Cool Places in and around Chengdu City

Though July and August is the rain season for the region, summer is still a traditional tourism boom time for those going to Chengdu. The so-called "Capital of Leisure" offers plenty of places to visit for those trying to escapes the summer heat.

Key words for Travel around Chengdu: spice, hotpot, Sichuan cuisine, Sichuan Opera, Jiuzhaigou, giant panda, Emei Mountain, mahjong

In the City

Kuanzhai Xiangzi contains a collection of old architecture, and is one of the best examples of how a free and easy lifestyle can co-exist with the hustle and bustle of a growing city. The alleyways feature the rich architectural and social characteristics of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The area consists of three traditional streets and courtyard houses - Kuan Xiangzi, Zhai Xiangzi and Jing Xiangzi, with each featuring a different style.

 

The Temple of Marquis Wu, or Wuhou Shrine, is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis of Shu from the Three Kingdoms Period. Today, the Wuhou Shrine is more than a shine for the famous statesman and military strategist. It has become the largest museum in China displaying relics and introducing the history of the Three Kingdoms, where travelers to Chengdu is most interested in.

Near the shrine, the Jinli Street is a must-see for visitors who want to experience Shu culture and customs. Named Jin Li, which literally means "homeland of brocade," the street was once a place where ancient people wove clothing and sold brocades.

Other tourist sites in the city include Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Wenshu Monastery and Qingyang Palace.

Travel in Chengdu is never complete without seeing a real giant panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has prepared the best possible environment for rearing and breeding giant pandas in Southwest China. Located on the Futou Mountain 10 km north of downtown Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of China's most important refuges for endangered wildlife.

Established in 1987, the Base has been operating as a nonprofit organization specializing in protecting and breeding rare wild animals, especially giant pandas, one of the most commonly recognized national treasures of China. The Base promotes an "adoption" policy, which allows people from all over the world to adopt the giant pandas by contributing 50,000 yuan a year.

How to get there: The non-stop tourist bus line 902 bound for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda departs at Xinnanmen passenter transportation center of Chengdu.

Watch giant pandas online! LIVE