Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China, is emerging as a unique destination that blends traditional culture with futuristic elements, drawing interest from travelers, especially from the UK. Recent changes in China’s visa policy for British passport holders have contributed to a surge in interest. According to internal data from the travel booking platform Trip.com, UK searches for Chengdu have increased by 133 per cent compared to the same period last year. Known for its famous Sichuan peppercorns and rich culinary traditions, Chengdu is increasingly recognized for its distinctive cultural experiences. One of the city’s highlights is its traditional tea culture, which includes the UNESCO-recognized chan cha ceremony. This practice involves pouring tea from a copper teapot and is often accompanied by cai'er, or ear cleaning, a relaxing ritual believed to enhance the tea-drinking experience. In Chengdu, tea is not just a drink—it’s a social activity. People often sit for hours, sipping tea and observing the city’s lively street life, with unlimited refills offered in many tea houses. For food lovers, Chengdu is a paradise. A visit to a "fly restaurant," such as Yu Zi Bu, offers a taste of local specialties like tian shui mian, thick noodles served in a rich sauce of sesame and chili. Chengdu is often called the "spice capital" of China, with mala—a combination of numbing and spicy flavors—being its signature taste. This sensation comes from the Erjingtiao pepper, which provides a gentle, lingering heat with a floral, citrusy aroma. Beyond its culinary delights, Chengdu is also home to several panda research centers, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This facility cares for over 200 pandas and is a popular tourist spot, with pandas like Hua Hua, a six-year-old, drawing crowds. The city’s love for pandas is reflected in its architecture and public spaces, including a panda sculpture on the roof of the Chengdu IFS Mall and the Tower of Life, a neon-lit bamboo installation. Chengdu’s charm lies in its ability to merge the old with the new. The Upper House Chengdu, for example, is a hotel that combines a restored Qing dynasty courtyard with modern comforts. Located near major attractions, it also features a spa offering traditional Sichuan teas. The city’s relaxed atmosphere, known locally as básì, or “comfort and contentment,” is a key part of its appeal. Travelers are advised to use mobile payment apps like Alipay and Didi, and to factor in the hour-long drive to and from Tianfu Airport, which is located outside the city.