Welcome to Chengdu, also known as the Brocade City, the Lotus City, the Panda City, and the City of Hibiscus.
The face of Chengdu has been constantly changing during its history of more than 2300 years. Classic Chinese architecture is hard to find downtown as the new, affluent class of southwest China prefers modern skyscrapers. Still, Chengdu is an excellent urban locale to take a break during a likely tiresome, yet awe-inspiring travel through Sichuan province and neighboring Yunnan and Tibet. Foreigners truly love living in Chengdu, a fully modernized city with a fraction the cost of living of eastern giants like Beijing or Shanghai. The most beautiful parts of China await you outside Chengdu, but Synotrip urges you to smile at a panda or two, sweat out some spicy food, and bask in the leisurely lifestyle of the local Chengdu residents before you go.
Giant Panda Breeding Center and Research Base
Hours: Open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm
Address: Futou Shan
Price: Y30 per person
Chinese zoos are often equated to animal prisons by Western visitors. Fortunately Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding Center strays far from the norm. The research base is truly groundbreaking for country that pushes aside most environmental and ecological concerns due to its overpopulation issues.
Chengdu Shu Brocade Museum
Hours: 8:30am-6pm
Address: No. 268 Huahuan Nanlu
Website: http://www.cdbem.cn/index.php
Chunxi Lu
Address: Chunxi Lu (Chunxi Road)
Chunxi Lu could be included in the shopping category, but because of the brand names, bright lights, and crowds of people it is likely better suited as a tourist stop. Filled with brand name shops from around the world, Chunxi Lu is an expensive place to go shopping. You could probably buy the same goods in your home country for similar rates.
Wenshu Monastery
Hours: 8 am - 6 pm daily
Address: No. 15 Wenshu Monastery Street, just off of Renmin Zhong Lu
Price: Y5 per person
In 1691 it was believed that the monk Ci Du reached such a state of enlightenment that he reportedly shook the ground and radiated light. Local officials concluded he must be the reincarnation of Manjusri and the monastery was renamed Wenshu (Manjusri). The Zen Buddhist monastery was originally built between 605-617 during the Tang Dynasty.
Bao Guang Monastery
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Address: Xindu Xicheng Dist.
Price: 5 Yuan/ticket
People's Park
Address: No. 12 Shaocheng Lu, Qingyang Dist.
Renmin Gongyuan, or the People's Park, is just a block barely southwest of Tianfu Square. Full of vegetation and shade, it is a great place to beat the heat, play cards, or just lay about with friends or family. It can be crowded like most parks in China, but look for Heming loft and you might be able to find a little privacy.
Da Ci Temple
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Address: No. 23 Daci Si Lu
Price: 5 Yuan/ticket
Qingcheng Shan & Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Hours: 8am-6pm
Address: Dujiangyan City, 60km northwest of Chengdu City
Price: Qingcheng Shan-90 Yuan/ticket, Dujiangyan-90 Yuan/ticket
River Viewing Pavillion Park
Hours: 8am-6pm
Address: No. 30 Wangjiang Lu, Wuhou Dist.
Price: 20 Yuan/ticket
River Viewing Pavillion Park is much more peaceful and interesting than its bland name suggests. The park features a four-story Qing dynasty pagoda built between 1886 and 1889. It provides a fantastic unobstructed view of a large portion of the Brocade river as well as the Chengdu skyline. Entrance to the park itself is free.
Emei Shan Scenic Spot
Address: 3.7 miles (6km) southwest of Emei Shan
Price: 150 Yuan/ticket
Le Shan Giant Buddha
Hours: 7am-7pm Peak-season, 7:30am-6pm Off-season
Address: Bizi Jie, Leshan
Price: 90 Yuan/ticket
Jinli Promenade Chengdu, Tourist Attractions
Address: No. 231 Wuhouci Dajie, next to the Wuhou Temple
Right next to the Wuhou Temple is Jinli Promenade. Just walk through the large traditional gate and bring your wallet. Immediately on your left when you enter is the Sanguo Teahouse. Over 30 different kinds of tea and coffee are available and there is a wealth of cushy indoor and outdoor seating as well as private rooms.
Jinsha Site Museum Chengdu, Tourist Attractions
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Address: No.2 Jinsha Yizhilu, Qingyang Da Dao
Qingyang Temple Chengdu, Tourist Attractions
Hours: 8am-6pm
Address: No. 9 Yihuanlu,west section 2
Price: 30Yuan/person for entry
Wuhou Shrine Chengdu, Tourist Attractions
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Address: No. 231 WuHouCi DaJie
Price: Admission is Y60
Website: http://www.wuhouci.net.cn/en/home.asp
Du Fu's Thatched Cottage Park & Museum
Hours: Summer: 7:30am - 7pm Winter: 8:00am - 6pm
Address: No. 38 Qinghua Lu (North Gate of Park) / No.1 Wai Xi caotanglu
Price: 60 Yuan/ticket
Admission to the park is Y60, so make a morning or afternoon out of the visit to make it worth the rather high entrance fee