Discover Sichuan

Sichuan Hot Pot

A bubbling cauldron of spiced tallow broth with dozens of ingredients. This communal dining experience is arguably China's most beloved culinary tradition.

Local Tip: Try the "mandarin duck" hot pot with both spicy and mild broths to cater to different tastes. Order tripe, beef slices, and lotus root for an authentic experience.

Mapo Tofu

Invented in the Qing Dynasty, this iconic dish features silken tofu bathed in chili oil and numbing Sichuan peppercorns — a perfect balance of ma (numbing) and la (spicy).

Local Tip: Look for mapo tofu with a "red oil but not greasy" appearance. The best versions have a subtle numbing sensation that lingers pleasantly.

Fuqi Feipian

Thinly sliced beef and offal dressed in red oil, Sichuan pepper, and sesame. A beloved Chengdu street food whose name translates whimsically as 'Husband and Wife Lung Slices'.

Local Tip: Despite the name, traditional fuqi feipian doesn't actually contain lung. The dish was invented by a husband-and-wife team in the 1930s.

Dan Dan Noodles

Street noodles with sesame paste, chili oil, preserved vegetables, and minced pork — a compact bowl of intensely layered flavors born on Chengdu's streets.

Local Tip: The name "dan dan" refers to the carrying pole (dan) that street vendors used to transport their noodle stalls in the past.

Sichuan Opera Face-Changing

A mesmerizing art in which actors change elaborate masks in the blink of an eye. Recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, it has become the defining symbol of Sichuan theatre.

Local Tip: The face-changing technique is a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. Look for performances at Chengdu's Jinjiang Theatre for an authentic experience.

Giant Panda

Sichuan is the sole natural habitat of the giant panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding welcomes millions of visitors annually for close encounters with China's beloved ambassador.

Local Tip: Visit the Chengdu Research Base early in the morning when pandas are most active. For a more intimate experience, consider the panda volunteer program.

Sanxingdui Civilization

A mysterious Bronze Age civilization dating back 4,000 years. Extraordinary artifacts — bronze masks with protruding eyes, golden scepters — challenge our understanding of early human civilization.

Local Tip: Visit the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan to see these incredible artifacts up close and learn about this enigmatic civilization.

Chengdu Teahouse Culture

A gaiwan of tea, an afternoon of leisure. Chengdu's teahouses are temples to slow living — bamboo chairs, traditional ear-cleaning, and endless conversation define this uniquely Sichuan art of life.

Local Tip: Try the traditional 'ear cleaning' service offered in many teahouses — it's a unique Sichuan experience you won't find elsewhere.

Sichuan Cooking Class

Learn the art of Sichuan cuisine from local chefs. Master the balance of ma (numbing) and la (spicy) flavors while preparing iconic dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Immerse yourself in Chengdu's teahouse culture. Learn about different tea varieties, brewing techniques, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with local snacks.

Sichuan Opera Backstage Tour

Go behind the scenes of a Sichuan opera performance. Watch performers apply their elaborate makeup and learn about the history and techniques of this traditional art form.

Panda Volunteer Program

Get up close and personal with giant pandas. Participate in feeding, cleaning, and learning about panda conservation efforts at the Chengdu Research Base.

Luxury Hotels

Chengdu offers world-class luxury hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Wanda Reign, providing impeccable service and traditional Chinese design elements.

Boutique Hotels

For a more intimate experience, Chengdu's boutique hotels blend traditional Sichuan architecture with modern comforts, often located in historic districts.

Tibetan Guesthouses

In the Tibetan areas of Sichuan, stay in traditional guesthouses for an authentic cultural experience, complete with local cuisine and warm hospitality.

Eco-Lodges

For nature lovers, eco-lodges in areas like Jiuzhaigou and Daocheng Yading offer sustainable accommodation with minimal environmental impact and stunning natural views.