
Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus.
Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.
Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as "Tian Fu Zhi Guo", literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile.
The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. Through thousands of years its original name has been kept and its position as the capital and as the significant center of politics, commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished, Chengdu has been famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and delicate designs, ranking among the four main embroideries in China. Chengdu was the place where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated, the place where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units.
In addition to its profound historical and cultural background featuring historic places of interest such as the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu , Wuhou Memorial Temple and Wenshu Monastery , etc, natural beauty abounds in surrounding areas such as in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) . The natural habitat of giant pandas, Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center , supports the world's only giant panda breeding and research base.
Sampling the famous Sichuan cuisine is a must on a trip to Chengdu. Enjoying the food as well as the culture, shopping and having tea at a teahouse afford a deeper understanding of Chengdu.
Improved land and airlines extending nationwide provide greater convenience. Chengdu is also the main inland access city to Tibet.
Recommended Chengdu Package Tour Itineraries:
Chengdu Impression: 5 Days Chengdu-Leshan Buddha-Mt. Emei-Chengdu
Chengdu Memorable Trip: 6 Days Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong-Dujiangyan–Chengdu
More Chengdu Tour Information:
Golf Tour: Detailed Information about Golf Tour in Chengdu
Hiking Tours: Many hiking itineraries for your reference
Bicycle Tours: Offer information about cycling in and around Chengdu
Q & A on Chengdu
1.
Jan. 13,2010 03:24 Reply
Mrs.AMI(MALAYSIA) said:
hI,
I am planning to go to chengdu from beijing. How can I go there, by plane or train. which is cheaper and more convenient because i have with me a 20 months old baby.
Feb. 9,2010 01:36
Ms.ZOE520530(China) replied:
it depends on u
by plane: more expensive but convinient,taks about 2hours
by train: much cheaper but takes about 30hours
as u bring a baby, i recommend the plane.you can enquire some discont air ticket.
2.
Jan. 21,2010 08:13 Reply
Mr.Davy(France) said:
Hi,
I am planning a 10 day trip to Chengdu early March, and I a was thinking of doing some side-trips.
Do you have any suggestions of daytrips or 2 daytrips. I'd like to travel by train or bus and spent max 1-2 nights elsewhere. Many thanks for any tips you may have.
Jan. 22,2010 03:45
Mr.Sam replied:
Around Chengdu City, there are manu place worth visiting. You could go to Mt. Emei&Leshan Buddha, Jiuzhaigou, Dujiangyang or Sanxingdui. Well, you could refer to this website's attractions list: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/
Feb. 9,2010 01:17
Ms.ZOE520530(China) replied:
perhaps jiuzhaigou is not a such good choice since your limit time and it's kind of far from chengdu city. actually,there're lots of charming places to see right in the city,such as
kuan&zhai valley where you can taste the interesting lifestyle of chengdu people(http://www.kzxz.com.cn/english/index.asp) ,and jinli ancient street where there're variety of traditional foods and clothes and funny stuffs. the panda breeding and researching reserve is a must. there you can take pictures or hug these cute babies.out of the city(around chengdu) you have options such as xiling moutain(skiing),emei montain and leshan buddha, some romantic ancient towns. i'll be in chengdu early march,if u need any help or info,just let me know
3.
Dec. 20,2009 18:56 Reply
Mrs.Lisa(USA) said:
Will I need a heavy winter coat when staying in chengdu city in January? Thank you Lisa
Dec. 21,2009 02:30
Ms.Dora replied:
It may rain in Jan and not small usually. I think no need to bring rain coat if you have short stay there. If you want details about weather report, I can help 2-3 three days before your departure.
Feb. 9,2010 00:45
Ms.ZOE520530(China) replied:
absolutely!
4.
Feb. 9,2010 00:34 Reply
Ms.Sandra(Indonesia) said:
Hi..
is it true that you can hug panda bear in chengdu? where can I do that exactly, is it far from the airport? Can I visit anytime or there's a certain schedule when you can actually touch the panda bears?
I'm very excited to hug them :) thankss
5.
Feb. 6,2010 22:51 Reply
Mr.ponch(ipoh Malaysia) said:
hi, i will be in chengdu in march (22nd march till 25th march). I would like to visit as many places as possible within that short period. I wonder Xiling still snowing at that time?.... please advise me.
thanks.
Feb. 8,2010 23:35
Ms.ZOE520530(China) replied:
perhaps there won't be too much snow at that time. anyway,there're bundle of charming places in the city. besides,the ancient street--Jinli is one of the most famous places here. my school is so near it and i like it a lot myself.