Chengdu Exploration: Spicy Food, Luxury & Tradition

First Impressions of Chengdu, China 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation:16.3 million
First Impressions of Chengdu, China 🇨🇳
Jack Aynsley Travel2024-05-041 hr 8 min

As we travel further on our trip around China, we arrive in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province. Also home to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas. We dive straight into exploring what the city has to offer. We show you what $75 a night will get you at the Ji Hotel in Chengdu Taikoo Li Center and go straight out to try spicy Sichuan food. We start by trying Lamb and beef kebabs and explore the local market for souvenirs. While strolling around Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, we stumble across China's first Louis Vuitton restaurant, housed in the century-old heritage site of Guangdong Hall. Nearby we try the famous spicy Sichuan ice cream and fresh cold street noodles before heading for a walk along City Park and the Jin River to Chengdu's TV and Radio Tower. Jack gets his first Chinese Street shave and we share a bottle of wine along the river while experiencing the traditional Chengdu ear cleaning. We head back to the city to try China's spiciest dish La Zi Ji (Sichuan Mala Chicken, 辣子鸡).

--- Jack Aynsley Travel
May 4, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00$75 Hotel Tour
  2. 04:21First Impressions of Chengdu
  3. 06:21Trying Beef and Lamb Skewers
  4. 12:04Getting Panda Souvenirs
  5. 14:55Louis Vuitton's First Restaurant in China
  6. 18:42Spicy Sichuan Ice Cream
  7. 22:21$1.50 Street Noodles
  8. 28:42Park City, Chengdu
  9. 34:17Chengdu West Pearl TV Tower
  10. 39:39My First Street Shave in China
  11. 47:09Drinking Wine Along The Jin River
  12. 50:22Getting My Ears Cleaned in China
  13. 55:48China's SPICIEST meal

Jack Aynsley Travel explores Chengdu, China, enjoying delicious street food, unique cultural experiences, and spicy Sichuan cuisine. A memorable adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1For around $75 a night, you can enjoy a comfortable hotel stay in downtown Chengdu with amenities like a king-size bed, a workspace, and a smart toilet. Remember to bring a world adapter if you're a foreigner. (0:15)
  2. Tip 2In China, Alipay is a unified app that connects to various services, making it easier to navigate transportation and payments. (5:54)
  3. Tip 3When exploring markets in China, don't hesitate to negotiate prices. You might be surprised by the honesty and willingness to offer discounts. (12:00)
  4. Tip 4Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic in Chengdu's City Park with fresh watermelons and strawberries, costing around 3.50 pounds. (28:48)
  5. Tip 5Experience a traditional Chinese street shave for a unique and cultural experience. Be prepared for a potentially less-than-perfect shave, but it's all part of the adventure. (40:06)
  6. Tip 6Indulge in a traditional ear cleaning experience in Chengdu for a truly unique and memorable cultural encounter. Be prepared for an unusual sensory experience. (50:25)

Jack Aynsley Travel's first impressions of Chengdu are nothing short of captivating! From a luxurious hotel stay to exploring the vibrant Chunxi Road, experiencing unique Sichuan cuisine, and even getting a traditional street shave, his journey is filled with unexpected delights. He shares personal anecdotes and cultural insights, making this a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Chengdu.

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First Impressions of Chengdu, China 🇨🇳

This video offers a captivating glimpse into Jack Aynsley Travel's first impressions of Chengdu, China. The journey begins with a luxurious hotel stay, showcasing the comfort and amenities available for around $75 a night. This sets the stage for an exploration of Chengdu's diverse offerings.

Jack's culinary adventures are a highlight, starting with delicious lamb and beef kebabs from a street vendor. He then dives into the bustling local market, discovering unique souvenirs and interacting with friendly locals. The exploration continues with a surprising discovery: China's first Louis Vuitton restaurant, housed within the historic Guangdong Hall. This unexpected blend of luxury and heritage is a testament to Chengdu's unique character.

Further enriching the experience are encounters with local delicacies. Jack samples spicy Sichuan ice cream and refreshing cold street noodles, showcasing the city's adventurous food scene. A stroll along the Jin River and City Park leads to a traditional Chengdu ear cleaning experience, adding a touch of authenticity to his journey. The day culminates with a daring attempt at La Zi Ji (Sichuan Mala Chicken), a notoriously spicy dish that tests Jack's spice tolerance.

Beyond the food, Jack captures the essence of Chengdu's vibrant street life, showcasing the city's modern infrastructure and easy access to transportation through Alipay. He observes local games of Majiang along the river, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of Chengdu residents. The video concludes with a relaxed evening by the river, reflecting on the day's adventures and the overall livability of Chengdu.

Throughout the video, Jack's personal insights and emotional moments shine through. His interactions with locals, his candid reactions to new experiences, and his appreciation for the city's unique blend of modernity and tradition create a genuine and engaging narrative. The video is a testament to the power of immersive travel and the unexpected discoveries that await those willing to embrace the unknown.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing I found in Chengdu?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!
Q: What were the sweet potato noodles like?
A: They looked like shining leather and tasted yummy!
Q: How spicy was the Sichuan Mala Chicken?
A: It was a real kick in the ass! A humbling experience even for a spice lover like me.
Q: What's the best way to get around Chengdu?
A: Alipay is your best friend! It connects to all sorts of transportation apps.
Q: What's a must-do activity in Chengdu?
A: Definitely get your ears cleaned by the river! It's a unique and unforgettable experience (though maybe a little weird).

Chengdu Exploration: Spicy Food, Luxury & Tradition

Jack explores Chengdu's vibrant street food, luxury restaurants, and traditional practices, leaving with a spicy, unforgettable taste of Sichuan culture.

Chengdu Exploration: Spicy Food, Culture & Unique Experiences

Jack Aynsley's Chengdu adventure begins with a luxurious stay at the Ji Hotel. He braves the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine, starting with lamb and beef kebabs and progressing to the infamous Sichuan Mala Chicken. Exploring Chunxi Road, he discovers China's first Louis Vuitton restaurant, a unique blend of luxury and heritage. The journey continues with a taste of spicy ice cream, affordable street noodles, and a relaxing stroll along the Jin River. Unique experiences like a traditional Chinese street shave and ear cleaning add a cultural touch to his Chengdu exploration. The trip culminates in a breathtaking view from Chengdu's TV and Radio Tower, offering a memorable first impression of the city.

Attractions in this video: Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Jin River, Chengdu Tv And Radio Tower, Guangdong Hall