Pandas in Chengdu [Photo/Xinhua]

Chengdu and Shanghai are among "52 places to go in 2015" recommended by The New York Times. The list will be published in Chinese around Chinese New Year.

Dubbed “a panda and food capital”, Chengdu is selected due to the cute creatures and its spicy yet diversified cuisine. The newly opened direct air route between San Francisco and Chengdu also adds convenience for visitors.

The evaluation is based on city activities and recommendations according to the editor and writer Justin Bergman. He said Chengdu is one of the most dynamic cities in China, combining fast economic development and rich cultural heritage.

Shanghai is recommended as a “cultural awakening” city due to the opening of several private museums, including The Long Museum, Yuz Museum and 21st Century Minsheng Art Museum.

The top five destinations on the list are Mila (Italy), Cuba, Philadelphia (US), Yellowstone National Park (US) and the Elqui Valley (Chile).