Charming China – Vibrant Chengdu

The travel documentary "Charming China – Vibrant Chengdu," co-produced by People's Daily Online Australia and Grainger TV, takes Australian audiences on a journey through the city, exploring its giant pandas, traditional culture, cuisine and technological innovation. It showcases Chengdu's distinctive lifestyle, where tradition meets modernity.

Hosted by renowned Australian presenter Greg Grainger, the program begins at Eastern Suburb Memory, a former industrial site transformed into a trendy cultural and creative precinct. The journey continues to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where Grainger gets up close with giant pandas and explores the special bond between the animals and the city.

From sipping traditional gaiwan tea and watching Sichuan Opera face-changing performances to discovering the centuries-old craft of bamboo weaving, the documentary shows how Chengdu's traditional culture continues to thrive in modern life. At the Sanxingdui Museum, distinctive bronze artifacts offer a glimpse into the creativity of the ancient Shu civilization.

Grainger also samples street food in Kuanzhai Alley, tries Sichuan hotpot and experiences everyday life in the Yulin district. These scenes capture the city's relaxed pace and lively atmosphere — the essence of "Chengdu Style."

The documentary also highlights Chengdu's innovation and technological development. In the Tianfu New Area, Grainger explores artificial intelligence and robotics and visits a local technology company to learn about the development and application of underwater drones, presenting another side of this dynamic city.

"Vibrant Chengdu" is the latest installment in the "Charming China" series and is scheduled to air on Australia's Seven Network in November. Since 2018, People's Daily Online Australia has introduced Australian audiences to the beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hainan, Guangdong, Anhui, Hubei, Shandong, Hong Kong and Macao.