Story and Photos GIA LINH

With a history spanning over 4,000 years, Chengdu is renowned as the “Land of Abundance.” Today, it stands as one of the most dynamic and thriving cities in China.

In ancient times, Chengdu was the   capital of the Shu Kingdom under Liu Bei during the era of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Visiting here, you’ll witness a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity while savoring the fiery culinary delights of Sichuan, one of the most celebrated schools of Chinese cuisine. Immersed in the serene atmosphere of its picturesque landscapes, time-worn towns and Buddhist sanctuaries, you’ll understand why Chengdu has earned the title of “Happiest City in China” for 15 consecutive years.

Jiuzhaigou nature reserve - a paradise on earth

A land of natural wonders

The phrase “scenic mountains and rivers” perfectly captures the breathtaking natural beauty of Chengdu. Here, you’ll find Jiuzhaigou nature reserve, a paradise on earth, and Mount Lingyun, home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue

– Leshan Giant Buddha, standing 71 meters tall and carved directly into a cliff face. At its base lies the confluence of three rivers: Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi. Nearby, Mount Qingcheng, shrouded in lush greenery, is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Daoism in China. From Mount Qingcheng, you can also admire the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed during the Qin Dynasty in 256 BCE.

After 2,000 years, amazingly, this engineering marvel remains functional, irrigating thousands of square kilometers in Sichuan province to this day.

A peaceful scene in Dujiangyan

No mention of Chengdu is complete without its iconic pandas. The city is home to a renowned panda sanctuary spanning over 4,000 square meters of lush bamboo forests, providing an environment as close as possible to the pandas’ natural habitat. While pandas are adorable in photos and video, seeing them in real life is an experience exponentially more charming. For enthusiasts of Jin Yong’s martial arts novels or Buddhist culture, Mount Emei – one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains – is a must. Those who appreciate antiquity and serenity might prefer Erwang Temple near Dujiangyan or Huanglongxi Ancient Town, which has over 1,500 years of history. Within Huanglongxi, you’ll find three ancient temples – Gulong, Zhenjiang, and Chaoyin, and six towering banyan trees more than 800 years old, their intertwining roots and expansive canopies adding to the area’s timeless charm.

China’s happiest city

Everyone has their own definition of a place that brings happiness. For me, a green and sustainable living environment is a critical factor in evaluating a happy city, and Chengdu excels in this regard. Dubbed “Park City,” it left me with an impression of tranquility and convenience.

In recent years, over 1,000 parks of varying sizes have been built, along with tens of thousands of green projects, giving residents access to fresh, clean air and lush surroundings. Within a 15-minute drive from any residential area, essential amenities such as hospitals, schools and entertainment centers are guaranteed. Walking through Chengdu’s streets, observing the vibrant flow of people, you can feel the optimistic, open-minded and energetic spirit of its residents. The city has even introduced senior-friendly buses in densely populated areas, equipped with “treasure boxes” containing magnifying glasses, face masks and common medications for elderly passengers. The bus logos feature large fonts for easy readability by older individuals.

Scenic mountains and rivers in Chengdu

Chengdu is captivating in even the smallest details, always offering delightful surprises. I could spend an entire day wandering and experiencing the blend of old and new in spots like Jinli Ancient Street, Du Fu Thatched Cottage or the Wide and Narrow Alleys. When weary, I’d stop for a pot of aromatic hot tea and enjoy the famous Sichuan opera, known for its stunning face-changing performances. If I want to experience a slower pace of life, I’d visit Fang Suo or Zhong Shu Ge bookstores – spanning nearly 1,000 square meters, their architecture draws inspiration from the Dujiangyan irrigation system. With spiral staircases, towering bookshelves, and mirrored ceilings, they transport readers into a seemingly infinite realm.

A particularly delightful part of visiting Chengdu is savoring its culinary masterpieces. From humble yet delicious street food like Dan Dan noodles, the famous 36-flavor hotpot, and salted frog dishes to fine dining experiences paired with traditional dances from various dynasties at establishments like Shuyunfu or Anshunqiao, Chengdu offers a feast for the senses.

One visit is never enough to truly experience Chengdu. Until we meet again, Chengdu, among the golden ginkgo leaves of autumn or the first snowfall blanketing ancient temple rooftops.

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from Hanoi to Beijing; Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou. From Beijing or Shanghai to Chengdu, you can choose between high-speed trains or domestic flights, with travel times ranging from 3 to 7 hours.