Chengdu Downtown Driving, The City Focused On The Future | Sichuan, China

While China still hasn't announced solid plans to reopen its border to international leisure travelers, there's no harm in starting to dream about your next visit now.

There are hundreds of worthy destinations in the country catering to all tastes. Appearing arguably at the top of that list is Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province and the perfect jumping off point for those in search of a mix of stunning natural scenery, wildlife -- it's the panda capital of the world, of course -- and some of the most incredible food on the planet.

In recent years the city has expanded its offerings, which include a number of new projects tourists will want to experience -- including a flashy new international airport and several architecture marvels.

Whether you're traveling for business or just dreaming about post-pandemic travel, here are some reasons Chengdu should be part of your itinerary when China reopens to the world.

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It's the happiest city in China
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If visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there's no better city to hit than Chengdu.
Chengdu has been voted the happiest city in China for 12 consecutive years by an annual survey conducted by Oriental Outlook, a Shanghai-based magazine affiliated with state news agency Xinhua.

The survey results combine big data, questionnaires, site visits and expert opinions and take into account everything from income and medical services to the standards of city living.

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Chengdu's pandas are getting a cool new home
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The home of Chengdu's most adorable residents and biggest attraction -- the pandas -- is getting a major upgrade.

Opening in early 2022, the new Panda Pavilions at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding are a collection of ring-shaped buildings nestled within the facilities.

"We are extremely impressed with the natural environment of the site, surrounded by undulating hills and covered with dense green lush woods," says Ping Jiang, the mastermind behind the Panda Pavilions and design principal of Atelier Ping Jiang / EID Arch, during an interview with CNN Travel about his visit to the site.
The cedar-clad, light-filled spaces are "inspired by the natural landscape of Chengdu's prairies" and "an animal-friendly environment."
The Panda Pavilions house the bears' indoor and outdoor activity spaces and living quarters, along with staff administrative offices and supporting facilities.
"Also, the pavilions provide interactive exhibition and education spaces designated for panda research and preservation," says Jiang.

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There's a spectacular new mega airport
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One of the world's most eye-catching new airports, Chengdu's Tianfu International Airport is as modern as it gets.

Beginning operations in 2021, Tianfu International Airport is the largest civil airport to open as part of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

With a total of six runways (only three have been completed as part of its first phase), the mega airport is expected to handle up to 60 million passengers per year by 2025.

Travelers can experience an array of cutting-edge technologies at Tianfu, including facial recognition software, self-check-in kiosks and AI robot concierges.

The shopping and dining options are incredible, too.

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It's a global food capital
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The first-ever city to be certified as a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010, Chengdu's gastronomic prowess is undeniable.

So much so that Michelin is set to add Chengdu as its fourth city guide in mainland China after Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, with a guide due to come out in 2022, according to a post on the Michelin's official Weibo channel.

Many flock to the capital city of Sichuan for the tongue-numbing spicy hotpots but the now famous mapo tofu comes from here too. The addictive dish of minced meat and diced tofu in spicy chili and fermented broad bean oil is said to have been invented in Chengdu more than a century ago.

Meanwhile, Zhong dumplings (meat dumplings in a special chili oil and sweetened soy sauce) and sweet water noodles with chili peppers and peanut crumbs are two other local dishes visitors should try.
Not into spice?
Two other must-haves include smoked duck with sweet, crispy skin and savory meat, and tofa -- a silky and sweet tofu pudding with various toppings.

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0:00 Intro
1:18 Tianfu New Area
56:28 Rainy Driving Tour in Chengdu
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4K⁶⁰ Driving In China:
   • 4K⁶⁰ Driving In China | 行车巡游之旅  
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