Chongqing Hotpot vs Chengdu Hotpot: A Foreigner’s Guide to Telling the Difference (And Where to Eat the Best One)
You’ve probably heard: “Sichuan food is spicy.”But here’s the thing—Chongqing hotpot and Chengdu hotpot are NOT the same. I’ve lived in Chongqing for more than 20 years and Chengdu for 10 years. Last year, I took a Canadian friend to Chongqing’s famous Yang’s Hotpot (Yáng Jì Lǎo Huǒguō, 杨记隆府) and then to Chengdu’s Shu Dà Xiá […]
Best Day Trips from Chengdu by High-Speed Train: 8 Cities, 18 Must-See Spots for Foreign Travelers
You’re in Chengdu. You’ve eaten hotpot. You’ve hugged a panda.Now what? Here’s the thing: most tourists think Chengdu is just a city.But with China’s high-speed rail, you can be in ancient temples, bamboo forests, or dinosaur museums—all before lunch. Last spring, I took a Canadian friend to Jiuzhaigou (Jiǔzhàigōu, 九寨沟). He said: “I thought it […]
2-Day Leshan Giant Buddha & Emei Mountain Trip for Foreigners: Eat, Hike, and See It All
Here’s a secret most tourists miss: Leshan Giant Buddha (Lèshān Dàfó, 乐山大佛) and Emei Mountain (Éméi Shān, 峨眉山) are in the same city. Yes—Emei Mountain is part of Leshan City, not Chengdu.Yet I’ve met dozens of foreign travelers who booked separate trips, wasted time, and missed the best combo: one day for the world’s tallest […]