Most classic Sichuan dishes are bone-free; a separate category keeps bones on purpose for flavor. Here is how foreign visitors can tell them apart and order with confidence.
When to visit Sichuan's main nature destinations, from Daocheng Yading and Jiuzhaigou to the Aba Grasslands and Lugu Lake, with season-by-region advice for foreign travelers.
A Sichuan-born local ranks the ten most rewarding places in Sichuan, from Jiuzhaigou and Daocheng Yading to Sanxingdui and the Da Gongga loop, with practical advice for first-time foreign visitors.
Discover which Chinese cities have the most attractions and why Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and seven other destinations offer the best variety of vetted experiences for first-time visitors.
Discover which Chinese cities offer the best food experiences for tourists. Compare Chengdu's numbing-spicy hot pot, Guangzhou's delicate dim sum, and Xi'an's hearty wheaten dishes to match your taste preferences.
Learn how foreign visitors can eat Chengdu hot pot for the first time. Discover the yin-yang pot strategy, beginner-safe ingredients, and why Sichuan peppercorns create a different sensation than ordinary chili heat.
A comparison of the best Chinese cities for first-time foreign visitors, ranked by English-friendliness, attractions, and convenience, with practical advice on how to choose.
A practical guide covering the best transport options from Chengdu to the Leshan Giant Buddha, including high-speed train details, bus alternatives, and taxi costs.
A practical guide to the five essential cities for a first-time China trip: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Guilin, with what to see in each.
Compare the top 5 10-day China itinerary routes for first-time visitors. Learn how to choose between the Golden Triangle, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, and Yangtze options based on your interests, pace, and budget.
A practical guide to traveling from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou National Park, comparing high-speed train, bus, and flight options with costs and travel times.
Plan your Western Sichuan trip with this month-by-month guide covering the best seasons for hiking, autumn foliage, and avoiding Chinese holiday crowds.
Discover Siguniang Mountain and Bipenggou Valley, two popular Western Sichuan destinations about 150-200 km from Chengdu offering Tibetan-style scenery without permit requirements.
A practical comparison of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shenyang, and Hangzhou for first-time foreign visitors, with booking tips, timing advice, and what each city offers.
A practical 3-day Chengdu itinerary that covers pandas, traditional streets, and cultural sites while minimizing travel time and crowds. Based on local tips from Chengdu residents.
Common Chengdu travel mistakes that foreign tourists make, plus practical tips from local residents on timing, dining, navigation, and cultural etiquette.
Specific costly mistakes foreign tourists make in Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shenyang, and Hangzhou, with actionable booking tips, timing advice, and pricing warnings.
A practical guide comparing Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou for first-time visitors to China, covering tourist attractions, food, shopping, and nature access.
A comparison of Chengdu and Guangzhou for first-time China visitors, explaining why Chengdu's pandas, Sichuan food, and tourist infrastructure make it better suited for beginners than Guangzhou.
This guide explains the regional divide between Sichuan's hot basin cities and cool mountain destinations, helping you decide where to visit in August.