20 February 2026
Chengdu: one of our routes & destinations
Flying regularly into Chengdu gives our team a front-row seat to one of China’s most ancient and fascinating cities. With a great circle distance of 4558.6 nautical miles and a flight time from Bournemouth of around 10.5 hours, the team lands just north west of Chongqing – of course, this route and its timing will always vary depending on contextual factors each day.
We’ve seen fish exports into China grow in the last few years. In 2024 alone, the UK exported £113m worth of fish to China, an increase of 31% from the year before. And on the return journey, our flights support the movement of global e-commerce and other goods.
Whilst we’re there, our crew has the chance to experience why this city makes for such a compelling destination, beyond its most famous residents – pandas!
About Chengdu
Located in southwest China, Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province and is one of China’s oldest cities, founded more than 2,000 years ago. It was built on the fertile Chengdu plain, known as the “Land of Abundance”.
Holding the title of China’s “happiest city” for over 14 years, once on the ground, you can certainly understand why. Unlike many other large bustling Chinese cities, Chengdu feels noticeably calm; its culture is shaped by a long-held philosophy of balance, leisure and enjoyment, where modern life and traditions co-exist.
Chengdu is one of the most important economic centres, transportation and communication hubs in Southwestern China. With its two major airports, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), the city is an accessible destination for both local and international visitors. And, there are plenty of reasons to visit.
Why visit Chengdu? 6 Things to do
Visit the furry locals: the Pandas
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is internationally renowned for its conservation efforts and education programmes. It’s home to the world’s largest population of captive-bred pandas, which started in 1987 as just 6 rescued pandas and is now home to over 120. Whilst we always believe animals are best left in the wild, this research centre is a not-for-profit and all money made from visitor tickets goes back into the centre – its entire objective is to support panda reproduction.
Photo Credit: China Discovery
Sip tea at Wenshu Yuan Monastery
Tucked away from the busy streets, Wenshu Monastery offers a peaceful environment and an introduction to traditional Chinese culture. Built during the Tang Dynasty, this Buddhist temple is one of the best preserved in Chengdu. Wander through the courtyards, sip tea at the teahouse and watch locals practising tai chi – all in the setting of traditional Chinese architecture.
Explore the old town
Once home to the Qing Dynasty soldiers, Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi), Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi) and Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi) make up the city’s historic neighbourhood. Explore the vibrant streets and traditional courtyards, sip teas at teahouses and try the local street food.
Hang out with the locals at People’s Park
If you want to see what the local people get up to, then head to People’s Park (Renmin Park) for an immersive experience of daily life. Locals dance, sing, write in calligraphy, and play Mahjong. And if you’re after a new partner, head to “Love Lane” where families and singles post handwritten adverts to charm a passerby.
Visit a remarkable landmark
The Leshan Giant Buddha stands 70m tall, overlooking the meeting point of three rivers. Carved into the cliff between the 8th and 9th centuries, the size of this remarkable statue is hard to grasp until you’ve climbed the stairs to stand right beside it. If you want to explore beyond this iconic spot, head to Mount Emei, a sacred Buddhist mountain, for more opportunities to explore Sichuan beyond the city.
Photo Credit: China Odyssey Tours
Taste the city
Recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, Chengdu takes its food seriously. Get together in a group for hotpot – gather around these spicy (or not) broths to cook your meat and veg. Tickle your tastebuds with the sweet and spicy combo of Kung Pao Chicken. And anything spicy is likely made with the iconic Sichuan peppercorns, serving up that distinctive numbing feel on your tongue.
And finally, a trip to Chengdu wouldn’t be complete without a cup of tea in a local teahouse. Watching tea masters pour from long-spouted kettles is a performance in itself.
