Chengdu is a city population of 16 million yet manages to retain a very laid-back atmosphere in comparison to other Chinese cities. Chengdu is known throughout China for its relaxing teahouses where large groups sit on outdoor terraces talking the day away and fiery street food as well as beautifully preserved historic streets. There is a good expatriate community in Chengdu as it is at the forefront of government and industry investment meaning western amenities are very easy to come by and you are not short of craft beer bars and western fashion and retail outlets. 

Chengdu is very much a cultural hotspot famed for Sichuan opera and its natural surrounding beauty (and pandas of course!). It is the regional transport hub and very easy to catch both international and internal flights as well as there being a high-speed rail connection making domestic destinations easily accessible.