Top Things to do in Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China is a popular destination for travelers because of the number of things to do in and around the city. The biggest attractions in Chengdu are related to the old architecture and temples, the minorities and of course, pandas. Throughout the city, pagodas, temples and parks offer a place for tourists to get away from the bustle of the seven million people living in the city. Outside the city there are mountains, lakes and waterfalls that will steal your breath away. Throughout the city, you’ll see evidence of the Tibetan culture and a more laid-back attitude than other cities in China.
Must See Sights
Kuanzhaixiangzi
Kuanzhaixiangzi
This area of Chengdu near the center of the city has recently been rebuilt and made to look more commercial, but Kuanzhaixiangzi is an area where the streets are styled in the architecture that was popular in the Qing Dynasty. Tourists walk through the area, which is filled with tea houses, souvenir stands, sidewalk artists and snack stalls. Those roaming the streets after dark will find several nightclubs that stay open until late at night.
Wenshu Temple
There are many different Buddhist Temples in Chengdu, and if you only have time to go to one, then the Wenshu Temple is the best to see. Built in the Tang Dynasty, Wenshu Temple has more than 400 different Buddha statues, gardens, and a tea house that allows tourists to relax and people watch.
Chengdu Panda Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Panda Research Base
Sichuan is known for being the home of the pandas and is the only place in the world where this highly endangered animal lives in the wild. The Chengdu Panda Research Base, near the edge of the city breeds and cares for pandas, with the goal of introducing them back into the wild.
Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
Near Tianfu Square, which is a square that people come to congregate at in the evenings to dance and enjoy the fountain, the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is one of the best museums of its kind in China. From robots to computers, a lot of the exhibits are interactive and most of the exhibits have information available in English.
Top Ancient Towns around Chengdu
When talking about Chengdu, what come to our mind are giant pandas, many historic sites and leisure life. Surely they feature Chengdu. Yet in this ancient and modern city, Chengdu also has characteristic ancient towns to get you back to the past in modern-day life. This article is to help visitors uncover the veil of these old towns. More>>
What and Where to Eat
Sichuan is known for its spicy foods, and even if you ask for food that isn’t spicy, it will probably still be too spicy. One of the most popular types of restaurants in Chengdu is a hot pot restaurant, where diners cook their own meat and vegetables in a pot of boiling, spicy soup. While most tourists will probably stick to the traditional meats added into the hot pot – beef and mutton, in Chengdu, you can find hot pot restaurants offering more exotic meats, like dog, yak, rabbit or donkey.
Chengdu is also known for its snacks. Snack shops are all over and if you can’t speak Chinese, you can just point to what looks good. Most of the snacks are fried in oil and dipped in sesame.
Another thing that Chengdu is famous for is tea houses. In fact, Chengdu has more tea houses than Shanghai, which has double the population. Tea is sold by the cup and once you pay for your leaves, you can keep adding water as long as you want.
What to See
Tea House
Sichuan Opera
While most opera conjures up the vision of fat women in tight dresses singing, Sichuan opera isn’t that kind of opera. Instead, you might be treated to dancing, singing, fire-blowing, mask changing and comedy. Even if you can’t understand Chinese, it will be an enjoyable evening of a show, tea and some snacks.More details>>
Tea Houses
With tea houses on every corner, it won’t be difficult to find a tea house. Locals spend hours in these houses playing cards, go, chess and mahjong. If you know how to play any of these games, you can probably find a partner at a tea house.
What and Where to Buy
Chengdu Tea
Chengdu is a shopper’s paradise, but the majority of gifts that you may want to bring back for others to show off your trip are going to be food items. One of the most famous gifts that people give from Chengdu is both beef and yak jerky.
Another item that many people buy to remember their Chengdu trip is tea. A lot of teas come from Sichuan province, with green tea being the most popular variety. If you are looking for a snack to go along with all of the tea that you are buying, pick up a few sesame cakes. These are easy to pack and take home for friends and family.
What to Do
Leshan
While you could spend weeks in Chengdu touring the temples, parks and other attractions, you probably want to get out and explore some of the sites outside of the city.
Le Shan
Le Shan is famous for the Le Shan Grand Buddha, which is a 71 meter tall Buddha carved into the side of a cliff. You’ll have to wait in a long line to climb down to see the Buddha, so get their early in the morning or wait until all the tour groups leave late in the afternoon. If you just want a glimpse of the Giant Buddha, then take a boat cruise which will stop long enough for everyone to snap a few pictures. The cruise is less than admission to the park to see the Buddha, and you’ll save time in lines.
Emei Mountain
Emei Mountain is about two hours outside of Chengdu and is a mountain that has many temples scattered around, including the golden summit with a giant golden statue. Most people try to get up to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise, and if the weather cooperates, it’s worth getting up early enough to get them.
The mountain is also famous for Tibetan macaques, which terrorize tourists by stealing their bags, eating their food and biting them. Chances are if you don’t provoke the monkeys or carry plastic bags filled with food, they will leave you alone and find easier prey.
Hot spring spots in Chengdu
Chengdu is the city that specially famed by the hot pot, vigorous girls and Giant Panda, the most reason for this is the weather. The climate of Chengdu is shown in humid and cloudy, with shorten sunlight all year round, so that the hot spring is a ideal choice for remove the body moisture. More>>
Chengdu is a huge city with many interesting things to do. Inside the city, travelers will find that there is culture and architecture and outside of the city, you’ll be treated to mountain scenery that is unforgettable.