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Chengdu, a Chinese city famed for pandas and parties, lacks in natural features and is plagued by grey clouds for most of the year. But it remains perennially popular for its wealth of cultural attractions, chief among them, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, credited with more than 100 panda births since it opened in 1987. Spend the day volunteering and caring for the endangered animals there or at Dujiangyan Panda Base (55 kilometers or 34 miles from town), or combine the conservation center with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and world’s largest stone Buddha statue, on a day-tour. Sightseeing tours of Chengdu’s city center orient travelers with visits to Renmin Park (People’s Park), Kuanzhai Alley, and the ancient Wenshu Temple, or head to Mount Qingcheng, shrouded by dense bamboo forests, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built in 256 BC. With more time, visitors can check out Mount Emei (Emeishan, 170 kilometers or 105 miles from Chengdu), the highest of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, the ancient town of Huanglongxi (a 35-minute drive away), replete with Ming and Qing-era architecture, and Chengdu Culture Park, where they can watch a Sichuan Opera among bonsai displays and historic temples.
Chengdu is known for giant pandas: the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding pioneered breeding this endangered species, with August to December the best period for seeing panda cubs. But it’s also famous as the epicenter of Sichuan food, known for numbing-hot flavors and fiery hot pots.
...MoreIt’s easily possible to spend longer, but most travelers spend only two days in Chengdu. That gives you time to see the pandas, sample the food, explore downtown, and see one of two nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Leshan Giant Buddha plus Mt. Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
...MoreSpanning almost 21 acres (9 hectares), Tianfu Square is Chengdu’s focal point. It boasts twin dragon fountains, a 100-foot (30-meter) statue of Chairman Mao, and the enormous, copper-clad Chengdu Museum. Qingyang Palace is a Taoist temple, first built more than 1,000 years ago but rebuilt many times since then.
...MoreChengdu is home to around twice the population of New York City, so there is plenty to do at night, including bars, clubs, restaurants, and live bands. Sichuan opera, featuring gorgeous masks, fire-breathing, and more, is a popular evening choice, while the Chengdu City Concert Hall offers opera, theater, and musical performances.
...MoreWinter is a good season to see the pandas, which are more active, while Lunar New Year celebrations are as vibrant as you’d expect. It’s also a great time to enjoy popular sights such as Jinli Ancient Street, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mt. Qingcheng, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System without the crowds.
...MoreIf you are on a long trip to China or a dedicated panda fan, then, yes, this important Chinese city definitely repays a visit. If you only have a couple of weeks to explore this gigantic country, then, no. There are cities with better-preserved history and culture to enjoy.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 30 |
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Number of Tours | 687 |
Number of Reviews | 1,393 |
Currency | CNY |