Chengdu Now: A Travel Guide is a Must-Have

I recently took a trip to Chengdu and had a blast, but I also made a few missteps along the way. Today, I'm sharing my Chengdu travel experiences with you. This is purely based on my personal experience, so feel free to take what you need 😎 Chengdu at a Glance Transportation🚇: Chengdu has a convenient transportation system, with the subway reaching almost all the popular attractions. However, the subway gets extremely crowded during rush hour. If you want to avoid the squeeze, try to avoid traveling between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm. If you're taking a taxi, be prepared to wait a while near popular tourist spots. Weather🌤: Chengdu's weather is like a blind box; it could be sunny one minute and drizzling the next. So, always bring an umbrella when you go out, for both sun and rain protection. Chengdu is also quite humid, so clothes don't dry easily. If you're staying in a homestay without a dryer, it could be a bit of a hassle. Accommodation🏠: I recommend staying near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, where you'll find everything from food and entertainment to shopping. You can also enjoy the night views in the evening. However, hotel prices in this area are relatively high. If you're on a budget, consider staying a bit further out along the subway line, as long as it's easily accessible. Be sure to check reviews before booking to avoid any unpleasant surprises💣. Nearby Attractions Mount Qingcheng🧗‍♂️: It's a bit far from the city center, but the fresh air is incredible. While the climb can be tiring, the breathtaking view from the top, surrounded by clouds and mist, makes it all worthwhile. There are many farmhouses on the mountain where you can enjoy a meal at reasonable prices. Dujiangyan Irrigation System🪷: This ancient irrigation system is truly impressive; the wisdom of the ancients is remarkable! You can learn a lot about history and culture here, making it an educational and enjoyable experience. The scenic area is quite large, so take your time exploring. It's best to hire a guide to explain the history and significance of the site. Local Food Recommendations Hotpot🍲: Coming to Chengdu without trying hotpot is a wasted trip! You must try the authentic butter hotpot base; it's spicy but not overpowering, and incredibly fragrant. For the dipping sauce, a simple mix of sesame oil, minced garlic, cilantro, and chopped green onions is perfect. It neutralizes the spiciness while adding a unique flavor. I recommend the tender beef, tripe, and duck intestines. Swish them in the boiling broth for a few seconds, and you won't be able to stop eating. Chuan Chuan Xiang🍢: This is a type of hotpot where various ingredients are skewered on bamboo sticks. You can choose whatever you want to eat, which is super convenient. You can choose a dry or oily dipping sauce. The dry dip is fragrant and spicy, while the oily dip is refreshing. Be sure to grab a few skewers of beef, whether it's pickled pepper beef, celery beef, or cilantro beef; each has its own unique flavor. Ice Jelly🥣: A must-have after eating spicy food! This handmade ice jelly is topped with brown sugar, glutinous rice cakes, crushed peanuts, raisins, and other ingredients. It's icy, sweet, and refreshing, instantly relieving the spiciness in your mouth. Rabbit Head🐰: Chengdu people's love for rabbit head is indescribable. The rabbit head is first braised for flavor and then stir-fried with various spices. The meat is firm and gets more flavorful the more you chew. If it's your first time trying it, you might not know where to start. Don't worry; you'll get the hang of it and fall in love with the unique taste. So, before you go to Chengdu, make sure to plan your trip. This way, you can have fun and enjoy the delicious food😜. I hope you all have a wonderful trip to Chengdu!