Chengdu Exploration: Sichuan Food & Culture

FIRST Impressions of Chengdu 🇨🇳 | China Vlog 2024 (Italian & British in China)

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation:16.3 million
FIRST Impressions of Chengdu 🇨🇳 | China Vlog 2024 (Italian & British in China)
Pat & Giulia2024-07-2620 min

We get a chance to experience the friendliness of the Sichuan people and taste true Sichuan food in a Temple in Chengdu.

We share some of our first observations of Chengdu.

--- Pat & Giulia
July 26, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Chengdu
  2. 0:30Buddhist Temple Visit
  3. 1:45Affordability in Chengdu
  4. 2:10Panda Symbolism
  5. 2:50Vegetarian Restaurant
  6. 14:31Affordable Lunch
  7. 15:25Temple Commercial Areas
  8. 16:02Vegetarian Challenges
  9. 19:57City of Pandas and Cats

Pat & Giulia's Chengdu trip: delicious vegetarian temple food, charming streets, and surprising cultural encounters make for an unforgettable China adventure.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Chengdu and Chongqing offer very affordable prices compared to Beijing and Shanghai. You can find meals for as little as 15-20 yuan. (1:45)
  2. Tip 2Chengdu is proud of its panda symbol, so you'll find pandas everywhere. Many tourists visit Chengdu to see the pandas. (2:10)
  3. Tip 3Many vegetarian restaurants close early, so make sure you don't miss lunch if you're vegetarian. (2:40)
  4. Tip 4You can have lunch for as little as 3 pounds in Chengdu, competing with Southeast Asian countries in affordability. (14:31)
  5. Tip 5In China, temple areas are often commercial areas with shops and restaurants around the temple, unlike in other countries. (15:25)
  6. Tip 6Being a vegetarian in China can be difficult, as many places don't offer many vegetarian options. You might need to ask specifically for vegetarian dishes. (16:02)
  7. Tip 7Even when eating at meat places, you can often find vegetarian options if you ask, but it's not always on the menu. (17:06)
  8. Tip 8Chengdu is known as the city of pandas and cats, with many cats visible in the city. (19:57)

Pat & Giulia's Chengdu adventure is a delightful exploration of Sichuan's culture and cuisine. Their first impressions are filled with the charm of historical streets, the ubiquitous panda symbolism, and the surprising affordability of the city. A vegetarian feast in a Buddhist temple becomes a highlight, showcasing the warmth of local people and the unique culinary experience. From exploring temple grounds to savoring traditional snacks, their journey is full of unexpected delights and cultural discoveries.

More about the current video:( 10 / 36 )

FIRST Impressions of Chengdu 🇨🇳 | China Vlog 2024 (Italian & British in China)

This vlog captures Pat & Giulia's initial impressions of Chengdu, China. Their journey begins with exploring the city's historical streets, noting the abundance of old buildings and lush greenery. Giulia is particularly captivated by the city's beauty, calling it the prettiest she's seen so far in China.

The vlog highlights the affordability of Chengdu, contrasting it with the higher prices of Beijing and Shanghai. Pat & Giulia emphasize the ease of finding budget-friendly meals, particularly mentioning the 20 yuan meals in Chongqing. They also point out the city's pride in its panda symbol, which is visible throughout Chengdu.

A significant portion of the vlog focuses on their vegetarian experience at a Buddhist temple. They describe the temple's serene atmosphere and the variety of vegetarian dishes available at the temple's restaurant. The vlog showcases the kindness of the locals, including a heartwarming moment where a couple showed them respect as they left the restaurant.

Pat & Giulia discuss the challenges of being vegetarian in China, noting the scarcity of vegetarian options in many restaurants. They share their experiences navigating menus and communicating their dietary needs, sometimes encountering surprised reactions from waiters but receiving helpful assistance from managers or chefs. The vlog offers insights into Chinese dining etiquette, including the unique tradition of standing up when guests depart.

Beyond the food, Pat & Giulia share observations about Chengdu's unique character. They mention the commercial nature of temple areas, contrasting it with their experiences in Thailand and Malaysia. The vlog also includes amusing anecdotes, such as encounters with numerous cats in the city and the distinctive appearance of police vehicles. Overall, the vlog paints a vivid picture of Chengdu's charm, affordability, and cultural richness, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Chengdu Exploration: Sichuan Food & Culture

British-Italian couple explores Chengdu, China, savoring Sichuan food & culture. Unexpected friendships and delicious vegetarian options make for a memorable trip.

Chengdu Exploration: Vegetarian Food, Temples & Cultural Delights

Pat and Giulia, a British-Italian couple, share their initial impressions of Chengdu, China. Their vlog captures the warmth of the Sichuan people and the deliciousness of authentic Sichuan cuisine, experienced during a temple visit. This spontaneous adventure showcases their love for off-the-beaten-path exploration and making local connections, offering a refreshing take on travel vlogging.

Attractions in this video: Buddhist Temple