Expats explore Chengdu through “City Walk,” drawn to its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere.
“The red lanterns, Spring Festival couplets and other decorations seen everywhere let me feel how much the Chinese people value the Spring Festival, this traditional festival. I’m so happy to share this joyful atmosphere with everyone in Chengdu,” said Laura from Canada, who recently strolled through Chengdu’s Kuanzhai Alleys with her family. Deeply touched by the festive buzz of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, they snapped plenty of photos to share with friends and family back home.
A new trend called #Becoming Chinese has taken over overseas social media, with netizens around the world trying their hand at daily rituals like drinking hot water or cooking congee. Now, more and more expats are turning their attention to Chengdu, a city renowned for its easygoing lifestyle. Whether they’ve settled here or are just visiting, they’re no longer sticking to the major tourist spots. Instead, they’re diving into the city’s fabric through “City Walk” experiences that let them soak up the authentic, cozy atmosphere of Chengdu.
“Why is Chengdu so laid-back yet so dynamic?” This was the amazed question from American vlogger Dante Munoz after his first visit. Over two days, he sampled authentic Sichuan cuisine, watched Sichuan Opera, wandered through Eastern Suburb Memory, and chatted with friends over a cup of covered-bowl tea — fully immersing himself in the city’s lively everyday life. Before leaving, he summed up Chengdu in three words: “leisurely, open and vibrant.”
Chengdu’s openness is written all over the city: it has ties with 254 international sister cities and cities with friendly cooperative relations worldwide, ranking 40th in the International Exchange Centers Index. A total of 24 foreign consulates have been approved to open in Sichuan, and by the end of 2025, the city had launched 102 international and regional passenger and cargo air routes.
This unique urban character has drawn a growing number of expats to explore Chengdu. Data from the Sichuan Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station shows that in 2025, the station processed more than 1.72 million foreign arrivals and departures through Chengdu Aviation Port — a year-on-year increase of 53%.
The station offers round-the-clock convenience, including one-stop issuance of temporary entry permits and exemption from border checks for direct transit. At the airport customs, smart devices and a dual pre-inspection system for luggage can clear travelers in as little as five seconds, making the entry experience seamlessly smooth.
“I’ve been to Chengdu three times now, and I think I might actually move here,” said Benjamin, a British travel enthusiast who has roamed all over China with his wife Ryan. The couple is especially fond of Chengdu. During their in-depth “City Walk,” they were won over by the city’s easy access to shopping and dining, its diverse goods, inclusive culture, and the warmth of its people. “Every time I come back to Chengdu, I’m reminded how much I love this city. The energy here is really cool,” Benjamin said.
During the Spring Festival, Chengdu is awash with festive cheer, and the Yulin Comprehensive Market is especially lively. Spring Festival couplets and “Fu” characters adorn the stalls, which are piled high with New Year goodies, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Locals bustle about, chatting with vendors as they shop. Lucas, a Dutch student in Chengdu, loves to spend his free time here, soaking up the everyday atmosphere. He noted that despite rapid technological advances, Chengdu has kept its unhurried rhythm of life. “The warmth of this slow-paced life during the Spring Festival is so relaxing. That’s Chengdu’s most touching charm — something everyone should experience in person,” he said.
During the Spring Festival, British tourist Lily wandered through Chengdu. She visited the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum and the Chengdu Biennale, immersing herself in the city’s tech innovation and cultural allure. From sci-fi exhibits to intelligent robots, the cutting-edge tech impressed her, reinforcing Chengdu’s reputation as “China’s Sci-Fi Capital.” At the biennale, she was captivated by the blend of global art and local character. The fusion of innovation and everyday life — future-forward energy alongside down-to-earth hustle — makes Chengdu an even more dynamic and appealing international city.
Of course, one of the most direct ways to get to know Chengdu is through its food. A South Korean tourist remarked that Chengdu’s charm lies in being able to savor dozens of delicious bites for less than 20 yuan. Hugh from the UK vividly recalls being warmly offered snacks by street vendors near People’s Park, saying he not only tasted Chengdu’s rich and varied cuisine but also felt the city’s strong sense of human connection.
Hugh also shared his covered-bowl tea experience on social media. With guidance from local tea drinkers, he lifted the bowl, gently brushed aside the leaves with the lid and took a sip like a true local. “It was an unforgettable experience — life in Chengdu is so lively and fun,” he said.
Before his trip, American vlogger “Travel Escapes” felt a bit anxious about visiting Chengdu. But the city’s abundant parks and the 100-kilometer greenway encircling it gave him a vivid understanding of what a “Park City” truly means. Soon after arriving, he even tried a bold experiment: he left his suitcase by the roadside and walked away. When he returned, the bag hadn’t been touched. This simple test instantly won him over to this safe city — a place he’d been misled about by some Western media for years.
As Chengdu continues to open up to the world, more and more expats are exploring it step by step — from a street snack or a cup of tea to convenient services and a secure environment — and sharing their love for the city.
Through “City Walk,” more foreign friends are discovering Chengdu’s inclusiveness and diversity, falling for its vibrant everyday life and relaxed rhythm. And in turn, Chengdu’s easygoing lifestyle is reaching a global audience through their genuine and vivid stories, letting the world see the city’s distinctive charm.
Written by Yue Yitong.
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