China's symbolic western capital – and the residence of the country's lovable Giant Panda – Chengdu is growing in popularity year on year. A fast paced economy which is drawing China's western region into the 21^st century, Chengdu's appeal as one of China's top destinations is growing clearer, and clearer.

For nearly 30 years, the Chengdu Research Centre has been successfully involved in the research and breeding of Giant Pandas and it now holds the world’s largest captive panda population and is the biggest draw of visitors to the region.

What is unusual about Chengdu's character is that no matter how quick the city develops and how fast-paced the locals move, there is a consistent relaxed and calm way of life which resonates throughout every aspect of the city. With the beautiful tea houses dotted throughout the city to the languid expression of the giant pandas, Chengdu inspires you to chill out from the pressures of daily life and enjoy slowing down.

Chengdu's cuisine is world-renowned and is a favourite both domestically and internationally. The unique 'mala' (numb and spicy) taste - so apparent in Chengdu's fare - excites your taste buds. As the gateway into Sichuan Province’s large collection of sights, as well as Chengdu being its own trove of historical and cultural treasures, Chengdu is a definite, a necessity, a must visit on any trip to China.