Apple CEO Tim Cook has visited China many times over the years, but one city seems to hold a special place in his heart: Chengdu.
During his latest visit in March 2026, Cook chose Chengdu as the first stop of Apple’s Asia-Pacific celebrations for the company’s 50th anniversary. While the trip included business activities, it also highlighted one of China’s most relaxed and culturally rich cities.
If you’re planning a trip to China and want to follow in Tim Cook’s footsteps, here’s where he went and what you should experience while you’re there.
Stop 1: Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu
The centerpiece of Cook’s visit was Apple’s flagship store in Taikoo Li, one of Chengdu’s best-known shopping districts.
Unlike many shopping malls around the world, Taikoo Li combines modern architecture with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, open-air streets, cafés, and cultural spaces. It’s a place where international brands sit alongside historic temples and local restaurants.
During his visit, Cook met customers, greeted Apple fans, and celebrated Apple’s 50th anniversary with employees. He described Chengdu as “one of the most vibrant places in the world,” praising its innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and relaxed atmosphere.
Stop 2: Walk Around Taikoo Li
Even if you’re not an Apple fan, Taikoo Li is worth exploring.
The district is famous for its unique blend of old and new. Traditional-style courtyards stand next to luxury boutiques, while cafés, bookstores, and local snack shops fill the surrounding streets.
It’s one of the best places in Chengdu to experience modern urban China.
Stop 3: Visit Daci Temple
Just steps from Taikoo Li is Daci Temple, a Buddhist temple with a history dating back more than 1,600 years.
The contrast between the quiet temple grounds and the modern shopping district next door is one of Chengdu’s most distinctive features.
Many visitors spend an hour exploring the temple before returning to the lively streets outside.
What Should You Eat?
Although Tim Cook’s latest visit did not include any publicly confirmed restaurant stops, Chengdu is widely regarded as one of China’s greatest food cities.
If you want to experience the local cuisine during your visit, don’t miss:
- Sichuan hot pot
- Mapo tofu
- Dan dan noodles
- Zhong dumplings
- Kung Pao chicken
- Twice-cooked pork
If you prefer milder flavors, many restaurants can adjust the spice level.
Why Does Tim Cook Keep Returning to Chengdu?
This was not Cook’s first visit to Sichuan.
He previously visited Chengdu in 2023 and later traveled to Ya’an to see educational and rural development projects supported by Apple. His repeated visits suggest that Chengdu represents more than just an important business market—it is also a city he genuinely enjoys visiting.
Why Foreign Travelers Should Visit Chengdu
Chengdu offers a different side of China from Beijing or Shanghai.
The city is known for its slower pace of life, tea houses, historic streets, giant pandas, and world-famous Sichuan cuisine. It combines modern development with a strong sense of local identity, making it one of the country’s most rewarding destinations for international visitors.
It’s easy to understand why global business leaders choose to spend time here.
Final Thoughts
Tim Cook’s latest China visit reminds us that business trips can also introduce travelers to some of China’s most fascinating cities.
Whether you’re interested in technology, food, culture, or simply exploring somewhere new, Chengdu offers a unique experience that blends innovation with tradition.
Following Tim Cook’s journey is not just about visiting an Apple Store—it’s about discovering why one of the world’s leading CEOs keeps coming back to one of China’s most vibrant cities.
