When to fly
Chengdu is generally mild and humid, although the climate is monsoon-influenced which means the city does experiences some rainfall.
Winter, from December through February, sees temperature in the single digits, going up to just over 10 degrees Celsius. This can be a pleasant time to visit. If you don`t mind the cold then you can find cheap flights to Chengdu, as these are the months with the least rainfall.
The summer months of June to August experience temperatures up to the high 20s and an increase in rainfall, particularly in July. These conditions can be off putting for some tourists and you should keep the weather in mind when packing.
In terms of the weather, the ideal times to visit the city are from March to May and September to November. Temperatures are much more pleasant during these months, ranging from just under 10 degrees to the mid-20s and although there is some rain, particularly in May and September, it is significantly less than in the summer.
If you wish to experience Chengdu during the magical atmosphere of one of its festivals, then you will be spoilt for choice, as a number of events take place all through the year. The Lantern Festival officially ends the Lunar New Year celebrations, with a bright and colourful display of lanterns which illuminate parks, as well as traditional folk dancing and acrobatic performances. Around a million visitors descend onto the city for this celebration which takes place around January/February. Finding cheap flights to Chengdu for this period might be difficult. A number of other festivals also take place which are focused on beautiful flowers. This includes the Chengdu International Peach Blossom Festival (March), Xindu Lotus Festival (June/August) and Tianpeng Peony Fair (April).
Why visit
The capital of the Sichuan province and one of China's most populous cities, Chengdu has a remarkably laid-back atmosphere considering its size. Although the centre of the city is a continuous hive of activity, Chengdu is often referred to as the 'Land of Milk and Honey', due to its wealth of green spaces and agricultural heritage. Indeed, the city is located on the edge of the richly fertile plains of the Sichuan Red Basin.
With Sichuan being one of only three provinces in China where pandas can be found in the wild, many visitors take cheap flights to Chengdu just to encounter the world's most adored animal species. Located just a short distance from the city centre, the Giant Panda Research Base is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Home to over 50 giant pandas, the base is best visited during the morning as this is the time when the inhabitants are most active. Back in the centre of the city, there are a number of attractions which appeal to those who have an interest in Chinese history. The Wenshu Temple is the largest Buddhist place of worship in the city and enjoys a serene atmosphere all of its own. This wonderfully peaceful temple is situated in one of the city's older neighbourhoods, featuring narrow streets which are lined with shops, food stalls and tea-houses.
To experience the more modern side of the city, the place to head for is Chunxi Road. This vibrant area is home to a wealth of brand name stores, cinemas and restaurants serving all manner of international cuisine.