New Century Global Center Chengdu: An Epic Insider’s Guide

Welcome to Chengdu. This is the capital of Sichuan, a land of fiery hotpot, serene teahouses, and giant pandas. It is also home to a building that defies belief.

This is the New Century Global Center. And it is the single largest building in the world.

We at Travel China With Me have guided travelers to China’s most profound wonders. We’ve stood humbled on the Great Wall. We’ve navigated the karst peaks of the Li River. Yet, the first time we stood inside this building, we felt a different kind of awe. It was an awe at the sheer scale of modern human ambition.

The Global Center is not an ancient temple. It’s not a quiet garden. It is a destination that confuses the senses.

Is it a shopping mall? Is it a five-star resort? Is it an indoor ocean? Is it a theme park? Is it an entire city under one roof?

The answer to all of these questions is simply: Yes.

This colossal structure, a shining beacon in Chengdu’s booming south, is a monument. It’s a testament to the “new” China. It’s a place where you can surf, shop, ice skate, attend a meeting, and dine at a luxury buffet, all without ever stepping outside.

For travelers, it is a fascinating, surreal, and utterly unique stop. We find it’s the perfect solution for a rainy Chengdu day. It’s a welcome escape from the intense summer heat. And it’s a fantastic answer for families with kids who are (we have to admit) tired of temples.

This is not just a big box. It is an all-weather ecosystem of human leisure.

In this in-depth guide, we will share our firsthand experience. We are not just listing facts. We are taking you on a tour. We will explore every corner of this massive “city within a city.” We’ll give you the practical, hard-won tips you need to navigate it. Most importantly, we’ll help you understand why it exists.

Get ready to explore the New Century Global Center.

The “20 Sydney Opera Houses” fact gets repeated often. Honestly, it’s hard to visualize.

Here’s our Travel China With Me perspective: You will walk for five minutes, look up, and realize you are still in the same, single, uninterrupted room. The feeling of the space is what’s truly massive.

The Story of a Modern Marvel

To understand the Global Center, you must understand modern Chengdu. This isn’t an ancient relic. Its cultural significance is not found in old dynasties. It is found in staggering, 21st-century ambition.

Chengdu’s Grand Ambition

For decades, China’s economic miracle was a coastal story. Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen were the stars. But in the 2000s, a national “Go West” policy was launched. This plan aimed to develop China’s vast interior.

Chengdu, the historic capital of Sichuan, was chosen as the primary hub. It was set to become the economic, technological, and cultural center of western China.

The city began to expand at a breathtaking pace. A new “city” was planned south of the old center. This was the Tianfu New Area. This was not just a new suburb. It was designed from scratch to be a new, high-tech, international core.

But a new city needs a landmark. It needed a symbol.

A Symbol, Not an Ancient Relic

This is where the visionary, and later controversial, developer Deng Hong stepped in. His company, the Entertainment & Travel Group (ETG), envisioned a project that would instantly put Tianfu on the global map.

It wouldn’t just be tall. The race for height was already being run elsewhere.

This project would be big. Unimaginably big. It would be a self-contained world.

The New Century Global Center was designed to be a symbol of this new, globalized Chengdu. It was to be the “city within a city” for a new generation of Chinese citizens.

Construction was shockingly fast, even by China’s standards. It began in 2010. It was opened to the public in 2013.

The “Seagull” Design and a Critical Correction

The building’s design is meant to be symbolic. The architects, Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing, created the vast, undulating roof to symbolize the flight path of a seagull. The “ocean” theme is the building’s heart. It represents Chengdu’s ambition to be a global port of call, despite being 1,000 kilometers from the sea.

Now, here is a critical expert tip from our team. This is a fact that separates real expertise from recycled blog posts.

Many guides and articles will tell you this building was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid.

This is 100% incorrect.

This is a very common point of confusion. The late, great Zaha Hadid did design an architectural masterpiece in Chengdu. It just happens to be directly across the street.

That stunning, futuristic, and fluid building is the Chengdu Contemporary Arts Centre (CAC).

This fact is, in itself, a perfect example of Chengdu’s ambition. They didn’t just build one architectural marvel. They built two, facing each other in a new public square.

We highly recommend you visit both. The contrast is fantastic. The Global Center is a monument to commercial scale. The Arts Centre is a monument to fluid design.

Why Should You Visit the Global Center?

On a Travel China With Me itinerary, we love to balance 2,000-year-old history with 21st-century marvels. The Global Center is firmly, and proudly, in the second category.

But why should you, as an international traveler, use your precious time to visit a “mall”?

It Is Not a Mall

First, calling this a “mall” is like calling a blue whale a “fish.” It’s technically true but misses the point entirely.

Yes, there are 400,000 square meters of shopping space. That’s larger than almost any mall on earth. But this accounts for less than 25% of the building’s total floor space.

You don’t visit the Global Center just to buy a pair of jeans. You visit to experience the scale. You visit to see how modern China spends its leisure time. You visit to surf on an artificial wave under an artificial sun, in the middle of a city 1,000km from the coast.

A City Under One Roof

The most compelling reason to visit is its “all-in-one” nature. The entire building is climate-controlled. This is a massive, massive bonus in Chengdu.

Sichuan’s summers are famously hot and humid. Locals will tell you it’s like living in a steamer basket. The winters can be damp, gray, and chilly.

The Global Center is the perfect escape from both.

Inside, the air is clean. The temperature is a perfect 25°C (77°F). And at the water park, there is a giant artificial sun and a 150-meter-long LED screen for a “sky.” It is a surreal but incredibly comfortable bubble.

The Ultimate Rainy Day (or Scorching Day) Escape

We always build “weather-proof” options into our tours. This is Chengdu’s ultimate weather-proof day.

Is it pouring rain? Go to the Global Center. You can spend 8 hours and never be bored.

Is it 38°C (100°F) and humid? Go to the Global Center.

Are you traveling with kids who are frankly bored of temples and gardens? Go to the Global Center.

It provides a fascinating, almost jarring, contrast to the relaxed, traditional pace of places like the Wenshu Monastery or the teahouses in People’s Park. It shows you both sides of modern China.

An In-Depth Tour: The Highlights

Okay, let’s walk through this beast. The building is so large that it’s zoned. You can’t just “pop in.” You need a plan.

The main attractions are the water park, the mall, the entertainment complex, and the hotels. We’ll explore each one in detail, based on our many visits.

The Crown Jewel: Paradise Island Water Park

This is the heart of the Global Center. It is the main reason many local families visit. It’s a gigantic indoor water park, and it’s unlike any you’ve seen before. We’ve spent many hours here with our families. Here’s our detailed breakdown.

The Artificial Sky: The Giant LED Screen

The first thing you will notice is the “sky.” The entire back wall of the water park is a colossal LED screen. It measures 150 meters long and 40 meters high.

This screen acts as the horizon. For most of the day, it shows a bright, blue sky with fluffy clouds. But it also has a “day” cycle. It will project a stunning, golden sunrise in the “morning.” At “night,” it shifts to a beautiful, warm sunset, and the park lights come on.

We must admit, it’s incredibly surreal. You’re on an artificial beach, under an artificial sun (a giant heating/lighting system in the roof), looking at an artificial sky. It’s a fascinating, almost futuristic experience. It also provides fantastic, consistent lighting for the entire park.

The “Seaside”: The Wave Pool and Beach

The main feature is the massive wave pool. It is enormous. The “beach” area alone covers 5,000 square meters. Yes, it is real sand.

The pool’s “shore” has a gentle, zero-entry slope. It’s perfect for families and small children. Further back, there are hundreds of lounge chairs. On a weekday, it’s a wonderfully relaxing place to sit. On a weekend, it is packed, shoulder-to-shoulder.

Every hour or so, a loud siren sounds. This signals the start of the “wave” session. The entire pool comes to life. Powerful waves roll through, and the place is filled with the sound of people laughing and screaming in bright yellow tubes.

Thrills and Spills: Key Slides and Rides

For the more adventurous, there is a large complex of water slides.

• The Big Slides: You’ll find the classic high-speed, twisting tube slides. Some are open, some are dark. They are fast, fun, and well-maintained.
• The “Tornado” Slide: This is the big, funnel-shaped slide (a ProSlide TORNADO). Your 4-person raft drops down a dark tunnel. It then shoots out into the giant cone, sliding up and down the walls. It’s a definite-screamer.
• Raft Slides: There are several long, winding slides you ride on a single or double tube. These are great for a more relaxed, but still fun, experience.
• The FlowRider: There is also a “surf simulator” ride. You can try to bodyboard or stand-up surf on a constant, powerful wave.

The lines for these slides can get very long on weekends. We strongly, strongly recommend visiting on a weekday.

The Lazy River and Relaxation Zones

A long lazy river circles a large part of the park. It’s a perfect way to relax and see the scale of the place. Grab a tube and just float.

There are also several “hot spring” pools. These are quieter, warmer pools, often set back from the main action. They are perfect for adults who want to relax their muscles.

The “Floating” Village and Stage

In the middle of the park, there is a large, Mediterranean-style “village.” This structure is built on a massive platform. It houses restaurants, snack shops, and the all-important changing rooms.

A large stage also extends out over the pool. At night, or during special events, this stage hosts concerts, dance shows, and performances. It adds to the “resort” atmosphere.

Practicalities: The Wristband System (Read This!)

This is our “expert-level” advice for visiting the water park. The system is efficient, but you need to know it.

1. Tickets: You buy your ticket at the water park entrance.
2. The Wristband: You will be given an electronic, waterproof wristband. This is your life. It is your locker key. It is also your digital wallet.
3. Lockers: You must rent an electronic locker. You pay a fee (around 30-40 RMB) at the entrance. Your wristband will be programmed to open your specific locker.
4. Charging Your “Wallet”: This is the most important step. You cannot use cash, cards, or your phone inside the park. You must go to a “charging station” (top-up counter) before you enter the changing rooms. You “charge” your wristband with money (e.g., 200-300 RMB).
5. Inside the Park: You use your wristband to buy all food, drinks, and rentals. You just tap it.
6. Getting Your Refund: When you leave, you go back to the top-up counter. They scan your wristband and give you back any unspent money in cash.

What to Bring:

• Swimsuit: Obviously.
• Goggles: Recommended.
• Towel: They provide small towels, but we recommend bringing your own travel towel.
• Flip-flops: The ground can be rough.
• Waterproof Phone Case: If you want to take photos.

You can buy everything (swimsuits, caps, goggles) inside, but it is very, very expensive.

A World of Commerce: The Shopping Mall

Outside the water park, the rest of the building is, at its core, a gigantic shopping mall. The scale is hard to comprehend. It’s not just a long hall. It’s a series of massive atriums, connected by wide boulevards.

Design and Layout: The “Ocean” Theme

The mall continues the “ocean” theme. The main concourses are wide, like rivers. The atriums are like “lakes.” The roof is high, and the “gull-wing” skylights let in a surprising amount of natural light.

The central concourse is so large that it has its own “Mediterranean-style” shopping village inside of it. It feels like you’re walking through a themed resort in Las Vegas or Macau.

Navigation can be tricky. We recommend grabbing a map. Or, just wander. Getting lost here is part of the experience.

From Luxury to Local: What to Buy

You can find almost anything here.

• Luxury Brands: There are sections for high-end international brands (Prada, Gucci, etc.).
• Mid-Range Fashion: Stores like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo are all present.
• Tech & Gadgets: You’ll find flagship stores for brands like Huawei and Xiaomi.
• Kids & Toys: A huge Lotte department store and many toy shops.
• Specialty Shops: Tea shops, Sichuan souvenir shops, and more.

It’s a true “something for everyone” situation. Prices are standard for a high-end mall in China.

The Supermarket (Ole’): A Traveler’s Friend

In the basement (B1 level), there is an Ole’ supermarket. This is a high-end, import-focused grocery store.

For us, as travelers, this is a fantastic resource. This is our top tip for anyone staying nearby. You can buy high-quality bottled water, imported snacks, good wine, fresh fruit, and excellent pastries. It’s a great place to stock up for your hotel room. They also have a great “ready-to-eat” section for a quick, quality meal.

Entertainment for Days

As if the water park wasn’t enough, the Global Center has a massive entertainment wing.

The Lotte Cinema (IMAX)

This is a huge, 14-screen cinema complex. It includes a massive IMAX screen. If you want to catch a new Hollywood (or Chinese) blockbuster, this is the place to do it.

Pro Tip: Most foreign films are shown in their original language (like English) with Chinese subtitles. Just check the listing.

The Ice Rink

Yes, there is an Olympic-size ice rink. It’s located in one of the main shopping atriums. It’s a surreal sight. You can be sipping a hot coffee in a cafe, watching people ice skate, all inside this “ocean-themed” building in subtropical China.

You can rent skates and protective gear. It’s a popular spot for local teens and families.

KTVs and Other Amusements

You will also find massive, high-end KTV (Karaoke) establishments. KTV is a massive part of modern Chinese social life. Seeing a giant, futuristic KTV bar gives you a peek into the local culture.

There are also large arcades and children’s play-zones.

Luxury Stays: The Hotels

Where do you stay when you’re in the world’s largest building? The building itself, of course. There are two large hotels integrated into the structure.

InterContinental Chengdu Global Center

This is the 5-star luxury option. It is famous for its massive, grand lobby. But its most unique feature? The hotel is built around the water park.

This means you can get a “seaside” room. These rooms have balconies that look out over the indoor water park.

Let us repeat that. You can sit on your hotel balcony, in your robe, and watch people on the artificial beach below. It is one of the most unique (and bizarre) hotel experiences you can have.

The hotel also has several high-end restaurants, a spa, and its own pools.

Holiday Inn Chengdu Global Center

This is the second option, also part of the IHG group. It offers a more standard, family-friendly 4-star experience. It’s slightly more affordable but still gives you direct access to the entire Global Center complex.

Staying at either hotel means you never have to go outside. It’s the ultimate “bubble” vacation.

A Taste of the World (and Sichuan)

You will not go hungry at the Global Center. The dining options are as vast as the building itself. We have our favorites, from quick bites to full meals.

The B1 Food Courts: Quick and Diverse

Like most large Asian malls, the best value is in the basement. The B1 level (below the main floor) has two huge food courts.

This is where we usually eat. It’s where the locals eat. You can find everything.

• Sichuan Specialties: Dandan noodles, chuan chuan xiang (spicy skewers), and hong you chao shou (wontons in chili oil).
• Chinese Regional: You’ll find food from Shanghai, Guangdong (Cantonese), and Xinjiang (lamb skewers).
• Asian Favorites: Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, and Thai curry.
• Western Fast Food: KFC, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut are all here.

It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it’s delicious. It’s a great way to sample many different things.

Mid-Range Restaurants: Sit-Down Dining

The upper floors (levels 3, 4, and 5) are packed with sit-down restaurants. These “chain” restaurants are very popular in China and are generally high-quality.

You will find popular Sichuan hotpot chains (like Haidilao), high-end roasted duck restaurants, and dozens of other options. If you want a more relaxed, full-service meal, this is where you should look.

Hotel Fine Dining

The InterContinental hotel offers several fine-dining restaurants. These include a high-end Sichuan restaurant, a steakhouse, and a large international buffet. These are expensive, but the quality and service are exceptional.

Cafes and Snack Stops

Of course, the building is filled with coffee shops. You’ll find Starbucks, the local giant Luckin Coffee, and many independent cafes. There are also bubble tea stands, ice cream parlors, and bakeries on every floor.

Our “Special Experience” Tip: The Day of Two Giants

What is the one special experience we recommend? It’s not a single ride. It’s the feeling.

Our unique tip is to embrace the surreal.

Go to the water park on a Tuesday afternoon in winter. Float in the wave pool. The “air” is 30°C (86°F). Look up at the giant LED screen “sun.” Feel the warm “ocean” breeze (from the high-tech ventilation).

Then, remember that outside, it’s a cold, 5°C (41°F) gray day in Chengdu.

That feeling—that total disconnect from reality—is the true “attraction” of the Global Center. It is a man-made, perfect-weather bubble. It’s a fascinating look at a future where the environment is completely controlled.

Our Pro-Itinerary: The “Day of Two Giants”

This is our favorite “modern Chengdu” day, and a Travel China With Me original.

1. Morning (10 AM – 1 PM): Visit the Chengdu Contemporary Arts Centre (CAC). This is the Zaha Hadid-designed building across the street. Immerse yourself in its brilliant, organic, and challenging architecture. It is a temple of high art and fluid design.
2. Lunch (1 PM – 2 PM): Grab lunch in the area.
3. Afternoon (2 PM – 6 PM): Cross the plaza and enter the New Century Global Center. Go from “high art” to “high commercialism.” Go from fluid, challenging spaces to a massive, climate-controlled bubble of leisure.

This “Day of Two Giants” is one of our favorite experiences. It shows you the two faces of Chengdu’s new identity. It’s a day of comparison and contrast that you will never forget.

How to Visit: Sample Itineraries

How much time do you need? It depends on your goal. Here are a few itineraries our team has tested and recommends.

The Full-Day Family Splash (8-9 Hours)

• 10:30 AM: Arrive at the water park right when it opens.
• 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Enjoy the slides and wave pool before the peak crowds.
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Have lunch inside the water park (at the “floating village”) using your wristband.
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Relax on the lazy river. Try the hot spring pools.
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Shower, change, and exit the water park.
• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Explore the mall. Take the kids to the ice rink (to watch or skate).
• 6:30 PM: Have a big, satisfying dinner at one of the restaurants on Level 4 or 5 (like a hotpot).

The Shopper & Foodie’s Half-Day (4-5 Hours)

• 1:00 PM: Arrive. Head to the B1 food court for a quick, authentic lunch.
• 2:00 PM: Visit the Ole’ supermarket to buy some interesting snacks or tea.
• 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Explore the main shopping floors (L1-L3). Walk through the “Mediterranean village.” Stop for a coffee at a cafe.
• 5:30 PM: Take a brief look at the water park entrance (just to see the scale).
• 6:00 PM: Head to a nice sit-down restaurant for dinner.

The Architecture Buff’s Quick Look (2-3 Hours)

• 3:00 PM: Arrive from the Contemporary Arts Centre (as part of the “Day of Two Giants”).
• 3:15 PM: Walk the full length of the central concourse. Marvel at the “gull-wing” roof.
• 3:45 PM: Go to the main atrium and watch the ice skaters.
• 4:15 PM: Find the viewing area for the water park. You can often see into the park from the mall side. This lets you appreciate the scale without paying for entry.
• 4:45 PM: Grab a drink at a cafe on an upper-level balcony, overlooking the “village.”
• 5:15 PM: Walk back to the metro, having seen the world’s largest building.

When to Visit for the Best Experience

This is a simple one, but it’s the most important advice we can give.

Best Time of Year

Any time. This is an all-weather destination. It is, in fact, designed to be visited when the weather outside is bad (too hot, too cold, or too rainy).

Best Time of Week

A WEEKDAY.

We cannot stress this enough. Go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

On a Saturday or Sunday, the water park, in particular, becomes incredibly crowded. The lines for slides are long. The wave pool is a sea of people. It can be a stressful experience. To truly enjoy it, go on a weekday.

Best Time of Day

If you are visiting the water park, arrive at 10:30 AM when it opens. You’ll get a few hours of relative calm.

If you are just shopping, the evenings (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) are also quite pleasant.

Planning Your Visit: The Ultimate Guide

Here is all the practical, must-know information. We’ve verified this as of late 2024/early 2025.

Getting There (Metro, Taxi, Didi)

This is the easiest part. The Global Center was built to be a major transport hub.

• By Metro (Highly Recommended): This is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way.
  • Take Chengdu Metro Line 1 or Line 18.
  • Get off at Jincheng Plaza Station (锦城广场).
  • The station is massive. You will see clear signs in English and Chinese for the “New Century Global Center.”
  • Pro Tip: You don’t even go outside. The metro station exits directly into the building’s basement.
• By Taxi or Didi (Ride-hailing):
  • You can simply tell any taxi driver “Global Center.” In Chinese, it’s Huánqiú Zhōngxīn (环球中心).
  • If using the Didi app (China’s Uber), just type “New Century Global Center.”
  • A taxi from the city center (e.g., Tianfu Square) will take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. It will cost 30-40 RMB.

Opening Hours

The building has different hours for its different parts.

• Main Mall / Building: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (22:00), 7 days a week.
• Paradise Island Water Park: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (20:00). Note: Hours can be shorter in the off-season (winter). Always check if you can.
• Shops & Restaurants: Individual store hours may vary. Most close by 10:00 PM.

Tickets: How to Buy and What to Expect

This is a key piece of information.

Entering the New Century Global Center (the mall part) is 100% FREE.

You can walk in, explore the shops, eat at the restaurants, and look at the ice rink for free.

You only need to buy tickets for the specific attractions. The main one is the Paradise Island Water Park.

How to Buy Water Park Tickets

1. At the Counter (Easiest): You can walk up to the water park entrance (follow the signs) and buy a ticket. They accept cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and sometimes foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
2. Online (For a small discount): You can use Chinese apps like Meituan or Dianping to buy tickets. You may save 10-20 RMB. However, this requires a Chinese payment system.
3. Via Your Hotel: Your hotel concierge can often help you book tickets.

Our advice: Just buy at the counter on a weekday. It’s simple and stress-free.

Practical Tips from Our Team

We’ve learned a few things from our many visits. Here are our top tips for travelers.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes. You will be walking. A lot. We are not exaggerating. A “quick walk” from one side of the building to the other can take 20 minutes.
• Download a Translation App. In the main mall, many signs are in English. But in the B1 food courts or smaller shops, a translation app (like Google Translate or Baidu Translate) is very helpful.
• Get a Didi App. If you take a taxi to the center, it’s easy. Getting a taxi from the center can be chaotic. Use the Didi app to call a car to a specific pickup point.
• Bring Your Phone Battery Pack. You’ll be taking photos, translating, and using maps. The sheer size of the building (and the concrete) can be hard on your battery and signal.
• For the Water Park, Bring a Waterproof Phone Case. You’ll want to take pictures.
• Don’t Bring Outside Food/Drink (into the Water Park). They will check your bags. You must buy food and drinks inside. (The main mall is fine).
• Stay Hydrated. The building is climate-controlled, but it’s so large that you can easily get dehydrated from walking.
• Embrace the Scale. Don’t try to “do it all.” Pick one or two main goals (e.g., “Water Park” or “Shopping + Food”). You can’t see everything. Just enjoy the experience.

What Real Travelers Say: The Good & The Bad

As a tour company, we listen to feedback. We’ve synthesized the thousands of reviews out there. Here is the honest, balanced consensus.

The Good (What People Love)

• “The scale is just insane. You cannot understand it until you are there. The photos do not do it justice.”
• “The water park was a blast. The LED screen sky is so cool. My kids loved the wave pool.”
• “A lifesaver on a rainy day in Chengdu. We spent the whole day here.”
• “The B1 food court has amazing and cheap options.”
• “So clean and modern. It’s a look at the ‘new’ China. It felt like walking into the future.”
• “The InterContinental hotel room overlooking the beach was the weirdest, most wonderful hotel I’ve ever stayed in.”

The Bad (Common Complaints)

• “It’s just a giant mall. I don’t see the appeal.”
• “The water park on a Saturday was a nightmare. Too many people. We couldn’t move.”
• “Food and drinks inside the water park are very expensive.”
• “It’s confusing to navigate. We got lost three times.”
• “It’s a bit ‘soulless’ compared to the old parts of Chengdu. I came for history, not this.”

Our Travel China With Me Verdict

Both sides are right.

If you go on a busy weekend and expect a deep, cultural, historic experience, you will be disappointed. It is not a teahouse in People’s Park.

But if you go on a weekday, and you see it for what it is—a modern marvel of engineering and commerce, a fantastic leisure space, and a surreal “city-bubble”—you will have a great time.

It’s a unique experience that 99% of travelers to China miss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Personal Note from Our Team

When we first heard about the New Century Global Center, we were skeptical. As “authentic” travel planners, we’re drawn to history, nature, and food. A giant mall sounded… well, like a giant mall.

Then we visited.

Our first memory is walking out of the Jincheng Plaza metro station. You don’t come up to the street. You walk into a brightly-lit, cavernous basement. We walked for 10 minutes, still underground, before an escalator took us up into the main atrium.

The sheer, ridiculous scale of it made us laugh. It’s awesome, in the true, original sense of the word.

We love showing our groups this side of Chengdu. It’s the perfect 21st-century contrast to the 2,000-year-old history of Jinli Street. It shows the incredible dynamism, wealth, and ambition of modern China.

It may not be the “ancient” China you came to see. But it is, absolutely, the “real” China of today.

We hope this guide helps you explore it.

Would you like us to help plan a full Chengdu itinerary that balances modern marvels like the Global Center with historic sites and, of course, the giant pandas? Contact us today to plan your perfect Chengdu trip!