Chengdu holidays

GMT +8 hours

Mandarin

Renminbi

Beware of pickpockets in busy areas.

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.

• 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).

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.

• 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.

10 hours

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.

Religion
Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity

Dialling code
+86 28

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

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.