Sichuan gets under your skin in the best possible way – it’s gritty, beautiful, and utterly magnetic. A land of misty bamboo forests, rolling hills, and villages where time seems to stop – until the mahjong tiles start clacking, that is – its people are known for being a little laid-back, and for their sharp sense of humour. The Sichuanese relaxed attitude is known in China as “xian qing,” which roughly translates to “leisurely mood” or “idle pleasure” and it’s reflected in the popularity of teahouses. Whiling away an afternoon at a Sichuan teahouse is an unforgettable pleasure. Fiery, fragrant, and deeply layered, food here is unlike anything else in the country. Think mouthwatering snacks, hot pot, mouth-numbing málà (that addictive combo of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn), and dishes that leave you dreaming of their flavour long after you’ve gone home. We mean, smoked duck? Yes please!
Sichuan is a place of delightful contrasts. The elegant legacy of indigenous Shu culture pulses through ritual masks, the clang of cymbals at traditional festivals, and the stylised gestures of Sichuan opera. Daoist temples and tea plantations dot picture-perfect mountainsides, and bamboo forests sway in the breeze. While the lights of Chengdu and other booming cities blaze bright, the stone-cobbled old towns and bustling produce markets of Sichuan’s rural corners offer a glimpse into a slower, deeply rooted way of life.
On this journey, we’ll dive deep – wandering through markets, following winding alleyways to hole-in-the-wall eateries, and soaking up the rich culinary traditions that make this province so alluring. Bring an open mind, a hearty appetite, and a little tolerance for spice. You’ll need it!