1. General introduction

Location & population

    Chengdu, formerly romanized as Chengtu, is the provincial capital of Sichuan province 

inSouthwest China, as well as a major city in Western China. It holds sub-provincial 

administrative status. The administrative area houses 14,047,625 inhabitants: 

9,591,682 within the municipality's eleven urban and suburban districts and 4,455,943 

in the surrounding satellite towns and counties. According to the 2010 census, with 

10,484,996 inhabitants in its built-up (or metro) area including Guanghan City in 

Deyang and Xinjin County, Chengdu is the fifth-most populous agglomeration in China. 

Chengdu is one of the most important economic, financial, commercial, cultural, 

transportation, and communication centers in Western China. Chengdu Shuangliu 

International Airport is one of the 30 busiest airports in the world, and Chengdu 

Railway Station is one of the six biggest railway stations in China. Chengdu 

also hosts many international companies and more than 12 consulates. More than 

260 Fortune 500 companies have established branches in Chengdu due to huge demand 

of Western China. In 2006, it was named China's 4th-most liveable city by China Daily.

Climate

    Chengdu has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) and is largely 

mild and humid. It has four distinct seasons, with moderate rainfall concentrated mainly

in the warmer months, and relieved from both sweltering summers and freezing winters. The

 Qin Mountains (Qinling) to the far north help shield the city from cold Siberian winds 

in the winter; because of this, the short winter is milder than in the Lower Yangtze. 

The 24-hour daily mean temperature in January is 5.6 °C (42.1 °F), and snow is rare 

but there are a few periods of frost each winter. The summer is hot and humid, but not 

to the extent of the "Three Furnaces" cities of Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing, all 

which lie in the Yangtze basin. The 24-hour daily mean temperature in July and August 

is around 25 °C (77 °F), with afternoon highs sometimes reaching 33 °C (91 °F); 

sustained heat as found in much of eastern China is rare. Rainfall is common year-round 

but is the greatest in July and August, with very little of it in the cooler months. 

Chengdu also has one of the lowest annual sunshine totals nationally, with less 

sunshine annually than much of Northern Europe, and most days are butty and overcast 

even if without rain. This is especially so in the winter months, when it is 

typically interminably grey and dreary, compounding the poor air quality. With 

monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 16 percent in December to 38 percent 

in August, the city receives 1,073 hours of bright sunshine annually. Spring 

(March–April) tends to be sunnier and warmer in the day than autumn (October–

November). The annual mean is 16.14 °C (61.1 °F), and extremes have ranged 

from −5.9 °C (21 °F) to 37.3 °C (99.1 °F).

Economy & industry

    China's state council has designated Chengdu as the country's western center of 

logistics, commerce, finance, science and technology, as well as a hub of 

transportation and communication. It is also an important base for manufacturing 

and agriculture.

    According to the World Bank's 2007 survey report on global investment environments, 

Chengdu was declared "a benchmark city for investment environment in inland China".

Also based on a research report undertaken by the Nobel economics laureate, Dr. Robert 

Mundell and the celebrated Chinese economist, Li Yining, published by the State 

Information Center in 2010, Chengdu has become an "engine" of the Western Development 

Program, a benchmark city for investment environment in inland China, and a major 

leader in new urbanization.

2. Transportation

    The transportation network in Chengdu is very developed. It has one of China’s 

busiest airports; it is the intersection point of five trunk railway lines; it 

is connected with thousands of miles of expressways and has dozens of coach 

stations sending passengers to various destinations. Within the city area, 

there are subways, city buses, taxis and many other transport conveniences 

for passengers to choose from.

Railway

    As the largest railway hub in southwest China, the city has convenient railway 

transportation. At present, it has three railway stations for passenger transport: 

Chengdu Railway Station, namely North Railway station, East Railway Station, and 

South Railway Station. Another passenger railway station, west railway station is 

now under construction. When completed, the “two principals (north and east railway 

stations), two assistants (south and west railway stations)” setup of the city's 

rail transport will be formed and better service passengers.

Air

Chengdu has one airport, the Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), in the southwest 

of the city. Located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the city center, it is the 

largest aviation hub in central and western China, and aims to form the national 

aviation hub in mainland China. It has flights to more than 70 domestic cities and 

over 20 international cities. Frequent one-hour flights are available to Kunming, 

capital of Yunnan Province. Flights to Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, take 

about one and a half hours, with two-hour flights available to Lhasa, capital of 

Tibet. It is convenient to visit the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Spot by air, a 40-minute 

flight from CTU toJiuhuang (Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong) Airport with one-way full 

fare of CNY 980, excluding departure tax and fuel surcharge. Visitors are advised 

to book flights early for this popular trip. Discounts may be available through 

hotels or travel agencies.

3. Education & Health care

International Schools

Chengdu International School

Address:  68 Tong Gui Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China

中国四川省成都市锦江区通桂路68号

Getting there:  Take bus No.511, 526 and 716

Contact:  (028) 6517 5228／(028) 6517 5229   admissions@cdischina.com

Website:  https://cdischina.com/zh

Excellent facilities, international environment, and highly qualified staff make 

it one of Chengdu's best schools. Offers English-language education to expatriate 

students of all nationalities and backgrounds. Soccer, dance, baseball, volleyball, 

martial arts, weight lifting and more for your little athlete. Chess tournaments, 

science fairs, field trips, open houses and all the rest. The campus is perfection 

with wheelchair access for special needs children. Tuition is determined annually, 

but expect astronomical Western-private school fees (RMB100,000 – RMB150,000).

Chengdu Meishi International School

Address:  1340, Tianfu Dadao,Middle Section,Chengdu

成都市天府大道中段1340号

Contact:  028-85330968, 85330653(International Department)  

Website:  http://www.meishischool.com/indexen.htmlnu2/menu22history.html

Meishi offers a large troupe of foreign staff teachers, and a substantial tuition 

to match. The clean, modern facilities, however, are worth the cost. Expect to pay 

RMB15,000 to RMB20,000 per year depending on how many of the school's resources you 

decide to take advantage of. Transportation, food, boarding, etc. all provided on 

request.

Hospitals

Chengdu No.1 People's Hospital

Address:  18 Wanxiang Beilu, Gaoxin South District, Chengdu

Contact:  028 8200 0120,8531 3526  

Website:  http://www.cdzxy.com/ (Chinese)

Standard hospital routine, with special focus on pediatrics, rectal and intestinal 

diseases, plastic surgery and breast health.

West China Hospital

Address: No. 37,Guoxuexiang Ave, Chengdu

Contact: +86-28-85422408, +86-28-85586698

Website: http://eng.cd120.com/

West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital of Sichuan University (WCSM/WCH) 

is a prestigious medical center located on the banks of the Jinjiang River in 

Chengdu, a famous historical and cultural city of China.WCH is one of the largest 

single-site hospitals in the world and a leading medical center of West China, 

treating complicated and severe cases, especially in the fields of living donor 

liver transplantation, severe acute pancreatitis, and clinical anesthesia. 

4. Recreation

Shopping

The city's shopping centers converge at Chunxi Road, Zongfu Road and Luomashi Area. 

Here you can shop for a huge range of wares, with everything from souvenirs and 

street stall items to supermarket and department stores goods on offer.

Shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and especially small stands are 

widely scattered in the areas around Chunxi Road offering products ranging from 

souvenirs to living and travelling necessities. The following list may help you 

to have a pleasant shopping experience.

Going to Chengdu without visiting Chunxi Road is like going to Paris without 

visiting Champs Elysees, New York without 5th Avenue, or more locally, Beijng 

without Wangfujing, or Shanghai without visiting Nanjing Road. With a history 

of 70 years, Chunxi Road boasts the most typical and prosperous commercial 

pedestrian street in the city. Department stores, boutiques, modern cafes, a 

spacious square and pretty local girls will leave you pleasant memory about Chunxi 

Road.

Next to Chunxi Road is Yanshikou commercial circle. People's Department Store, 

Chengdu Department Emporium, and Renhe Spring Department Store and more are all 

concentrated here.

Local food specialties can be found at Hongqi Department Store, Shudu Avenue. You 

can buy Shu brocade, bamboo-woven crafts, preserved ham and alcoholic beverages such 

as Jiannanchun and Quanxing Da Qu.

Nightlife

Chengdu is famous for its thick characteristic of leisure and enjoyment. From 

traditional teahouses, theaters to modern pubs and clubs, people here know how 

to enjoy the night. Every corner in the city offers the warmest welcome.

While featuring the culture of ancient Shu, as a blooming business center and 

primary metropolis of Southwest China, Chengdu is endowed with modern flavours. 

Pubs and clubs are primarily in busy streets such as Renmin South Road and west 

of Yangshi Street. Cafes, discos, karaoke bars, ballrooms, and bowling alleys 

are also here. Kakadu Club, Glasshouse Pub, Gaomeigao in Lihua Street and Hongse 

Niandai (Red Ages) in Renmin South Road, among others, are well known among younger 

people.

Kakadu Club & Disco

Location: No. 16, the third section, south of the first Ring Road

Dance music and theme parties.

Hongse Niandai (Red Age) Club

Location: Entrance of Nijia Bridge Road. Close to the American Consulate

It has ten or so KTV boxes of various styles, as well as restaurant and disco hall.

Highlights: passionate music, DJ competition, fashion shows.

Meigaomei International Recreational Club

Location: Floor 5, Yanshikou Square, Lihua Street

It is a KTV club with VIP box, disco hall, performance hall and sports bar

Allen Story Cafe

Location: No. 107, Shuangyuan Street, Shuangnan Residential District

Highlight: The cafe offers telephone service among guests. One can make friends 

with other guests through a phone call.

Renhe Spring Cafe

Location: Floor 5, Renhe Spring Department Store, No. 59, Renmin East Road

The Coffee Beanery

Location: Floor 2, Gaobang Department Store, Chunxi Road

In addition to pubs and clubs, Bowling Hall in Chengdu Minzu (National) Hotel is 

another place for relaxation.

Location: No. 78, Yongling Road

Features: a top-ranking bowling house of province level. Competitions among provinces 

and cities held here. It has become a popular among white-collar workers as an 

entertainment and fitness center.

Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine has developed over the centuries. Its distinctive flavors entice 

people throughout China and recently in foreign countries.

Sichuan cuisine is famous for piquancy, but its flavoring is complex as well as hot. 

Typical dishes include the following:

Ma Po Tofu(Bean curd with mince and chili oil): one of the most influential flavors 

of Sichuan cuisine, served in every Sichuan restaurant. Chen Ma Po's Bean Curd 

Restaurant at No. 197, West Yulong Street serves the most delicious and local one. 

For hundreds of years, Ma Po's Bean Curd has been popular among people all over China, 

even throughout the world.

Kung Pao Chicken (Spicy diced chicken with peanuts): a specialty of Sichuan cuisine, 

diced chicken, hot pepper and peanuts.

Fish Flavored Shredded Pork: fish-flavored dish in the unique style of Sichuan 

cuisine. Ingredients include shredded pork, agarics, bamboo shoot and carrot. 

The delicious dish has no fish but has the flavor of fish.

Twice Cooked Spicy Pork Slices: A traditional Sichuan dish. The tasty pork slices 

are fried crisp without greasiness.

Famous Sichuan Restaurants:

Piaoxue Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant: No. 10, Qintai Road

Shizilou: No. 55, Shuanglin Road

Baguo Biyi: No. 20, Fourth Section, Renmin South Road

Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Located just 6 miles (10 km) away from downtown Chengdu, this is the most 

convenient place for visitors to see the giant pandas at a close range. Apart 

from this center, the Dujiangyan Panda Base, 34 miles (56 km) northwest of Chengdu,

Dujiangyan Panda Valley, 37 miles (60 km) away from the city, and the Ya'an 

Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center of Giant Panda, 100 miles 

(160 km) from Chengdu are also ideal choices to see this cute black-and-white 

creature. Pandas in the former Wolong Panda Reserve had been moved to Ya'an after 

the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008.

Sanxingdui Museum (Three-Star Piles Museum)

The Sanxingdui Museum in Nanxing Town, Guanghan, about 40 kilometers from city 

proper, exhibits the excavations of the ancient Shu Kingdom. It is an important 

archeological discovery which changed people's understanding of ancient history 

and culture.

Jiuzhai Valley National Park (Jiuzhaigou)

400 kilometers away from Chengdu lies a fairyland whose natural and primitive 

beauty impresses everyone who visits here. Jiuzhaigou with its heaven-bestowed 

landscape, precious animals, plants and the special local flavor of the Tibetan 

People, deserves the first recommendation for a neighborhood tour of Chengdu.

 Dujiangyan Irrigation System

This irrigation project is one of the world's cultural heritages constructed 

2,000 years ago, and amazingly continues to benefit more than 40 neighboring 

counties. It's the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world 

and a wonder in the development of Chinese irrigation works.

More Attractions

Bronze Goat Taoist Temple (Qing Yang Gong) is considered to be the oldest Taoist 

temple in the city. Legends about the origin of the palace can also be enjoyed here.

Chunxi Road, regarded as the city's busiest business street, is a center of fashion 

as well as a home of delicious snacks from all over the country.

Dinosaur Museum in Zigong, built on the Dashanpu Dinosaur Fossils Site, is one of 

the three biggest dinosaur site museums in the world. 

Baoguang Temple, built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), is situated in Xindu 

to the north of the city. 

 Happy Valley, an amusement park with breathtaking sceneries, interesting 

explorations and exciting entertainment facilities.

 Huanglong National Scenic Reserve owes its fame to the breathtaking charm of 

its innumerable ponds, rocks, waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, valleys, 

temples, and local customs. 

 Huanglongxi Ancient Town, with history of 1,700 years and well preserved 

buildings, is a place where travelers can explore Chinese old culture and custom.

 Huanhua Stream Park, the largest urban forest park in the city.

 Jinli Street once was one of the busiest commercial streets during the Shu 

Kingdom (221-263).

 Jinsha Site Museum is a rare museum to protect, study and display the archaeological 

finds of Jinsha Site, which has a history of more than 3,000 years and was discovered

by archaeologists in February 2001. 

 Luodai Ancient Town, 11 miles (18 km) east of the city, is the world's largest town 

of Hakka.

 Wuhou Temple  (Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu) was built in the 6th century in memory 

of the Emperor Liu Bei and the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang of the Shu Kingdom. 

 Mount Qingcheng is a Taoist mountain located about 20 kilometers southwest of 

Dujiangyan City. It is also a very attractive and intriguing scenic spot that is 

covered by luxuriant and verdant trees.

 Wangjiang Pavalion Park is renowned for the River View Tower (Wang Jiang Lou), 

the Memorial Hall for a female poet Xue Tao, and varieties of bamboos.

 Salt Museum in Zigong  shows the achievements of China's ancient well salt 

industry and the tools for artesian well.

 Sichuan Museum, the largest comprehensive museum in southwestern China, features 

260,000 items in its historical collections and more than 60,000 relics.

 Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was the residence of Du Fu, a famous poet of the Tang 

Dynasty (618-907). For three and a half years he lived in the cottage.

 Tianfu Square is the largest city square in southwest China.

 Wenshu Monastery is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in the city with hundreds 

of bronze, wooden and stone statues, and Buddhist relics.

 Wide and Narrow Alley is a popular entertainment and nightlife block, with 

architecture renovated in traditional Chinese style.

 Xiling Snow Mountain is a famous skiing resort and tourism site in Dayi 

County of Chengdu.

 Yongling Mausoleum is the mausoleum of the Emperor Wang Jian of the Former 

Shu State in the Five Dynasties Period (907-960).