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Chengdu Travel Guide



Chengdu MapChengdu 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.

Huanglong ValleyIn 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

Travelers' Voices on Chengdu

1.

Nov. 19,2009 01:08 Reply

Ms.Lynn(Malaysia) said:

Hi, hope someone could advise the weather end Mar/early Apr 2010. We (a group of friends) are comtemplating a visit during this period.

Nov. 21,2009 03:13
Ms.Jennie replied:

Generally, the weather in daytime is about 20C with little rainfall. It should be very comfortable for traveling in Chengdu. On the other hand, please prepare warm jacket in case of the great temperature difference between day and night.

2.

Nov. 16,2009 20:03 Reply

Mr.Romie said:

Hi,

I am traveling to Chengdu next month. I plan to go to Xiling Mountain for skiing and also visit Panda. I am looking for suitable hotel, possibly near a Muslim restaurant.

Thanks.

Nov. 21,2009 03:11
Ms.Jennie replied:

There are many Muslim restaurant in Chengdu. It is suggested that you book a hotel in Wuhou District, where you could have dinner and do travel easily. The hotel list on this website may help you: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/chengdu-hotels.htm

3.

Nov. 15,2009 06:42 Reply

Ms.mesra(malaysia) said:

I am planning to visit chengdu somewhere march 2010. could you tell me how many days should i need to see JZG and huanglong. what is the hotel rate in JZG? thanks

Nov. 16,2009 01:08
Ms.Jenny replied:

Hi Ms.Mesra,

For JZG and Huanglong, you need 3 days to enjoy them. The hotel price is very different on different time. But usually you book earlier, the price will be cheaper. Need more help feel free to email assist.china@gmail.com.

Nov. 16,2009 02:35
Mr.mesra(malaysia) replied:

thanks and i think these helps a little.

4.

Nov. 15,2009 04:09 Reply

Mr.pranitt saxena(In) said:

Dear sir,
We are planning to visit Chengdu on the 25 nov'2009 for 4 days, can u advise us about the climate, reasonable hotel close to tennis international hotel, mode of transport to visit places. we will appreciate if u could send us the rates about the hotels n food transport etc.

Nov. 16,2009 01:22
Mr.Jenny replied:

Hi Mr. Pranitt,

It will be cold and humid at the end of Nov. Better bring some winter cloth, especially if you plan to go to the mountain. The hotel has very different price. If you are a group, the best transport is to rent a van, convenient and cheap. You can email us your detail requirement, we can help you out. Email: assist.china@gmail.com.

5.

Nov. 15,2009 19:47 Reply

Mr.LEE(Singapore) said:

Hi,has anyone self-driven up to Ermei & Leshan? Is the road winding? Are there road signs in english as well? What's the estimate cost of hiring a car from chengdu? Thanks for your reply.

Nov. 16,2009 01:15
Ms.Jenny replied:

Hi Mr.Lee,

The road is OK, but there is rarely English sign on the road. The cost of hiring a car is very much depending on the brand. We can help you arrange the car, you can email us your detail requirement for the car(seats, brand etc.), so we can show you the price. Email: assist.china@gmail.com

6.

Nov. 13,2009 07:34 Reply

Mr.woon wee kee(Malaysia) said:

I would be travelling to Chengdu on 26th March 2010 and would return to Malaysia on 4th April 2010.
However I intend to travel from Chengdu to Chongqing on 2nd April 2010 and return to Chengdu on 3th April 2010.
Could You please advise me how long it would take to travel by train .Please also advise how long it would take to travel by air.I would appreciate if You could also let me know the cost of the train ticket and air ticket.

Thanks for your kind and prompt response

Nov. 15,2009 01:04
Mr.Sandy replied:

Two hours by bullet trains (D trains) between Chengdu and Chongqing. No need to take air at all. Trains run between Chengdu Railway Station and Chongqing North Railway Station. The ticket fare is: 105/126RMB.

7.

Nov. 12,2009 21:10 Reply

Mrs.LEE(Singapore) said:

Hi,can anyone advise if there's a public bus from Chengdu to Mt Emei then to Leshan? How long is this journey and how much will this cost? Need to stay overnight in Emei to catch sunrise, any suggestion on an inexpensive hotel? How cold is the temp. up there?

Nov. 15,2009 01:00
Ms.Dora replied:

Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (Tousit Transportation and Service center) in 57, Linjiang Road has buses to Leshan and Emei every 20 minutes. THe whoel journey is about 2 hours or so. The ticket fare is no more than 40RMB. The temperature in the top of the mountain is below zero from November to March the next year. It is the coldest in Jan, about -6C. Hotels are not difficult to find in Emei City and the mountains foot.

8.

Nov. 11,2009 11:47 Reply

Mr.WAJEE(China) said:

HI anyone can recmond me youth hostel in cheep price as i have very short budget and i have to spend about 4 days in chengdu, i appreciate and thanks in advance.

Nov. 15,2009 00:53
Mr.Manny replied:

DragonTown International Youth Hostel, 26, KuangXiangZi, Qingyang District, ChengDu

9.

Nov. 10,2009 08:14 Reply

Ms.Rebecca(Singapore) said:

How long is the coach drive from Chengdu to Hailuogou? Can visit Hailuoguo in early Dec? Is it closed like Huanglong?

Nov. 10,2009 22:20
Ms.ANGELKOK(China) replied:

It takes about 6 hours coach drive from Chengdu to Hailuogou. You can visit anytime, it is whole year opening.

10.

Nov. 10,2009 08:13 Reply

Ms.Rebecca(Singapore) said:

How long is the coach drive from Changdu to Hailuogou? Can visit Hailuoguo in early Dec? Is it closed like Huanglong?

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