I'm going to Chengdu for the first time next month. Any good recommendations for hotels, restaurants/bars, things to do, etc.? Only there for a couple of days to do US consulate business. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks.

The two things that stand out in my memory from there were the giant Buddha statue and the Panda sanctuary.

The Buddha statue being the biggest in the world is definitely worth a visit with the views and scenery : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leshan_Giant_Buddha

The pandas were a fun day out to www.panda.org.cn/english/ so well worth a look :o)

Gokunming (I think) had a sister site, called gochengdoo.com.

WEBLINK
www.gochengdoo.com/en/

Megacity with a subway. Lots of spicy food. Some pretty good hostels. The teahouse opera stuff in the guides is pleasant to wander around. Decent city to just follow TripAdvisor on.

Leshan probably not enough time in a few days total trip. Panda reserve is located outskirts of city.

if you go for spicy food stay away from the famous tourist streets. overpriced and me and chinese wife were very sick after. find out where locals eat

If your not going to go again anytime soon at least make the Leshan trip, something to remember.

Plenty to do without going too far.

1 - Kuan Zhai Alley
2 - Jin Li Street

Great for the outdoor food courts and people watching.

I'll also recommend the Leshan Buddha. It can be done in a day trip. Stay in any of the hostels and they can arrange reasonable priced trips.

Go to Subway.

rofl