Chengdu – home of the lovely giant panda. This capital of Szechuan province has been named "China's Best Tourist City" by the National Tourism Administration and the United Nations World Tourism Organization on February 8, 2007, thanks to its world of natural beauty, historic wonders, profound cultural tradition and cosmopolitan city life.

Located in the in the west of Szechuan Basin and in the center of fertile Chengdu Plain, Chengdu is the axis of western China: the centre of technology, commerce and finance as well as the heart of transportation and communication.

To experience Chengdu, visit the Szechuan opera performance, characterized by its magical art of "face changing" tricks, fire breathing and earthy humor. Don’t missed the region's natural beauty—take a trip into the nearby mountains and forests, home of the famous bamboo-munching giant pandas, some of which can be seen at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base just outside of town.

For a taste of Szechuan culture, join the locals in a Chengdu teahouse and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Feel the beat of the city life, see and be seen on the commercial heart of the city- Chunxi Road, chat to a local for up-to-the-minute advice on the hottest clubs. Of course, Szechuan cuisine is famous the world over for its tongue-numbing pepper, fiery chili and steamy hotpot, making the province's capital a gourmet city to be.

In addition to being a tourist destination in its own right, Chengdu is also popular as a base for travel to the many attractions of western China.  From the comfort of Chengdu, tourists can travel to nearby sites of great natural beauty and cultural significance, including significant UNESCO World Heritage sites including:

• the ancient DuJiangYan Irrigation System and Mt. QingCheng , the birthplace of Taoism;
• the Wolong Natural Reserve and giant panda sanctuary;
• the spectacular nature reserve of JiuZhaiGou;
• the Potala Palace in Tibet;
• the Terra-cotta Warriors of Xi'an;
• the sacred Buddhist mountain, Mount Emei , and the amazing Giant Buddha of Leshan;

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Chengdu City is mountainous in the north-west area, with plains in the south-east area, and low hills in-between.  Due to the abrupt difference in altitude between the east and west sides of the city, Chengdu does not have a uniform temperature. Generally speaking, the higher west side is cooler than the lower east side.

The best time to visit Chengdu is from March to June and from September to November.

July and August are the hottest months in Chengdu. Mt.Qingcheng, Xiling Snow Mountain, Mt. Tiantai and Longchi Forest Park are ideal places close to Chengdu for escaping the summer heat.