Chengdu, China
Chengdu, located in southwestern China's Sichuan province, is known for its spicy cuisine, adorable giant pandas, and vibrant tea culture. The city offers a perfect blend of ancient history and modern development, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
Trip to Chengdu, China
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
On your first day in Chengdu, you will arrive at the airport and check in to your hotel. After settling in, you can begin exploring the city by heading to Tianfu Square. The square is one of the largest urban public plaza in China with an area of 88,800 square meters. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, it’s a great place to start your tour of the city. From there, you can visit the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum where you can see a variety of high-tech exhibits including a virtual reality display. In the evening you can explore the city’s street food scene by visiting Jinli Street. The bustling street is known for its tasty snacks and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a good meal while people watching.
Day 2: Panda Breeding and Research Center
On your second day in Chengdu, you can visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This center is a hub for research on giant pandas and houses more than 150 pandas. You can witness the pandas sleeping in their enclosures or playing with each other intricately. After exploring the panda center, you can head to Wenshu Monastery, a historic Buddhist monastery that dates back to 616 AD. The monastery is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city that is worth a visit for its architecture and collection of Buddhist art.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha
For your third day, a visit to Leshan Giant Buddha is suggested. It’s one of China’s most famous cultural wonders representing the largest and tallest statue of a seated Buddha. The carving faces the Minjiang River that flows down from Mount Emei. The Giant Buddha is located within the Mount Emei Scenic Area, which is also worth exploring after seeing the Buddha. The area features stunning views of the mountains, waterfalls and temples, and has a rich cultural heritage.
Day 4: Jinsha Site Museum and Chengdu Folk Culture Park
On your fourth day, you can head to Jinsha Site Museum, which is home to one of China’s most significant archaeological discoveries of recent times. The excavation site includes the fabulous artifacts from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. It’s also home to the Jinsha Sun Festival which is a special event that highlights the culture and history of the greater Chengdu area. Later in the day, visit the Sichuan Opera Theater and Chengdu Folk Culture Park. Here, you can get a glimpse of famous Sichuan Opera which involves hot-pot eating in a revolving theater. The park is also known for showcasing traditional folk art performances, cottage-style gardens, and teahouses.
Day 5: Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan Irrigation System
On your fifth day in Chengdu, you can plan for a day excursion to visit Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a great way to connect with nature. The mountain is surrounded by lush green scenery with many hiking trails. You can also witness Taoist Temples that date back to ancient times. After visiting the mountain, head to the nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient hydraulic engineering system that was built during the Qin Dynasty (256 BC). This is a perfect example of the Chinese wisdom and unique technological capabilities.
Day 6: Kuanzhai Alley and Wangjianglou Park
On your sixth day, you can head for the Kuanzhai Alley, a restored cultural area that features traditional architecture, flavorful Sichuan cuisine, and local handicraft shops. It’s a popular place for shopping enthusiasts and one can spend the entire day in this area. After shopping, you can head to the nearby Wangjianglou Park, which is located west to the Kuanzhai Alley. The park is renowned for the ancient, thornless trees and elevated gazebo that gives you excellent views of the river and the Eastern city.
