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Chengdu Best Attractions
​​​​​Last Update: 22nd November 2019
Best Attractions in Chengdu
Located in the west of Sichuan Basin, Chengdu is acclaimed as "the King of Tianfu" (Tianfu in English means the place with good climate and fertile earth which produces rich grains and fruits ) for hundreds of years. In the ancient China, Chengdu was once the old capital of the Ancient Shu Kingdom (1045 BC - 360 BC). Let's have a quick look at the best attractions in Chengdu.
​​Chengdu Panda Research Base
Chunxi Pedestrian Street
Jinli Pedestrian Street
Kuanzhai Ancient Street
Wuhouci Temple
Jinsha Archaeological Site
Qingcheng Mountain
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Chengdu People's Park
Du Fu Cottage
Huang Long Xi
Anren Ancient Town
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Chengdu Panda Research Base
Do you want to observe the cute giant pandas at close range? Let's visit Chengdu Panda Research Base on the Axe Mountain which lies around 14 kilometers from Chunxi Pedestrian Street. You may see giant pandas climbing the tree, playing with each other, eating the bamboo or just sleeping outside in the morning. The best months to visit it are from March to October.
As the most crowded and busiest commercial street in Chengdu, Chunxi Pedestrian Street is nearly 100 years old. You could experience the collision and co-existence of the tradition and fashion on the street. With around 700 stores, it is a paradise for window shopping lovers as well as foodies, offering high-end items and local cuisine,such as hot pots, local snack - Chuanchuan and much more.
If you would like to experience more traditional culture during your visit to Chengdu, Jinli Pedestrian Street is a good choice. With the old buildings in the end Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), the street is one of the great places where you could enjoy local life in Chengdu. You could try local tea - Gaiwan tea at one of the tea houses, watch the exciting shadow plays or just take great photos at night.
As one of the most popular among tourists, Kuanzhai Ancient Street offers old courtyards built in the end Qing Dynasty as well as several Western buildings. It offers the experience hall of Old Chengdu Life, creative boutiques, cafes, Western restaurants as well as a cultural wall presenting the local folklore to discover.
Wuhouci Temple is the most influential site of the Three Kingdoms (220 - 265 AD) across China. It is composed of the cultural relics zone, the garden zone and the Jinli folklore zone. The exhibits tell us some of the significant history in the Shu Han Kingdom (221 - 263) and stories of Liu Bei (161 - 223), Zhuge Liang (181 - 234) and other important heroes during the period of time.
To those who have strong interest in archaeology and ancient culture, Jinsha Archaeological Site is a must-visit spot. The site offers ancient rare and precious objects which reflects the social life in the Ancient Shu Kingdom. The 4D movie - Dream Back to Jinsha lets us know more about Jinsha. In addition, the interesting Sun Festival usually held in February in the site shows more on the history of the kingdom.
As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Qingcheng Mountain is one of the top 4 Taoist mountains in China. It is covered with green trees around the year. Though, in autumn and winter, you will find colorful views there as well. The old Taoist buildings on the mountain add more charm to it. It is quiet there, except for birds' singing. The mountain is a great summer resort.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is within 30 minutes drive from Qingcheng Mountain. It is recommended that you visit the two spots in one day. It was originally built in 256 BC. Although it is more than 2,500 years old, it still works well in Chengdu, creating great fortune through the history.
If you want to keep closer to local life, People's Park offers you the chance to experience. Set up in 1911, the park is one of the most popular among locals and tourists. Locals, especially local elders love to relax themselves in the park through playing mahjong, cards, or Chinese chess. And, they also like to drink tea at the traditional bamboo table offered by Heming Tea House which is nearly as old as the park. In the park, you also could visit the corner of blind dating.
If you are interested in the classic Chinese poetry, it is suggested that you visit Du Fu Cottage. As the former residence of Du Fu (712 - 770) who was a realistic poet and writer in Chengdu, the cottage has a screen wall, more than 100 pieces of wooden carving of the works of Du Fu done by the celebrities in history, a plum garden, the articles of daily use used by Du Fu at the cottage and the like to explore.
Situated around 39 kilometers from the heart of Chengdu, Huang Long Xi Old Town is more than 2,100 years old. The old wooden buildings are very solid. It offers 7 old stone-slabs streets and 76 old buildings in the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasties.
​Three old temples are also well-preserved there. Local customs, such as Dageng, Releasing Fair, the ceremony of burning the dragon and the like are passed on from generation to generation as well.
Acclaimed as "the Town of Museums" in China, Anren Ancient Town offers 35 modern museums. These museums are transformed from the old buildings in the Republic of China (1912 - 1949) . 27 mansions during the period of time are well-preserved. Among them, Liu's Manor is the best-known.
​With the original furnishing layout, it will take you back to time. In addition, Jian Chuan Museum Cluster gives you a chance to take a glance of the hard-work, the spirit of solidarity, industry and wisdom of the Chinese people and lets you know some on the Anti-Japanese War.
As the only Hakka town in West China, Luodai Ancient Town was originally built in the Three Kingdoms. Four Hakka guild halls, the Hakka Museum and Hakka park features the old buildings in the Qing Dynasty. Tulou Museum has New-Year paintings, clay sculptures, bamboo-weaving and Hakka-featured objects to explore. What's more, you could enjoy the authentic Hakka cuisine in the town.
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