Pandas, Hotpot, City Lights and Everything In Between
We arrived in Chengdu right after wrapping up our five day rural China tour. Instead of slowing down, Chengdu pulled us right back into the energy. This city hits you with bold food, glowing city lights and a culture that feels alive from morning to night.
We were here for pandas, for food and for a taste of Sichuan life. Even with editing days cutting into our schedule, this city found its way straight onto our list of favorites.
Getting to Chengdu
We took a short flight from Guangzhou to Chengdu. The flight took about two and a half hours which saved us from over seven hours on the high speed train. Once we landed, we took a Didi straight to Chunxi Road. This is one of the best areas to stay with shopping, cafés, Chengdu’s IFS Mall and the metro all within walking distance.
Hotpot In Chengdu
Chengdu Hotpot That Destroyed My Stomach and Still Won My Heart.
Our first mission was food. We walked into 五里关火锅 (Wǔlǐguān Hot Pot) because the entire front was packed with locals. In Chengdu, that usually means two things. Amazing flavor and unavoidable pain.
We ordered the classic spicy mala broth along with a white broth to save ourselves. We added beef, shrimp balls, vegetables, tripe and a thin spiraled potato that cooked in seconds.
The spice hit fast. My mouth handled it. My pride handled it.
My stomach did not.
But it was worth it.
Price: About 500 RMB total for four people.
Editing Days and Chengdu Nights
The next day was mostly editing. Traveling full time and filming every day means half your trip disappears into a laptop. We spent hours organizing clips and building our story for YouTube.
Once evening came, we escaped the hotel for air and snacks and got our first real look at the Chengdu night scene. panda statues. bright lights. the buzz of Chunxi Road. It felt good to stretch our legs after a day in front of the screen.
Trip to Dujiangyan
Train to Dujiangyan
We packed up, checked out and took the metro to Xipu Railway Station. The train to Dujiangyan took thirty minutes and was smooth, clean and cheap. We bought our tickets on Trip.com which was easy and convenient.
Cost: CAD $7.96 total for round trip/pp.
Right outside the station is the giant panda selfie statue. If you needed a reminder that this region is all about pandas, there it is.
We stayed inside the Dujiangyan Scenic Area which was perfect since most attractions are within walking distance. Ancient streets mixed with modern shops made the whole place feel charming.
Lunch in Dujiangyan
We had spicy noodles. Simple, filling and full of Sichuan flavor. Most shops in this area serve noodles, dumplings and saucy dishes built around chili oil and peppercorns.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
A Quiet UNESCO Marvel
This irrigation system was built around 256 BC, during the Warring States period. Instead of building a dam, engineers redirected the river so water flowed into farmlands naturally. It still works today which is wild when you think about it.
The site is big and beautiful with bridges, pavilions and endless viewpoints. We spent hours walking through it. You may not think water engineering sounds exciting but in person it is impressive and peaceful.
We wrapped up the day early because the next morning was the big one.
Ticket: 80 RMB (CAD $15.82/pp) Ticket price for Dujiangyan Scenic Area Purchased through Trip.com.
Visiting my Fubao
Wolong Panda Base and the Mission to See Fubao
We came to Dujiangyan for one reason.
Fubao.
She is a celebrity giant panda who was born in Everland Korea and was loved by millions before returning to China. Most visitors go to the Chengdu or Dujiangyan panda bases. But Fubao lives at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, the farthest and hardest base to reach.
Best way to get to Wolong Shenshuping panda base is Didi. When we entered our Didi, the Cap driver immediately doubled the price as he said he needed money for him to go back to Dujiangyan given the long drive. The price for one way was around 130 RMB. So instead of paying 260 RMB, without a for sure way of coming back, we decided to negotiate and asked him to wait for us for the 2 hours we were at the Panda base and paid him 400 RMB. It didn’t feel great spending that much money but at least we had peace of mind.
Cost: Negotiated 400 RMB (CAD $80) for the round trip with wait time included from Dujiangyan Scenic area to Wolong Shenshuping panda base.
Ticket: 85 RMB (CAD $16.85/pp) Ticket price for Wolong Shenshuping panda base purchased on Trip.com.
The panda base sits deep in the mountains. The foliage was turning for autumn and it felt like the perfect place for a panda to live a slow quiet life.
We saw other pandas on the way to Fubao including one sleeping right against the window. His breathing moved his whole body like a giant stuffed toy.
We found Fubao by locating the crowd. Cameras everywhere. People whispering. She popped out a few times. Stomped around with attitude. Showed her iconic sass. Then disappeared again. We only saw her for about two minutes but it was worth every hour it took to get there.
Mount Qingcheng
Mount Qingcheng
This mountain is known as one of the birthplaces of Taoism. Online photos show misty forests and peaceful temples. The reality for us was a bit different.
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the entrance. Then another walk to the gondola. Then a long climb to reach the top temple. The scenery is nice but the crowds and commercial stalls took away the charm.
Ticket: 80 RMB (CAD $15.82/pp) Ticket price purchased on Trip.com.
Gondola: 60 RMB (CAD $12/pp) round trip purchased inside Mt. Qingcheng.
For us, not worth it. There are better scenic spots in Sichuan.
Night Visit to Dujiangyan Irrigation System
This made our day. At night the entire area glows. Gold lights on ancient bridges. Gentle reflections on the water. A peaceful walk even with the large crowds. It became one of our favorite moments in Chengdu.
Back to Chengdu
IFS Mall, the Giant Panda, and a Walk Through Chunxi Road
We took the thirty minute train back and checked into Chunxi Hotel and headed straight back out to explore the center of the city. Our first stop was IFS Mall, home to Chengdu’s famous giant panda sculpture. You see it online all the time but it still feels fun in person. The panda hangs over the edge of the building like it is trying to peek inside the mall. When you’re at IFS don’t forget to go inside the mall to the 7th floor to see the face of the panda!
The area around IFS is packed with energy. You step outside and Chunxi Road hits you right away. Bright lights. Crowds. Street snacks everywhere. Chengdu’s younger crowd fills this entire district and the atmosphere stays lively from day to night. We spent the afternoon walking through the side alleys, watching street performers and enjoying the chaos that somehow feels comforting. When you’re there don’t forget to check out the extravagant gold stores as they have many performers that you can watch.
Dinner at 皇城熙客 (Huang Cheng Xi Ke)
Best Dan Dan noodles!
For dinner we tried 皇城熙客 (Huang Cheng Xi Ke). We found it through a Trip.com itinerary post where someone said it was the best restaurant they tried in Chengdu. That was enough for us to go.
We ordered Kung Pao chicken and the dan dan noodles from their photo. The noodles were the star. They tasted completely different from every dan dan noodle we have had. Rich, fragrant, slightly numbing and slightly sweet. Easily one of the top dishes from our entire Chengdu trip.
Price: 78 RMB total (CAD $15.60) for two people.
City Lights and Modern Landmarks
After dinner at Huang Cheng Xi Ke, we grabbed a Didi and headed out again. Chengdu is known for its night skyline and we didn’t want to leave without seeing the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up.
Our first stop was the Tianfu Twin Towers light show. The best time to see it is between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. We watched from the bridge where everyone gathers. The animations were crisp and bright and the crowd reacted every time the colors shifted. Across the street you will find the giant 3D panda billboard. In videos it looks impressive. In person it looks like the panda is about to crawl out of the screen.
A few subway stops away is SKP Mall, home to the Bamboo Leaf Fountain (tower of life). It is a tall bamboo-inspired structure with water running through layered pipes and lights that glow through the mist. The fountain looks its best around 8 p.m. The lights shut off at 10 p.m. so going earlier gives you enough time to see the show and walk around the mall. The fountain is smaller than it appears online but still worth stopping by. Just keep your camera gear safe because the water spray reaches farther than you think.
People’s Park in Chengdu
People’s Park
We went during a national holiday so the crowds were intense. The tea house was packed but we found seats near the entrance with a view of bamboo and water.
We ordered jasmine and green tea. Prices ranged from 18 to 35 RMB. Expensive compared to our daily Luckin Coffee, but part of the experience.
The energy is loud and chaotic but somehow charming. People do ear cleaning. Some order kung fu tea pouring for entertainment. Some nap. Some chat for hours.
After tea we walked around and saw matchmaking profiles on display. Height, job, personality notes and even WeChat IDs. It was truly the old school version of dating apps. A fascinating look into local culture.
Best Seafood Buffet in Chengdu
Seafood Buffet at IFS Mall
The seafood buffet at Yong Rong Hui was an unforgettable experience.
Price: 659 RMB (CAD $131.80 per person)
This spot sits right next to Uniqlo on the 7th floor inside IFS Mall and it delivers one of the most impressive buffets we have ever tried. Fresh mud crab. Lobster. Shellfish. Sashimi. Hotpot meats. A dessert table that looked like a bakery display. Unlimited drinks including beer and wine.
What surprised us most was the service. Staff peeled our shellfish for us, arranged everything neatly, and steamed the seafood right at our table. It felt like luxury chaos in the best way and the freshness was unreal. Every bite was sweet and tender.
The mud crab stole the show for all of us.
It was the perfect food-coma ending to our time in Chengdu. If you want to visit, make a reservation earlier in the day. Dinner spots fill up fast.
Hotel Ratings and Prices
Xuli Hotel (Chunxi Road)
2 out of 5
From CAD 30 per night
Small, crowded, not the cleanest but great location.
Lano Hotel (Dujiangyan Scenic Area)
2 out of 5
From CAD 30 per night
Amazing location but needs a deep clean. Friendly staff.
Chunxi Hotel
4 out of 5
From CAD 43 per night
Clean, friendly and comfortable. Note that Chengdu hotels turn off AC during certain seasons so choose a room with windows if you want a colder room.
Getting Around Chengdu
Metro and Didi Tips
The metro is fast, clean and cheap. Install the metro service through WeChat.
Search 成都地铁.
You need a Chinese phone number. We shared one between us.
Once set up, you can scan in and out with your phone.
Didi is also extremely convenient and affordable. Most rides in the city cost very little and the app works smoothly for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit Chengdu
Spring and autumn give you the best experience.
March to June.
September to early November.
Comfortable weather. Clearer views. Easier walks. Summer gets hot and humid.
Winter gets cold and gray.
How Many Days Do You Need in Chengdu
It depends on what you want.
For the city only:
3 to 4 days feels right.
For major scenic areas:
• Dujiangyan
• Mount Qingcheng
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Emeishan
• Jiuzhaigou
• Wolong Panda BaseYou need at least one week.
Which Panda Base Should You Choose
Chengdu has three major panda bases.
Chengdu Panda Base
Best for first timers. Closest to the city.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Calmer. Smaller crowds.
Wolong Shenshuping Base
Farthest and hardest to reach. Not recommended unless you’re going to see a specific panda like Fubao.
Chengdu Budget Breakdown
(For Two People)
• Hotels: 40 to 50 CAD per night
• Meals: Around 50 CAD total per day
• Metro: Under 2 CAD per person per ride
• Attractions: 10 to 20 CAD per person
Chengdu lets you travel well without overspending.
Places We Want to Visit Next Time
We ran out of time but these stay on our list:
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Emeishan Mountain
• Jiuzhaigou National Park
These spots are popular for good reason.
Is Chengdu Worth Visiting
Absolutely.
Chengdu gave us food we still think about. Streets that felt alive. Nights that made our editing days worth it. Dujiangyan at night, the Twin Towers, and meeting Fubao will stay with us.
We will return. This city has more stories waiting.
If you want to see our full Chengdu experience, watch our episode on YouTube. Our next stop is Chongqing and we bring you with us.
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