By: Claire Du
Exploring Chengdu and Chongqing felt like stepping into two different worlds of China — one where pandas and peaceful rivers steal your heart, and another where neon lights and spicy hot pot ignite your senses. Both cities left me with memories I’ll never forget.
Chengdu
When I arrived in Chengdu, the first thing that caught my eye was how much the city celebrates its pandas. Panda trinkets, murals, and photos were everywhere. It felt like the entire city was devoted to these adorable animals. That’s part of what makes Chengdu so special: it’s the proud home of the giant panda and of China’s famously spicy Sichuan cuisine.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Seeing giant pandas up close for the first time was truly unforgettable — they were playful, sleepy, and impossibly cute. The calm, natural setting of the base made it easy to feel connected to Chengdu’s love for wildlife and nature.
Afterward, I visited the Zhongshuge Bookstore, a breathtakingly designed space that feels like you are stepping into the Hogwarts library! With mirrored ceilings, winding staircases, and warm, golden lighting, it’s no wonder this spot has become a favorite for photos. Even if you’re not a big reader, the atmosphere and architecture alone make it worth the visit.
Later that day, I explored Dujiangyan, an ancient irrigation site surrounded by charming shops and local markets. I spent the afternoon strolling along the river, browsing handmade souvenirs, and soaking in the relaxed energy of the place. As night fell, the river shimmered in a brilliant blue light, and crowds gathered to take photos and enjoy the scene. It was a peaceful, magical way to end my day in Chengdu.
Chengdu Itinerary Highlights:
- Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Explore Zhongshuge Bookstore
- Shop and walk by the Dujiangyan River at night
Chongqing
Next, I visited Chongqing, a vibrant mountain city known for its stunning skyline, flavorful hot pot, and one-of-a-kind architecture.
At night, I visited Hongyadong, one of the city’s most popular attractions. The whole building lights up with bright colors and is filled with restaurants and shops. There are a few good spots to take photos, but the best view is from the nearby bridge, where you can see the entire place glowing above the river.
One of the most unique things I saw was the subway that goes right through a residential building. Watching the train pass through the middle of the building was so cool! (It’s something you’d probably only see in Chongqing!)
Later, I went up into the mountains to eat at the world’s largest hot pot restaurant. The food was super spicy and delicious, and the view from the restaurant made it even better.
Chongqing’s energy, food, and scenery make it such a fun city to explore. It’s full of life and surprises, and definitely one of the most memorable places I visited in China.
Chongqing Itinerary Highlights:
- Visit Hongyadong at night and view it from the bridge
- See the subway train pass through a building
- Eat at the world’s largest hot pot restaurant
Final Thoughts
Both Chengdu and Chongqing offer amazing experiences that show two very different sides of China, Chengdu’s peaceful charm and Chongqing’s lively excitement. From pandas and bookshops to mountain hot pot and glowing skylines, these cities made my trip unforgettable.
If you’re planning your next adventure to China, I highly recommend adding both cities to your travel list and don’t forget to book your flight with ScholarTrip for great deals and student-friendly fares!
