First things, first, we need eat and get the introductions out of the way!

No problem, we aren’t throwing you into the lions den to order your own food in Chinese straight away. We’ll sort all that out and get you meeting your fellow starters.

It’s breakfast time, China style! Everyone knows that you can’t learn Chinese on an empty stomach.

Our Breakfast Club became a tradition across all LTL schools after a short while.

Every time a new group of students arrives to begin their course on a Monday morning, we get you all together. Do bare in mind this is not ever Monday, but selected Monday’s throughout the year.

We might even teach you some of your first Chinese words if you’re lucky!

Time to break the week up nicely with a group dinner.

Get ready for some of China’s most famously hot cuisine, it’s Sichuanese cuisine time!

The local food is just so good in Chengdu, so we find somewhere local, somewhere relaxed, and somewhere where you can enjoy some of Chengdu’s finest.

Hot Pot is always a popular choice (as shown in the picture) but it’s pretty spicy in Chengdu so be aware!

Wednesday night dinners are all about getting out to chat and exchange conversation with teachers, classmates, or students from other LTL classes in a chilled out setting.

The cost per head for the meal usually comes to around 50 to 70 CNY.

We know some of Chengdu’s finest spots for a relaxed night around a board game. A great way to learn some Chinese together and have a bit of competitive fun.

Born to Play 天生爱玩 (Tiānshēng Ài Wán) near Wuhou Flyover metro station is run by the self-confessed board game geek and Chengdu local Nichols (尼克).

The bar/café is open ‘til late and stocked with soft drinks, milk tea and board games from all around the world – mostly in their Chinese-language versions.

Don’t worry if your Chinese isn’t up to scratch just yet though…

Nichols knows every one of his games inside-out.

He is always more than willing to help our students understand the rules. He will often offer to play the first round with you and your classmates, or team you up with a pair of locals on the next table.

Fancy learning more about Chinese board games…?

Check out our blog about Learning Chinese with Board Games here.

Time to celebrate the weekend with a few beverages together!

Mojar: Currently found at two locations in downtown Chengdu, Mojar is a perennial favourite for visitors on a stricter budget.

The two Cuban-themed bars are generally busy with a mix of locals and students chatting or playing pool, no matter what time you arrive

It’s cheap, lively, and a bit grimy.

You can also grab a membership card, and you’ll have unlimited access to 5 CNY draught lager and a variety of mixer drinks (yes, that’s roughly 70 cents).

The Beer Nest: When cheap draught lager won’t cut it, LTL students tend to head over to the Beer Nest opposite the Poly Centre.

The Nest was one of the first bars in China to popularise craft ale and now stock over sixty branded beers from all over the world.

The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming.

They also host regular comedy nights and other social mixers on the calendar. Their best-selling Chengdu Wheat Beer will cost 40 CNY (roughly 6 USD).

TIP – arrive before 8pm and you can take advantage of their “Buy One, Get One Free” Happy Hour offer!

Ah KTV, no matter what LTL school you head to KTV is always on the agenda.

Imagine a karaoke night in your own private, fancy room.

Just for you and your fellow LTL students!

Boasting comfy sofas, the best Chinese songs, a big screen for the music videos and of course some oversized microphones to pass around. Perfect night out!

It’s a tried-and-tested recipe for a great night with your fellow students and teachers.

Many an LTL student have taken to the mic, but don’t worry, if you are not so keen on singing, you can just relax, kick back with a drink and enjoy some 5 start performances from your fellow students.

Quiz nights with LTL – eat fries, sip a beer and talk about everyone’s sightseeing highlights and win the big prize of course. The quiz night is super popular with our students.

Over the years TEAM LTL has represented our school at Quiz Nights across China.

Results have been mixed, let’s say

More often than not, the diverse ages and backgrounds of our teams mean that we are able to pool our knowledge together and come away with at least a third-place prize.

The best Quiz nights in Chengdu are at Underground bar (a British-themed pub) or Homeplate BBQ (US Grill & Bar).

Both of these bars boast Happy Hour drinks specials during the Quiz and attract a mix of local and visiting teams.

Prizes range from free shots to 500 CNY food & drink vouchers.

After a week of hitting the books, a lot of LTL students like to get out and about at the weekend to enjoy Sichuan’s natural scenery.

Mount Qingcheng – One Day

Less than 1 hour from the centre of Chengdu is the wonderful, green Qingcheng mountain.

This is one of the holiest sites in the Taoist religion, and a former place of pilgrimage.

Hiking to the highest peak of the mountain range takes a number of hours. Probably around 4 on average.

But don’t worry – the path is well-paved, and there are plenty of places to stop, have a snack and enjoy the view!

The path up the far side of the highest mountain (Qingcheng Houshan) passes a large number of waterfalls and streams. It winds through woodlands of Chinese fir and cypress.

The journey is just as beautiful as the destination!

If you are low on energy or time, there are also cable car routes. These take you up to the main platform and even higher up across the entire mountain range, for a true bird’s-eye view of the area.

Mount Emei – Two Days

Mount Emei proudly holds the title of highest Buddhist mountain in China. It is home to over one hundred Buddhist temples and religious sites.

The area has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for this reason – but the natural scenery is also spectacular to say the least.

The main peak, known as the Golden Summit, is well over 3,000m above sea level and is often shrouded in mist.

Most guides recommend allowing between 8-10 hours hiking for the main attractions.

Since a high-speed bullet train from Chengdu to Emeishan usually takes between one to two hours, most LTL students prefer to stay overnight in the national park or in nearby Leshan city.

There are even a few hotels and hostels near the summit, which means you can witness the famous Emeishan sunrise or sunset from high above the clouds.

TIP – watch the monkeys, if you have food visible they will come and make an attempt to steal it!

Fancy letting your hair down?

Full House Bar: If you and the LTL Chengdu team are on the hunt for delicious cocktails with Instagram-able presentation, this is the place to go

The swanky casino-style interior, super friendly staff and prime location make it a winning choice.

Ask the bar staff for a recommendation and you won’t be disappointed.

LanKwaiFong Clubs: The LanKwaiFong area is a hotspot for nightclubs and high-end bars – having been built by and named after the owner of the synonymous area in Hong Kong.

Among LTL students, Jellyfish is probably the most legendary of all the places to visit, with its lively playlist of pop and dance anthems.

Maybe you’ve heard of Peking Opera, but who knew about Sichuan Opera?

Did you know that life in Chengdu and the surrounding province of Sichuan can boast their own unique form of the art? Well now you do!

One of the best things about coming to China to study Mandarin is the many opportunities you have to see traditional Chinese culture in front of your very eyes.

Many LTL students have this in mind when they choose to study in Chengdu.

For them, seeing a small-scale performance of an ancient art form is a true highlight of their stay.

Your LTL Student Advisor will be more than happy to recommend where to go and how to get tickets.

Pandas, Chengdu – obviously!

For many, a trip to the Panda Research Base is absolutely top of the to-do list. With good reason too!

There will always be someone to go with and help you take those once-in-a-lifetime photos!

Downtown Chengdu is the HQ for China’s national panda breeding program, so no matter what time of year you arrive, you’re bound to see a few baby pandas here as well.

TIP – arrive early!

Both to beat the main rush of tourist crowds, and see pandas at their most active (before 10am). From mid-morning onwards, they can get a little drowsy.

It is a hard life rolling around and eating bamboo!

If you have a bit more time, we would highly recommend a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base just outside of Chengdu.

Fewer tour groups go here, and the scenery is something to behold.