Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and the economic and cultural anchor of southwestern China, famous for its relaxed pace and teahouse culture. Home to a metropolitan population of around 21 million, it sits on a fertile plain ringed by mountains and is a gateway to Tibet and the wider southwest. The climate is humid subtropical, with mild damp winters and warm, humid, frequently overcast summers. The city is beloved for its Giant Panda Breeding Base, the ancient streets of Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley, and the nearby Dujiangyan irrigation system. Sichuan food is world-renowned for its bold, numbing spice, from bubbling hotpot to mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. An extensive metro network, two international airports, and high-speed rail make travel simple across the country. For an international student, Chengdu offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle, strong universities, and a famously friendly, easygoing atmosphere.