Chengdu is one of the most open-minded cities in China. A quick look at the seductive male burlesque shows down Dongmen Daqiao on a Saturday night will convince you of that. This south-western metropolis, built for a comfortable lifestyle, is also a place ... Read More>>

Buzzes and lots of "er's" and "ol's" and "lo's" is all you'll hear the first time you touch down in Chengdu. But what you're actually hearing is Mandarin being spoken in a charming southwestern drawl. Just as English has its' ... Read More>>

There are many words and images that come to mind when you think of Chengdu: spicy Sichuan food, terrible weather and bad traffic, an abundance of sexy girls, ease and comfort in lifestyle, mahjong, teahouses galore and clubs, clubs and more ... Read More>>

There have been a number of times when I have heard Chengdu expats complaining that Chengdu doesn't have X, Y, or Z. While there are certainly areas in which Chengdu is lacking, often it's more of an issue of knowing where to look. There was a time when the ... Read More>>

Many consider Chengdu to be the gateway to Tibet, so it is only reasonable that visitors to Chengdu would want to visit the Tibetan Quarter. Chengdu’s Tibetan Quarter, or Little Lhasa, is located in the south-west of Chengdu, near the First Ring Road. It ... Read More>>

With thousands of years of religious history, it’s no wonder that China has some of the world’s most spectacular temples. Though Chengdu is perhaps most noted for pandas, zesty cuisine and teahouses, the city definitely has its share of eminent shrines ... Read More>>

Getting ripped off is an unpleasant experience wherever you go, and unfortunately this is an experience that almost every foreign visitor to China will struggle with during their stay here. However, as confidence increases so too do bargaining skills, so ... Read More>>

It’s Friday afternoon and you only have one weekend to explore Chengdu. Though Chengdu has much to offer, you can mark off the “must see” attractions in a few days. Listed below is an itinerary for those who only have one weekend in Chengdu. Read More>>

One of the questions that pops up regularly on Chengdu forums is, “Where can I find a good gym in Chengdu?” Keeping in mind that “good” is a relative term, this overview of some of Chengdu’s gyms and fitness clubs should get you pointed in the right ... Read More>>

Sichuan is home to some of the spiciest Chinese cuisine, including the famously spicy Sichuan hotpot. Eating hotpot in Chengdu is mandatory for those visiting the city. For those living here, anything short of loving it is sin. There are tons of great ... Read More>>

Have you ever seen how crowded buses in Chengdu can get? In these buses, I've seen people with half an arm hanging out the window, heads smashed against glass, and drivers throwing fits over barely being able to hold the wheel. So why would you want to take ... Read More>>

While you are not going to find any natural hot springs around Chengdu, there are some man-made ones that offer refreshing escapes from muggy summer days and warm retreats from bitter winter evenings. The city has a couple of decent hot spring options, but ... Read More>>

The first thing you need to do is decide what Chengdu neighbourhood you want to find an apartment in. Here's a quick breakdown of popular areas located with Chengdu’s largest and wealthiest district, Wuhou:... Read More>>

Before beginning this article, I was thinking about the lines from that Hank Williams song, Family Tradition: “Why do you drink? Why do you roll smoke?” He sang. We all have our own reasons, but there is one thing expats in Chengdu can agree on: this city ... Read More>>

Ancient towns near Chengdu offer a chance to explore ancient Chinese culture and just get a break from the crowded, nagging modernity of the city. There are a plethora of towns that can be reached within one hour. Such places are great for those living in ... Read More>>

Let's play a little China trivia. Category: Food and Drinks. Level: Ridiculously Easy. Question: Most famous Chinese beverage? Thirty seconds on the clock. Go! Tea, the national drink par excellence, has it all: a long and interesting history, amazing and ... Read More>>

Some of the best places to go to in Sichuan happen to be very close to Chengdu. While there are good nature spots within the province's capital, it's sometimes nice to actually leave the city to get your nature fix. So if you need to taste clean air and ... Read More>>

The slow, relaxed mentality of Chengdu makes it a popular spot for tourists who are tired of dealing with the fast-paced lifestyle of China's first tier cities. And, while certain tourist attractions in Chengdu are worth visiting, some of the best things to ... Read More>>

Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, aims to bring and maintain harmony within your body. Your 'qi', blood, body fluids, major organs and meridians must be functioning in a balanced way or else you will get sick. This is where the treatments come in. Read More>>

Think you can’t find grainy Dijon mustard or a 6-pack of Corona just because you’re living in the middle of Southwest China? Think again! Chengdu is getting increasingly foreigner-friendly and when it comes to the imported staples expats miss so dearly, ... Read More>>

Chengdu is full of things to explore, and while the temperature is still bearable, we suggest getting out there and visiting one of the lesser-known parks for some relaxation and time with nature. Read More>>

Pizzas are a staple for many Western travellers, and Chengdu has a lot of expats looking for pizzas. Pizza is a little taste of home, a link to sanity and the “real world.” So the question arises: where can one get a good pizza in Chengdu? Read More>>

Although Chengdu is known for its own unique and deliciously spicy Sichuanese flavors, the city has much more to offer than just its signature Chinese dishes. This international city boasts a global palate that includes Japanese and Korean favorites like ... Read More>>

If you’re in Chengdu and want to pick up a few martial arts moves or just need an alternative to the gym for staying in shape, try one of these academies and learn how to kick it like Bruce Lee! Read More>>