Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is called the "Land of Heavenly Abundance" for its favorable climate and prosperity, as well as the "City of Pandas" — in honor of the famous bears that have become its main symbol. Located in the center of the fertile Sichuan Basin, this metropolis with a population of over 20 million people preserves an amazing relaxation and sincerity, which makes it one of the "happiest" cities in China.
The annual "China`s Happiest Cities" ranking has been conducted since 2007 by a group of publications under the state news agency Xinhua — the magazine "Liaowang Dongfang" and the Liaowan analytical institute. By 2025, the study has been held 19 times. The assessment is based on a comprehensive analysis of over one hundred indicators.
Chengdu is an absolute record holder of this ranking. The city has held the title of one of the happiest for 17 years in a row. The secret to such longevity lies in the unique combination of a relaxed lifestyle and dynamic development. The cost of living here is lower compared to other megacities, there are thousands of parks and green zones, famous teahouses, and the tradition of unhurried communication. At the same time, Chengdu`s economy is steadily growing, creating jobs and attracting young people from all over China.
History of Chengdu
From the legendary Shu civilization to the modern high-tech capital. The history of the city goes back centuries: more than 3000 years ago, the ancient Shu kingdom flourished here, leaving behind mysterious bronze artifacts that still amaze the imagination of scientists. In 316 BC, these lands were conquered by the Qin kingdom, and since then Chengdu has become an important political and economic center.
The city`s true prosperity is associated with the era of the Three Kingdoms, when it became the capital of the Shu kingdom, ruled by the wise commander Zhuge Liang. In subsequent centuries, Chengdu remained a cultural center, attracting poets and thinkers such as Du Fu, whose thatched cottage still serves as a pilgrimage site for poetry lovers.
In the 20th century, Chengdu became an important industrial center, and in recent decades — one of the key cities in western China. Today it is a major transport hub with two international airports and an extensive network of high-speed railways connecting it with the entire country.
Architectural Code of Chengdu
Chengdu`s architecture is an exciting dialogue between deep antiquity and the boldest modern avant-garde, where traditional siheyuan courtyards coexist with ultra-modern skyscrapers.
Traditional Chinese architecture. Chengdu`s old town preserves the memory of the Qing Dynasty in the Wide and Narrow Alleys district. Here, among restored palaces and streets paved with blue stone, one can feel the spirit of old Chengdu. The architectural style of these buildings with their elegant carvings and simple, harmonious forms is characteristic of the Western Sichuan region. The pinnacle of traditional aesthetics are Buddhist and Taoist temples, such as the thousand-year-old Wenshu Monastery or the Qingyang Palace, whose layouts, subject to strict symmetry, and picturesque gardens embody the philosophy of harmony between man and nature.
Harmony with nature. Special attention deserves the phenomenon of Chengdu as the only metropolis in the world where one can admire snow-capped peaks all year round. This feature creates a special architectural context: on clear days, the modern towers of the business center serve as a frame for the majestic mountains on the horizon. In addition, Chengdu is famous for its "green" infrastructure: over a thousand city parks and almost ten thousand kilometers of bike paths make it one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Asia.
Modern architecture. Chengdu`s development today is an example of "global regionalism," where the universal international style of residential and office complexes is combined with elements of national traditions. The famous dougong, the system of bracket sets under the roof, here becomes not just an engineering element, but a decorative motif — it can be seen both as a sculpture in new residential areas and as a trademark of the local school of architecture and design.
Sights of Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The main star of Chengdu, for which tourists from all over the world come here. Here, in enclosures as close as possible to their natural habitat, lives the world`s largest population of giant pandas. To catch the animals active, it is better to come here in the morning when it opens.
Wuhou Shrine and ancient Jinli Street. The heart of the city`s cultural heritage. The shrine, dedicated to the wise ruler Zhuge Liang and Emperor Liu Bei, is a place of power and history, surrounded by ancient cypresses and bamboo. And right behind its walls begins Jinli Street, which at dusk turns into a sea of red lanterns and a kingdom of street food aromas.
Wide and Narrow Alleys. A restored Qing-era district consisting of three parallel streets. Here, in ancient siheyuan courtyards, fashionable teahouses, boutiques, and restaurants are located. This is an ideal place to feel the leisurely rhythm of life in Chengdu.
People`s Park. The true soul of the city. Watching locals play mahjong, drink jasmine tea in the centuries-old Heming Teahouse, and order professional ear cleaning is the best introduction to the local flavor.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum. The quiet abode of the great poet of the Tang era, who spent several years in Chengdu, creating his most heartfelt poems here. Located in a picturesque park by the Huanhuaxi stream, the museum recreates the atmosphere of the modest thatched cottage where Du Fu lived. Here you can stroll through bamboo groves, see ancient steles with calligraphy, and touch the "Golden Age" of Chinese poetry.
Wenshu Monastery. The largest Buddhist monastery in Chengdu, founded during the Tang era, but preserving its appearance thanks to reconstructions during the Qing Dynasty. This is an active monastery where monks still live, and a place where tourists can hear morning prayers and taste the famous vegetarian cuisine at the monastery restaurant. Inside, ancient sutras, statues of Buddha, and rare relics are kept.
Qingyang Palace. The most famous Taoist temple in Chengdu, whose history spans more than a thousand years. Its name translates as "Green Ram Palace" — according to legend, mythical animals that brought good luck appeared here. The temple is famous for its bronze animal sculptures and elegant pavilions, as well as for being an important center of Taoist culture in China.
Tianfu Square
Tianfu Square is the main square of Chengdu, its geographical and cultural center. Located in the very heart of the city on the site of the former imperial palace, it is considered "kilometer zero," from which all roads are measured. The uniqueness of the square lies in the fact that its design is made in the shape of a giant bagua — an octagonal Taoist symbol, and at the corners are installed sculptures of four mythical heavenly guardians: the Dragon, the Tiger, the Phoenix, and the Tortoise-Snake, protecting the cardinal directions.
In the center of the square is the main symbol of Chengdu — a huge sculpture of the "Sun Bird," created based on the golden artifact of the ancient Shu civilization, which is over three thousand years old. It represents the eternal movement of the sun and life. Around the perimeter, 12 cultural columns with ancient ornaments found during excavations are installed, connecting modernity with deep antiquity.
In the evening, the square is transformed: musical fountains create a beautiful spectacle, and the illuminated modern buildings around make this place ideal for walks. Around the square are located the most important cultural institutions of Chengdu — the Chengdu Museum, the Sichuan Museum of Science and Technology, and the Art Gallery. Under the square itself lies a major transport hub and an underground shopping center.
Museums of Chengdu
Chengdu is a city with a rich museum heritage, where treasures are collected that allow one to trace the path of civilization from prehistoric times to the present day.
Sichuan Museum. The largest museum in the province, located in the city center. Its collection covers more than half a million exhibits, among which bronze artifacts of the ancient Shu kingdom, unique Han-era bas-reliefs, and an exquisite collection of Tang and Song dynasty artworks stand out. In the museum`s halls, one can see famous bronze drums with ornaments, ancient burial masks, as well as a rich ethnographic exposition telling about the peoples who have inhabited Sichuan Province over the millennia.
Chengdu Museum. A modern museum located in the city center on Tianfu Square. Unlike the provincial museum, it focuses on the history of the city itself from its foundation during the Shu kingdom to its transformation into a modern metropolis. Of particular note is the department dedicated to archaeological finds at the site of metro construction in Chengdu — thanks to them, the city authorities were able to rediscover and preserve ancient layers hidden underground. The museum is famous for its multimedia installations that bring history to life, making it accessible and fascinating for visitors of all ages.
Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum. These two museums are the keepers of artifacts of the mysterious Shu civilization that existed more than 3000 years ago. Golden masks, bronze figures with bulging eyes, and the "Tree of Life" — these finds are so futuristic that they are attributed to the influence of aliens. The Jinsha Museum is located directly at the archaeological excavation site within the city, allowing visitors to literally step onto an ancient altar, while the Sanxingdui Museum on the outskirts of Chengdu amazes with its scale and mysterious artifacts that have revolutionized the understanding of ancient Chinese history.
Around Chengdu: Gems of Western Sichuan
Chengdu is an ideal starting point for exploring the incredible natural and cultural riches of Sichuan Province.
Dujiangyan and Mount Qingchengshan. Just an hour`s drive away are two great sites. Dujiangyan is an ancient irrigation system built more than 2000 years ago and still functioning today — a true miracle of engineering. And Mount Qingchengshan is a sacred Taoist abode, where among misty peaks and dense forests ancient monasteries are hidden.
Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong. A pearl of China`s natural heritage, famous for its turquoise lakes with crystal-clear water and golden travertine terraces. These places are considered the standard of natural beauty not only in China but throughout the world.
Mount Siguniangshan and Daocheng Yading. The "Eastern Alps" and the "last pure land" — these are places for true adventure seekers, where one can admire snow-capped peaks and undertake high-altitude trekking.
Mount Emeishan and the Giant Buddha in Leshan. One of the holiest sites of Buddhism. The giant Buddha statue carved into the cliff is so large that the mountain itself is considered its body.
Today Chengdu is a dynamically developing center that attracts tourists not only with its famous pandas, but also with its unique combination of ancient traditions, magnificent cuisine, and futuristic architecture. It consistently ranks among the most visited cities in China.
