The Best Travel Guide to Chengdu

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Chengdu

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The guide was updated: 2019-09-26

Welcome to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, where giant pandas delight tourists at the Chengdu Breeding Research Base. Though a modern city, Chengdu is where life happens in the back streets, with crowds waiting outside hot-pot restaurants, and tea houses abuzz with mahjong players and their noisy tile-shuffling game.

Facts

Population:	16.04 million (2018)
Currency:	1 RMB = 10 jiao
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 110 Ambulance: 120 Fire: 119
Newspapers:	Chengdu Business (in Chinese and English) West China City Daily (in Chinese) China Daily (in Chinese, English and French)
Opening hours:	Most banks, malls and supermarkets are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, some supermarkets are open until 10:00 PM.
Tourist information:	Chengdu Tourism Bureau (Xinnanmen Center) Phone: +86 28 8548 2323, +86 28 8548 2233 Chengdu Tourism Bureau (Chunxi Road) Phone: +86 28 8672 1166 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM

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Section in Chengdu

Chengdu has numerous scenic spots both in and around the city. The world’s largest sitting Buddha in Leshan is 71m tall and the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan County houses impressive giant bronze wares. Both are just an hour or two away by bus from the Xinnanmen Center.

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base / 成都大熊猫基地

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base / 成都大熊猫基地

There are over 30 pandas in the research centre and you can pay them a visit during feeding time at 9:00 AM. Afterwards, it’s nap time in the comfort of their air-conditioned enclosures. Between August to October, it is a good time to see new-born babies that are astonishingly small and fragile compared to their stout parents.

Wenshu Monastery / 文殊院

Wenshu Monastery / 文殊院

One of the largest Buddhist hubs in Chengdu, the Wenshu Monastery is not only a religious and cultural landmark, but also a gastronomic must-stop for any foodie visiting the city (there is an excellent vegetarian restaurant plus a tea house on-site). Stop by for a soul cleanse and a treat to feel refreshed for the remainder of the day.

Qingyang Palace / 青羊宫

Qingyang Palace / 青羊宫

In the northwestern part of the city centre lies the Qingyang Palace, one of the most famous Taoist temple complexes in China. Go in and experience some Taoist peace and relaxation right in the heart of Chengdu.

Tomb of Wang Jian / 王建墓

Tomb of Wang Jian / 王建墓

Dating back to the Tang dynasty, this funerary monument is the burial place of the ancient ruler Wang Jian. Besides its unique architecture, this mausoleum also features plenty of carefully crafted and preserved cultural relics that will take you back to imperial China.

Wuhou Shrine / 武侯祠

Wuhou Shrine / 武侯祠

The signboard hanging over the top of the gate reads that this is a shrine for an emperor. However, it is known more as a place of homage for his minister－Wuhou. Though constructed to honour both him and emperor Liubei, Zhugeliang is the one that earns greater respect among Chinese people. His story as one of the greatest folk heroes in Chinese history is recounted in the literary masterpiece Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Du Fu's Thatched Cottage / 杜甫草堂

Du Fu's Thatched Cottage / 杜甫草堂

Du Fu is one of the great poets who lived during the Tang dynasty, China's golden era. His haunting poetry is still being taught in schools today. This park is built around his cottage, and the temple is dedicated to him. Check out the intricate Bonsai trees, plants and Chinese paintings that adorn the place.

Jinsha Site Museum / 金沙遗址博物馆

Jinsha Site Museum / 金沙遗址博物馆

The museum's treasures date back 3000 years including historical relics from the Sun and Immortal Bird gold decoration to gold mask and jade accessories. Exhibition in Jinsha awarded the Chinese Top Ten Excellent Exhibition, and you can experience the brilliance of Chengdu's history and splendour of the ancient kingdom here.

Jinli Street / 锦里

Jinli Street / 锦里

During the Shu Kingdom, Jinli Street was one of the busiest commercial areas and was known as 'First Street of the Shu Kingdom'. In order to reclaim its prosperity of former days, it was restored with contributions from the Wuhou Temple and has been open to the public since 2004. You can come here to enjoy a cup of tea and relax, visit the traditional buildings, as well as taste some local snacks.

Wangjiang Tower Park / 望江楼公园

Wangjiang Tower Park / 望江楼公园

The park is dedicated initially to Xue Tao, a famous female poet of Tang dynasty. It is known for its collection of more than 200 species of bamboo. Step on to the top of the Chongli Tower and have a panoramic view of the Jinjiang River that goes through the city.

Huanglongxi Ancient Village / 黄龙溪古镇

Huanglongxi Ancient Village / 黄龙溪古镇

Huanglongxi is an ancient village with a history of more than 1,700 years. Seven ancient streets, which were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, are well preserved. Walking through the street, you will find many historical civilian residences date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Mount Qingcheng / 青城山

Mount Qingcheng / 青城山

If you're up for hiking in the fresh air, climbing Mount Qingcheng is the ideal activity for your trip to Chengdu. The mountain is the cradle Taoism and is considered sacred according to the Taoist culture. There are dozens of Taoist temple hides under the greenery, some abandoned, some are still prosperous.

Tianfu Square / 天府广场

Tianfu Square / 天府广场

The Tianfu Square features huge water fountains that are exceptionally beautiful at night. While taking a stroll here, you shall not miss the light installations and water spectacles. Below the place, you can also find a shopping centre including plenty of shopping and food places.

People's Park / 人民公园

People's Park / 人民公园

Do as the locals do and relax in this urban park, an oasis in the middle of the city. You will find Renmin Park an ideal place for a picnic under the tree and stretch your feet. The park is a gathering point of the locals. When night falls, you will find groups of Chinese square dance, Tai Chi and a lot of other interesting and particular activities.

Happy Valley / 欢乐谷

Happy Valley / 欢乐谷

This amusement park will surpass your expectations! Enjoy dizzy heights, sweet candy and fun houses, and spend a day to remember with your friends. Who‘s brave enough to go on the roller coaster? Who wants to take a selfie with the panda? Find out at Happy Valley!

Dujianyan Irrigation System / 都江堰

Dujianyan Irrigation System / 都江堰

This great engineering project was constructed in 256 BC and still functions today. Logs, stones and bamboo cages were used to make a water conservancy, and this simple construction has been protecting the vast Chengdu Plain for over 2000 years. There are lots of traditional architecture in this historical area, among which, the An'lan suspension bridge is the most famous one.

Leshan Giant Buddha / 乐山大佛

Leshan Giant Buddha / 乐山大佛

When in Chengdu, you can't miss the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. Since 1996, the Mount Emei Scenic Area including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't hesitate to explore the surrounding area by foot and enjoy the stunning presence of the tall sculpture. It's simply a must see.

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