There is a happy city called Chengdu.

With over 4,000 years of history, Chengdu is known as the "Land of Abundance." Today, it is one of China's most dynamic and developed cities.

Việt Nam•26/12/2024

Text and photos by GIA LINH

Historically, Chengdu was the capital of the Shu Kingdom under Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms period. Here, you can admire the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, and savor Sichuan cuisine , one of the six distinctive schools of Chinese gastronomy. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, ancient towns, Buddhist holy sites, and immerse yourself in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. You'll understand why Chengdu has consistently held the title of "Happiest City in China" for 15 years.

A land of lush green mountains and clear blue waters.

The phrase "picturesque mountains and waters" accurately describes the majestic beauty of Chengdu's natural landscape. Here lies the earthly paradise of Jiuzhaigou, the Lingyun Mountains with the world's largest seated Buddha statue (71 meters tall), carved directly into the cliff face of the Leshan Giant Buddha. At its foot is the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. The verdant Qingcheng Mountain is also one of the cradles of Taoism in China. From Qingcheng Mountain, one can see the entire Dujiangyan, a water conservancy project built during the Qin Dynasty (256 BC). Nearly 2,000 years have passed, but this project is still in use today, irrigating thousands of square kilometers of land in Sichuan.

When you think of Chengdu, you think of pandas and its famous panda reserve. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush green bamboo forests spanning over 4,000 square meters, designed to create the most natural environment for pandas. Pandas are just as lively in movies as they are in real life – even cuter!

Exquisite dishes at Thuc Yen Phu restaurant

If you are a fan of Jin Yong's novels and follow Buddhism, Mount Emei, one of China's four famous Buddhist holy sites, would be an ideal destination. If you want to enjoy ancient beauty, you can visit Lingyan Temple near Dujiangyan or Huanglongxi Ancient Town – which has existed for over 1,500 years. Within this ancient town are three ancient temples: Gulong Temple, Zhenjiang Temple, and Chaoyin Temple. In addition, six ancient banyan trees, over 800 years old, with their intertwined roots and dense canopies, further enhance the ancient and solemn atmosphere of the place.

The happiest city in China

Everyone has their own definition of a place that brings them happiness. For me, a green living environment is a crucial factor in assessing the happiness level of a city, and Chengdu has done very well in this regard. My impression of Chengdu is that it's a city of parks, tranquility, and convenience. In the past few years, the city has built over 1,000 parks of various sizes and implemented tens of thousands of greening projects, providing a clean and fresh atmosphere for its residents. The public amenities system is also well-planned, with hospitals, schools, and shopping and entertainment centers within a 15-minute drive from every residential area. Walking through the streets of Chengdu, watching the people go by, I felt the optimistic, open-minded, and energetic spirit of its people. Chengdu has also implemented senior-friendly buses in densely populated areas. The vehicle was equipped with a "treasure box" containing magnifying glasses, face masks, and common medications for the elderly.

The adorable pandas at the Chengdu Panda Reserve.

Chengdu is fascinating in its small details, full of surprises. I could spend an entire day strolling and experiencing the blend of old and new in Jinli Old Street, Wuhou Temple, Du Fu's thatched cottage, Tianfu Square, and the wide and narrow alleys. When my legs get tired, I'll stop for a steaming hot cup of fragrant tea. Then I'll enjoy Sichuan opera and the famous face-changing performances. When I want to slow down and savor the moment, I'll visit the Fangsuo Bookstore or the nearly 1,000-square-meter Zhongshu Pavilion, whose architecture is inspired by the Dujiangyan irrigation system. A very appealing pleasure when visiting Chengdu is savoring the essence of Sichuan cuisine. From street food like dandan noodles, thirty-six-item hot pot, and salted frog, to high-end dining experiences at restaurants like Shuyanfu or Anshunqiao.

One visit to Chengdu is not enough to fully appreciate its beauty. See you in future years, when the golden leaves of the ginkgo trees blanket the sky or the first snow of the season blankets the ancient temples.

Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights from Hanoi to Beijing; Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai; and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou. To reach Chengdu from Beijing or Shanghai, you can take a high-speed train or a domestic flight, which takes between 3 and 7 hours.

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