Things to do in Chengdu

Situated in the centre of Chengdu Plain, at the confluence of the Min and Tuo Rivers, is the maze-like city of Chengdu. Travellers are most commonly drawn to the area by the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, but once there they discover many other interesting things to see and do.

Pandas are justifiably Chengdu's biggest attraction, and the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre has popularised conservation of these gentle giants. The centre rehabilitates and breeds a number of animals besides the loveable Giant Pandas, including Red Pandas, South China Tigers, and Golden Monkeys. It is an absolute must for anybody who loves animals and is interested in wildlife conservation. For a special donation, visitors can even hold a panda cub.

Another popular excursion from Chengdu is a trip to Mount Qincheng just outside the city. The mountain provides wonderful hiking opportunities amidst many historical and cultural places of interest.

Travellers interested in archaeology and ancient civilisations should visit the Jinsha Site Museum, located on the site where archaeologists unearthed an ancient village of the Shu Kingdom (220 to 280 AD) and displays some wonderful ancient relics and artefacts. A good companion site in town is the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which has shrines to the ministers of the Shu Kingdom.

Other attractions in Chengdu include Wenshu Temple, the city's largest Buddhist temple complex, and People's Park, a big public park with a number of attractions, including a rather odd underground museum. Kuanzhai Ancient Street is also worth visiting, as it's a trendy shopping street and cultural hot spot as well as a historic preservation area with several ancient structures. Kuanzhai and the charming Jinli Alley are the best places for bargain hunting and sampling local cuisine.

Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center photo

Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center

The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a must see for animal lovers. The largest centre of its kind, Chengdu was founded with the aim of increasing the population of gia…

Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center

The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a must see for animal lovers. The largest centre of its kind, Chengdu was founded with the aim of increasing the population of giant pandas in captivity so that more may be released into the wild. The park is also a home to other endangered Chinese animals, such as the South China Tiger, red pandas and golden monkeys. It takes about two hours to walk the grounds; alternatively, visitors can ride in a tour cart. It is best to go for feeding time (9am to 10am), which is when the animals are most active.

Website www.panda.org.cn

Mount Qincheng photo

Mount Qincheng

Mount Qingcheng is said to be the birthplace of Taoism, and serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It's two sides provide rather different experiences. The …

Mount Qincheng

Mount Qingcheng is said to be the birthplace of Taoism, and serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It's two sides provide rather different experiences. The front of the mountain is more tourist friendly, boasting an impressive array of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace. The back of the mountain is more off the beaten track, and there are stunning but demanding hiking routes through narrow and unspoilt passes, waterfalls and woods. Although the paths are well maintained, there is a cable car that can be taken halfway or all the way up. The mountain is an ideal escape from crowded urban sightseeing and is a must for those interested in the region's flora and fauna.

Kuanzhai Ancient Street photo

Kuanzhai Ancient Street

Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of three historic preservation areas in the city and scores highly on most visitors' lists of things to see and do in Chengdu. It is formed by the co…

Kuanzhai Ancient Street

Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of three historic preservation areas in the city and scores highly on most visitors' lists of things to see and do in Chengdu. It is formed by the confluence of three alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley. The city once boasted 45 18th-century courtyards, and Kuanzhai contains the only three that remain well-preserved. Kuanzhai is trendy and artistic and an entertaining cultural experience for visitors, with ancient Chinese architecture providing a captivating contrast to modern restaurants and art galleries. It is particularly interesting to walk this street in the evening when the ancient attractions are juxtaposed with a lively nightlife, bright city lights and cultural dance performances.