western-style food is rarely available in local restaurants. You’ll usually be seated at a large, round table seating up to 10 people, and knives and forks are rarely provided.
• Vegetarians beware - ‘vegetarian’ dishes can be cooked in meat juices.
• Try a spicy Sichuan hotpot.

Drink
• Avoid tap water and ice – stick to bottled water.
• Sip flower tea at a traditional Chengdu tea house.

Good to know

Religion
Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity

Dialling code
+86 28

Health Care

No vaccinations are compulsory, but several are recommended. For more information, contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre.

Tipping

Tipping is officially discouraged – even frowned upon. However, it’s becoming more readily accepted in top hotels and restaurants, and is even expected by Chinese guides and bus drivers on tours.

Climate data for this region

Best time to visit

From March to June and September to November.

Loading forecast...

Loading Weatherforecast...

  • Chengdu Pandas & City Tour (Private): A fascinating experience

    Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre. A national treasure of China, this charming yet endangered animal lives in a simulated natural environment so the centre can encourage a breeding and rearing programme. You'll continue to the thatched cottage of famous Tana dynasty poet Du Fu and the Temple of ...


    More information...
  • Panda Research & Breeding Centre (Private): Encounter this amazing creature

    Meet one of the world’s most beloved endangered species on this half day tour and discover the work carried out by the research and breeding centre to bring the Giant Panda population back from the brink of extinction.


    More information...