Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a city steeped in history and brimming with cultural vibrancy. With roots in the ancient Shu civilization, it offers a glimpse into China's rich past .
Known as the "Gourmet's Paradise," Chengdu's culinary scene is famous for its spicy Sichuan dishes.
Also,as the native habitat of the giant panda, Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, visitors can witness these beloved creatures in a naturalistic setting.
While deeply rooted in tradition, Chengdu is also a hub of modern development, blending historical charm with contemporary life, offering a dynamic experience for all who visit.
Run China has listed the following attractions for you to visit:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The giant panda can make the hearts of people all over the world melt. And here, there are more than 100 pandas, including the top panda star Hua Hua and Ye! Here you can see pandas in different states, buy super cute panda cultural and creative peripherals.
Chengdu Giant Panda Base, as a scientific research and breeding base, not only can you see the pandas up close like in a zoo, but there are also the Panda Science Mystery Museum and the Giant Panda Museum, two science attractions to help you recognize pandas and learn about pandas. There is also the Panda Charm Theater, where the bilingual documentary “The Story of Giant Panda Breeding” is shown for free. If your trip to Chengdu Marathon is a family outing, this is definitely on your list of places to visit.
- SANXINGDUI Museum
"SANXINGDUI can't be dug down anymore!" Although this is the people after visiting the SANXINGDUI issued a flirtation, but it can be seen that the SANXINGDUI culture of mystery and magic. So far only 1.6% of the excavation, has unearthed thousands of bronzes, which the cultural relics modeling techniques of the unheard of, mysterious and treacherous, shocked the country, sensationalized the world. It has been called one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of mankind in the 20th century.
Although the SANXINGDUI Museum is not located in Chengdu, it is only a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Guanghan, where the SANXINGDUI is located. If you have enough time for your Chengdu marathon trip, you can choose one of the days to go to Guanghan and enter the museum to experience the culture and spirit of the ancient Shu Kingdom, while Guanghan is also a food paradise, which is sure to be a worthwhile trip.
- KuanZhai Alley
KuanZhai Alley, preserved for a thousand years in Chengdu, is the representative of courtyard culture in old Chengdu. It can be said to be the concentration of Chengdu people's leisure and comfortable life.
A large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings are preserved here, as well as a snack street, which is full of the traditional cultural atmosphere of Chengdu. At night, the bars in the Broad and Narrow Alley are lively and full of a strong artistic atmosphere. Taking a stroll here, you can buy many souvenirs with Chengdu characteristics, which are good choices for your own treasures or for your friends and relatives. It's a peaceful place to spend an afternoon with good food, good drinks and good shopping.
- Dujiangyan Scenic Spot
Whether in China or in the world, Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project is unrivaled. Until now, the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project still maintains the original engineering structure and operation method, which has created the rich Chengdu Plain. If you want to explore the "Land of Heaven", this must be the best starting point.
The Dujiangyan Scenic Spot offers the best view of the entire Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project, and you can also book a professional interpreter to accompany you throughout the tour to explain the depth of the restoration of the language textbook. Of course, Dujiangyan Scenic Spot is more than just Dujiangyan, there is also the Rangtianwu Super Selfie Panda Square and the Guixian Ancient Town, as well as the Blue Bridge, which is known as the "Blue Tears of Dujiangyan".
It's also very close to Panda Valley, so if you're a panda fan, don't miss it. Compared to the world-famous Chengdu Giant Panda Base, this place is a bit less crowded, and you can not only see the cute pandas, but also be able to interact with the baby pandas up close and personal.
- Qingcheng
Mt. Qingcheng is 15km from Dujiangyan City proper and 68km from Chengdu City.It is the eastern ridge of southern Qionglai Mountains.The summit of Mt. Qingcheng is Bamian Mountain ( also called Zhaogong Mountain).
"As the birthplace of Taoism in China, Mount Qingcheng, with its many Taoist temples, undulating peaks and verdant forests.You can experience two very different sceneries and atmospheres on one mountain. Mount Qingcheng is divided into the front mountain and the back mountain. The front mountain focuses on "Taoism and Humanism", while the back mountain focuses on "Immortal Scenery".
numerous cultural relics and Taoist temples, so start from the Front Mountain and give yourself an immersive Taoist cultural experience. The back of the mountain is famous for its beautiful scenery, accompanied by the sound of gurgling water all the way up the mountain, and everywhere there are small green tans and miniature waterfalls, come to the back of the mountain to start a green oxygen trip.
- Wuhou Shrine
To experience the ancient Shu culture of Chengdu, the Three Kingdoms culture is an important part that cannot be bypassed. As the world's most influential museum of the remains of the Three Kingdoms, you may be able to immerse yourself in it in the most intuitive way.
Wuhou Ancestral Hall is regarded by Chengdu people as a spiritual temple and holy place, and until now there are still bouquets of flowers offered by the public by the tombstone of Zhaolie Mausoleum. If you are fully passionate about Chengdu and the culture of the three kingdoms, Wuhou Ancestral Hall will be a historical and cultural treasure for you.
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum
Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum, which has been renovated through several dynasties, combines the humanistic and natural beauty of Chengdu.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum is the former residence of poet Dufu when he lived in Chengdu. Dufu lived here for three years and nine months, and composed more than 240 poems that have been handed down to this day. It is the largest, best-preserved, best-known and most distinctive Dufu memorial site in Chengdu, with a collection of more than 30,000 volumes of various materials, and is known as the "Holy Land of Chinese Literature".
Of course, as the culinary capital of China, Chengdu has a lot more to offer that you don't want to miss!
- Hot Pot: A visit to Chengdu is incomplete without indulging in its famous hot pot. It's a staple in the local diet, with streets lined with various hot pot and skewer restaurants. The communal experience of sharing a spicy, fragrant pot is a cherished moment for all ages. If there's a problem that can't be solved by one hot pot, two will do the trick!
*Recommended Hot Pot Spots*:
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- Xiangpiao Hot Pot (Yulin West Road No. 31, Annex 1)
- Wuli Guan Hot Pot (For those who love a challenge with heat)
- Pengpeng Old Hot Pot (A local favorite for its unbeatable value)
- Sichuan Cuisine: As one of China's eight great cuisines, Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, especially the numbing and spicy taste. The art of seasoning in Sichuan dishes is remarkable, with a variety of flavors ranging from fish-fragrant to numbing-spicy.
*Recommended Sichuan Restaurants*:
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- Furong Huang: A historic Sichuan restaurant since 1958.
- Rongyuan Restaurant: A must-visit for authentic Sichuan flavors.
- Zu Zhi Xiang Nan: A Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended restaurant for affordable and delicious Sichuan dishes.
- Sichuan Snacks: Chengdu is a paradise for snack lovers, offering a variety of tempting treats that go beyond the typical spicy flavors. From sweet noodles to savory pastries, there's a snack for every palate.
*Food Streets*:
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- Kuixinglou Street: Near Kuanzhai Alley, with a mix of Sichuan restaurants and snack shops.
- Jianshe Lane Food Street: A long-standing food street with a wide variety of local snacks.
- Yulin Night Market: Known for its delicious and affordable street food with a local vibe.
Chengdu, a city that blends ancient traditions with modern flair. Immerse yourself in our rich culinary scene, where the sizzle of hot pot and the zest of Sichuan dishes await your taste buds. Stroll through our historic streets, indulge in our vibrant tea culture, and let the warmth of our hospitality make your visit truly memorable.
Chengdu is more than a destination—it's an experience. We look forward to welcoming you!