Check out our guide to life in Chengdu
Chengdu is one of the most livable cities in China. Located in central Sichuan, it’s one of the most important commercial, cultural, and transportation hubs in Western China. Chengdu has also been recognized by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy. If you’re a foodie, this is the city for you! Chengdu and its surrounds are known for the wild panda population and the city is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. While it’s one of the three most-populous cities in Western China, the surrounding Chengdu Plain is known as the “Country of Heaven” and the “Land of Abundance”.
Chengdu Fast Facts
Prefecture-level and Sub-provincial city
Established – 311 BCE
Population – 14,427,500
Chengdu Weather
Hottest Month July (26 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (6 °C avg)
Wettest Month July (99.1 mm avg)
Windiest Month May (6 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 402.0 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
See giant pandas and other endangered animals at this wonderful conservation facility.
Mount Qingcheng
The birthplace of Taoism, this mountain is home to numerous picturesque temples.
Chunxi Road
Shop til you drop in this pedestrian mall with over 700 shops, a public square and cafes.
Sanxingdui Museum
This archaeological site features Bronze Age finds dating to the 12th–11th centuries BCE.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Unwind in this serene 24-acre park and museum in honour of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu.
New Century Global Centre
Experience 1,700,000 square metres of shopping, skating, IMAX cinema and a pirate ship.
Happy Valley Chengdu
Here’s one for the thrill seekers! A theme park packed with exciting roller coasters.
Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley
Enjoy folk art, dining and a spot of souvenir shopping on this ancient street and cultural hub.
Wenshu Monastery
This stunning Buddhist temple includes religious relics, statues and gorgeous gardens.
People’s Park
Relax in the peaceful gardens, enjoy some boating, dining and historical monuments.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 55 | 6.28 | 11.49 | 114.85 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 15 | 1.71 | 3.13 | 31.32 |
| Beer in a shop | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.35 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.26 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 10 | 1.14 | 2.09 | 20.88 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 40 | 4.56 | 8.36 | 83.53 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 100 | 11.41 | 20.89 | 208.82 |
| Gym per month | 233.33 | 26.62 | 48.74 | 487.24 |
| City bus | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 300 | 34.23 | 62.66 | 626.46 |
| Loaf of bread | 11 | 1.26 | 2.30 | 22.97 |
