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Chengdu Travel Guide

December 29, 2007 |

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A trip to Chengdu
An old city in Sichuan province of China, Chengdu has a long, rich history and breathtakingly beautiful nature. Imagine seeing flowers blossoming, lush-green bamboo groves and locals going old-school cooking on charcoals. The atmosphere in Chengdu is so poetic you might want to conjure up a work of your own. Surrounded by scenic countryside, Chengdu has its fair share of historic and natural sights including an array of old Chinese temples and lovely cottages. Flower shows and lively festivals are held annually, injecting vibrancy into the otherwise relaxing air.

Flights to Chengdu
Getting to Chengdu is most convenient by air. Chengdu Shuangliu Airport provides a number of flights both to major cities in China and international flights to Bangkok and Hong Kong. The airport is about 12.5 miles (20kms) from the city. Shuttle buses are provided to take you to the city.

To travel within the city, you can either use the bus or take a taxi. Public buses are very common and air-conditioned. Travelling by bus is a favourite means for tourists to get around as they can observe pretty sceneries from the comfort of their seat. Another great way to explore the city is by pedicab. However, pedicab fares can be more expensive than those of a normal taxi.

Sightseeing in Chengdu
Chendu boasts agricultural wealth and thus is known by the name ‘Land of Milk and Honey’. Visitors will see bewitching sceneries and nature lovers will be blown away by the renowned Thatched Cottage of Dufu, located by the side of the pretty Huanhua stream. The cottage, once the residence of the famous poet of the Tang dynasty, is well-preserved and worth a visit.

Other notable sights include Wuhou Temple, also known as Wuhou Memorial Temple. Once you are here, don’t forget to check out the statues and inscribed stone tablets at the temple. Those into animals will love the Giant Panda Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to giant pandas worldwide. You can observe what these adorable creatures eat and their habitats.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
As Sichuan has the best known food in China, food connoisseurs cannot give local dishes a miss here. Bear in mind that local cuisine can be very spicy, however. The king of food here has to be hot pot, which consists of a big pot of oil, water and spices that diners then add to with a variety of meat and vegetable.

Going out is fun in Chengdu. Many new bars have opened between Renmin Nanlu and Xinnan Lu, on the southern bank of the Jin Jiang. The most famous bars are Highfly Café where you can drink al fresco and Feeling Seasons Café with its good Italian food and a café-bar.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Chengdu is good hunting ground for antiquities and there’s a big market close to the Green Ram Taoist Temple. There are a wide range of treasures here including relics, porcelain dishes and jewelery. You can also find all sorts of plush panda trinkets, which make for great souvenirs. Those not into shopping can opt for a famous massage and foot washing at one of many reliable establishments. There are private massage rooms available with fruits and tea provided.


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