Chengdu

What to try

1. Try dandan noodles, sweet water noodles and Zhong dumplings as small breakfast portions.
2. Skewers are counted by stick; start with vegetables, tofu and a little meat.
3. Ask staff to show you how to eat rabbit head; choose five-spice if chili is not your thing.
4. A gaiwan tea stop works best when you stay 45–90 minutes.
5. Ice jelly and egg cakes reset your palate between spicy stops.
6. Read recent branch reviews and repeat-local notes, not just influencer decor.

How to do the route

1. Start with tea and small snacks in People’s Park.
2. Eat around the edges of Kuanzhai Alley rather than only on the photo street.
3. Split an afternoon tasting loop through Yulin or Jianshe Road.
4. Finish with skewers or hotpot, water and fruit before bed.

Good to know

• Ask about skewer, broth and tea-seat charges.
• State spice level and allergies early.
• Popular streets are easier on a weekday evening.

What to try

1. Taikoo Li is useful for observing evening consumption even if you do not shop.
2. Chunxi Road is crowded; keep your phone and bag in front of you.
3. Anshun Bridge and Jiuyan Bridge are for river air and bar lights.
4. Check door time and ticket rules before a live-house stop.
5. Use the last metro time or a reputable ride-hailing service for the return.

How to do the route

1. 19:00 meet at Chunxi Road and take a snack.
2. 20:00 walk from Taikoo Li’s south side toward Hejiang Pavilion.
3. 21:00 sit by Jiuyan or Anshun Bridge for a drink.
4. 22:30 choose a live show or head back.

Good to know

• Wear grip in rain and share your return address.
• A bar street is not a reason to drink alone.
• Keep cycle lanes clear when taking photos.

What to try

1. Watch first, then join the tea or ear-cleaning ritual politely.
2. Opera is often a selection; check duration and subtitles.
3. Markets are for ingredients and everyday life, not uninvited portraits.
4. Choose public workshops and ask how long firing or delivery takes.

How to do the route

1. Spend an hour with tea in People’s Park.
2. Take a small noodle lunch nearby.
3. Watch opera or join a Shu embroidery or bamboo workshop.
4. Walk through Yulin in the evening.

Good to know

• Ask about tea-seat and ear-cleaning prices.
• Skip unverified “antiques”.
• Respect community privacy.

What to try

1. Use mobile payment, bikes and delivery as observations of city efficiency.
2. Tianfu Software Park works best on a weekday daytime visit.
3. Do not cross barriers around interactive exhibits.
4. Judge tech by useful service, not only shiny hardware.

How to do the route

1. Observe the commute around Tianfu Software Park.
2. Visit a new-consumption mall or design show.
3. Return downtown for digital ordering and a live show.

Good to know

• Keep a payment and connectivity backup.
• Check host notices for changing hours.
• Do not film office interiors or private screens.