Chengdu is China's undisputed food capital, home to the fiery Sichuan cuisine that has conquered palates worldwide. This 7-day itinerary is designed for serious food lovers who want to explore every dimension of Chengdu's culinary scene — from legendary hotpot restaurants to hidden street food gems, from hands-on cooking classes to tea house traditions. With extra days, you'll also have time to visit the famous pandas and explore the surrounding countryside's unique food cultures.
Start your food journey with traditional morning tea at Wenshu Monastery's teahouse. Sample local pastries and dim sum while monks chant nearby. The peaceful atmosphere and vegetarian snacks offer a gentle introduction to Chengdu flavors.
Walk through Jinli Ancient Street sampling classic snacks — san da pao (sweet rice balls), bo bo ji (cold skewers), and long chao shou (wontons). While touristy, it's a good introduction to Sichuan snack diversity.
Explore this Three Kingdoms memorial temple adjacent to Jinli. The serene gardens provide a cultural interlude before dinner. Learn about Zhuge Liang and the history that shapes Sichuan identity.
Your first authentic Chengdu hotpot at one of the city's most beloved chains. Order the yuan yang (half-and-half) pot to compare the fiery red broth with the mild white broth. Essential items: fresh beef, duck intestines, lotus root, and frozen tofu.