Chengdu in the southwestern province of Sichuan. Chengdu city: attractions and interesting places

Chengdu (成都chéngdū) is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. With a population of almost 15 million, it belongs to the top ten major cities countries. Chengdu boasts ancient history, unique cuisine, traditional art and much more.

Unfortunately, this city is little known to most of our tourists, although I can say for sure that it has places worth visiting. For travelers, Chengdu is interesting not only for its attractions, but also because it has easy access to numerous natural and man-made assets of the Sichuan province. In addition, this is the birthplace of the giant panda, and it is here that there is a unique reserve for the breeding and protection of these cute animals.

Over the years of living in China, I visited many cities and beautiful places, but for some reason it was he who was remembered for his liveliness and warmth. Why go to Chengdu and what to do there, I will tell you in more detail in this article.

How to get there

By plane

The most convenient way to get to Chengdu is by plane. Nearest international airport Shuangliu (成都双流国际机场) is located 20 km from the city and is one of the ten largest airports in China.

Largest quantity flights, of course, are operated by popular Chinese airlines, for example: Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Chengdu Airlines, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern, etc. Domestic flights in China are very developed, and from Chengdu you can easily fly to almost any city in China.

As for international flights, the majority are made to Asian countries (, Japan, Korea, Maldives), there are also flights to Europe (,) and (), Canada (), Australia ().

Recently, Sichuan Airlines has launched a Moscow-Chengdu flight. This is so far the only direct flight from Russia to Sichuan province. Departures are carried out on even dates from Sheremetyevo Airport. This flight lasts 8 hours 30 minutes, and the ticket price starts from $275 per person one way. In addition, there are many different options for departure from Moscow with transfers in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, etc. But, as I checked on airline booking sites, sometimes a direct flight is cheaper than a connecting flight. It is inconvenient to get from St. Petersburg, you will have to make two transfers, and it is not profitable at all (from $400 one way).

You can check and compare how to get there more economically in the TravelAsk section.

How to get from the airport to the city

Bus

This is perhaps the easiest way to get to the city. There are a total of five bus routes that will take you to the right places:

• Route 1 – to the city center (Mingshan Hotel); from 06:00 to 22:00.
• Route 2 – to the main (northern) railway station; 06:30–20:00.
• Route 3 – to the South Railway Station; 07:00-20:00.
• Route 4 – Huayang Bus Station, through the city center (Exhibition Center); 08:00-20:00.
• Route 5 – Xipu Bus Station, via Chadianzi Bus Station; 08:00 - 20:00.

The fare is 1.5 – 2 dollars.

High Speed ​​Train (CRH)

You can quickly get to the city by high-speed train. But it only goes to the southern and eastern railway stations. The departure station is located under Terminal 2. The trip will cost only 2 dollars and will take 10-20 minutes.

Taxi

Of course, you can easily take a taxi near the airport, which will cost about 10 dollars to the center of Chengdu and 15 to the northern railway station.

In addition, buses and trains run practically from the airport to other cities in the province and neighboring attractions.

By train

Considering that the railway is the most popular way to travel around the country, you can reach Chengdu by train from almost any part of China. There are a total of 3 passenger stations in the city:

• Main (North Railway Station 火车北站),
• Eastern Railway Station (成都东站),
• Southern (South Railway Station 火车南站).

I have marked the location of the stations on the map below.

Main Station (North Railway Station 火车北站）

The main (northern) station connects Sichuan province with major cities countries. The main destinations are Wuhan, Kunming, Guilin, Lanzhou, Changsha, Chongqing, Guangzhou. From most of the named cities there are several trains per day, for example, from Beijing 5 trains per day, Xi'an - 11, Guangzhou - 4, Shanghai - 5, Kunming - 6. But in use railway there are some disadvantages: due to the long distances, travel takes a lot of time, and ticket prices are quite high. So, for example, the journey from Beijing to Chengdu will take about 28-30 hours, and a ticket in a reserved seat carriage will cost $70, and a compartment ticket will cost about $100. From Shanghai a regular train takes about 36 hours, the price is the same, from Guangzhou it takes 30-40 hours, and a ticket will cost 80-120 dollars. So, in terms of convenience, this option is clearly inferior to a flight, and in terms of price it is not always better.

How to get from the station to the city

The station is located near the center. From here you can easily reach main places by metro, bus or taxi. There is a subway station called North Railway Station (火车北站) right next to the station, which is very convenient. The center of Chengdu is considered to be Tianfu Square (天府广场), you need to travel only 4 stops by metro (it will take 10 minutes - the fastest and most convenient way) and get off at the station of the same name or take buses number 16, 52, 55 ( 30-40 minutes). For a taxi you will need to pay approximately 2-3 dollars. The photo below shows the main square of the city.

Eastern Railway Station

High-speed trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Hangzhou and several other cities arrive at the East Station. High speed trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou it takes about 14 hours, but the most cheap ticket costs $133, so sometimes the plane will cost less. The East Station is also located next to the East Railway Station (成都东站) metro station on the second metro line, you need to travel 7 stops to the square. Also from here to the city center there are buses number 4, 47, 101, 104; bus fare costs 0.3 dollars. A taxi to the city will cost about 4 dollars, and to the airport - 10.

South Railway Station

Chengdu South Station carries out passenger transportation in the cities of Sichuan province: Emeishan, Leshan, Mianyang, Jiangyou, Guangyuan, Nanchong, Suining, etc. Located on the first metro line, at the South Railway Station (火车南站). Getting to the center is also easy: by bus, taxi and metro. You can get to the central square of the city by bus 16, in addition there are routes to other parts of the city.

By bus

Another way to get to Chengdu is to take a bus. But this is not the most convenient option, because it will take quite a long time to travel from popular Chinese cities, and in the vicinity of noisy and not always cultured Chinese, moving can seem like a complete nightmare. In addition, there is very little information on the Internet about bus schedules. Despite this, it can be said that the bus system in Chengdu is very well developed, the city has several bus stations that connect it with neighboring cities provinces, as well as such large cities as Kunming, Nanjing, etc.

Most intercity buses long distance(, Lanzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Ningbo) arrive at the Northern Bus Station (城北客运站), which is next to the main railway station. How to get from there to the center is described above; the same methods are suitable if you arrive at this bus station.

Tourist buses from major attractions in Sichuan such as Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Songpan, Leshan, Emeishan, Dujiangyan, etc. arrive at Xinnanmen (新南门汽车站) and Chadianzi (茶店子客运站) stations. How to get from them is written in my other one.

Clue:

Chengdu - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 5

Kazan − 5

Samara − 4

Ekaterinburg − 3

Novosibirsk − 1

Vladivostok 2

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Chengdu is not resort town, so the time of year does not play a special role for visiting it. Due to the fact that the city is surrounded by mountains, the climate in Chengdu is quite mild and pleasant. Here winter is more reminiscent of our spring with an average temperature of +5-10°C, and snow and cold are rather an exception. I visited Chengdu twice in winter, and I can say that I felt comfortable walking around the city, and the weather did not interfere with sightseeing at all. And what surprised me even more was that at the end of January some bushes, trees and even tulips were blooming in the parks.

In summer it is hot here, +25-30°C, but it often rains. At the same time, due to high humidity, it seems that the temperature is higher than it actually is.

Another feature of Chengdu is humid air, fog and cloudy skies. They say that it is thanks to such weather conditions local girls have soft white skin and are considered the most beautiful in all of China.

As you understand, when to come to Chengdu is not at all important, but if, in addition to the city itself, you want to visit the natural attractions of Sichuan province, for example, Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou, Emeishan, Qingchengshan, then it is still better to come from April to November.

Chengdu - weather by month

Clue:

Chengdu - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

In my opinion, in Chengdu it is best to stay close to the city center for easy access to the main tourist attractions, parks and restaurants. The most popular areas among tourists are the Qing Yang and Jin Jiang areas, which is where I recommend choosing a hotel. In terms of price, there won’t be much difference; in any area you can find both cheap housing and super expensive ones. It's the same with food and shopping, the prices are different and determined by your personal preferences. In China you can always find budget options and not so much, and it doesn’t depend on the area.

You can choose the best option on Booking - and compare prices from different services. To get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of the city, you can rent an apartment or an apartment from the locals, for more details see.

By the way, although there are only 9 districts in the city, 5 are considered internal, which I will briefly discuss below.

• Qing Yang District (青羊区) is the very heart of the city, and most tourists prefer to stay here. This area contains most of the city's attractions: parks, museums, temples, tourist streets.
• Jin Jiang District (锦江区) is a bustling and thriving business center. It houses a large number of companies, offices, and expensive shopping centers. It is in this area that the largest shopping street in the city is located, in addition there are bars, restaurants, clubs, cinemas and many hotels. This is the second most popular area.
• Wu Hou District (武侯区) is the largest. It is interesting for tourists because it is home to the famous Wuhou Temple and the ancient Qingli Street. There are a sufficient number of hotels, bars and cafes.
• Jin Niu District (金牛区) is another shopping area with many markets and shopping malls. The main one belongs to him railway station.
• Cheng Hua District (成华区) is an ordinary urban area with residential buildings, but it is where one of the main attractions is the panda breeding center. Otherwise, the area does not attract tourists in any way.

Main attractions. What to see

Chengdu and its surroundings boast a sufficient number of both cultural, historical and natural attractions. The city itself has many temples, museums, and ancient streets, which are the cultural and spiritual heritage of the entire country. Outside of it, tourists will get to know the unique and beautiful nature of the Sichuan province. It’s not for nothing that tours from Russia are organized here (you can look at the dates and prices).

Top 5

Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center

The main attraction for which most tourists come to Chengdu is the giant panda - an amazing animal that is practically no longer found in the wild. At the breeding and study center you can get quite close to these lazy bumpkins, who are completely different from bears.

At the same time, it is located practically in the city, and it is easy to get to the center by city bus. Its Chinese name is 中国大熊猫繁育研究基地 (zhōngguó dàxióngmāo fányù yánjiū jīdì).

What I liked were the conditions in which the acquaintance with these animals takes place: there are no glasses, no nets, or high fences. Of course, the pandas are at a safe distance from people, but it still feels like you can reach out and touch them. Most of the time, these lazy people either eat or sleep, and often they eat lying down and fall asleep hugging half-eaten bamboo, the process of eating exhausts them so much. Only young animals frolic, and even then rather clumsily. When I saw pandas hanging on a tree like that, I couldn’t even believe that they could climb up there, I thought that they were put there on purpose to amuse people, but no, it turns out they climb up there themselves and even manage to sleep there, it’s a pity I just couldn’t see the moment when they climb there.

In addition to pandas, on the territory of the center there is a lake with swans, peacocks walk along the paths, and you can also meet another, no less amazing animal - the red or small panda.

Unlike their larger cousins, red pandas are more similar to raccoons in both appearance and behavior. They are very active, playful and restless.

Opening hours of the center and entrance fee

The center is open daily from 7:30 to 18:00, but ticket sales stop one hour before closing. It’s best to come in the morning, when the pandas have breakfast, but, to be honest, we were stuck in the park for the whole day, we enjoyed watching these cuties so much. The entrance ticket costs only 9 dollars (58 yuan), which is extremely cheap considering the amount of positive emotions and impressions you will get there.

How to get there

You can get to the center by taxi, which will cost 5 dollars (30 yuan) one way (if you are traveling with a group or family, this is an excellent option). If you are interested in a budget option, then you should use public transport, which is cheap, but not very convenient, because you will have to make a transfer. But this is the method I chose. The easiest way to change trains is at the Zoo stop (动物园 dòngwùyuán). You can get to it by bus numbers 39, 70, 99, 150, 193. If you are coming from the central railway station, then you need the 9th bus, and from the main square - 53, 64, 99. Then at the stop Zoo you need to take bus No. 198, 198a or 87 to 大熊猫基地站 (dàxióngmāo jīdìzhàn).

The downside for those who don’t know the language is that stops are announced only in Chinese. But most buses have a display that displays the name of the next stop and a route diagram, where special lights light up, marking the stops that have already been passed and those that have not. Even without knowing the meaning of the hieroglyphs, you can visually compare them or show the driver where you need to go so that he can tell you where to get off.

House-Museum of the Poet Du Fu

Du Fu (712-770) is a great Chinese poet who lived and worked in the Tang era. One day he left the capital and settled on the outskirts of Chengdu in a small house with a thatched roof. In this place he wrote more than 200 poems, which became a national treasure. The house in which Du Fu spent several years has survived to this day and has become a museum. In it you can learn about the poet’s life and work.

Now on this territory, in addition to the museum itself, there is a temple, a beautiful orchard, a pavilion, gazebos and a monument to the poet.

The museum is open from 8:00 to 18:00, admission fee is $10. You can get there by the following buses: 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, 165, 170, 309, 319, 1024 or 1031 to the stop 杜甫草堂站.

Wuhou Memorial Temple Complex

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The Wuhou temple complex is a reminder of such a period in Chinese history as the Three Kingdoms, when the struggle for power was waged between three kingdoms: Wu, Wei and Shu. At that time, Chengdu was the capital of the kingdom of Shu, led by Emperor Liu Bei. But the temple itself is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei’s assistant, a famous commander and statesman of that era. On the territory you can see sculptures of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, pavilions named after them and ancient slabs with inscriptions.

Opening hours are from 8:00 to 18:00, entrance fee is $10. To get there, take a taxi or bus numbers 1, 57, 82, 109, 334, 335 to 武侯祠站.

Qingli Ancient Street (锦里古街 jǐnlǐ gǔ jiē)

Another tourist attraction in Chengdu is Qingli Ancient Street, which has a special flavor and seems to take you back in time. It is located next to the Wuhou temple complex, so I recommend not to miss the opportunity and combine a visit to these two places. There are many cozy cafes, bars and souvenir shops on Qingli. How to get to the street, see above, where Wuhou Temple is described.

The largest building in the world

The Chinese once again broke all records and built a building that became the largest in area in the world. It became the New Century Global Center (新世纪环球中心 xīnshìjì huánqiú zhōngxīn), the internal area of ​​which is 1.7 million square meters. Since opening in 2013, the mall has become an asset to Chengdu and a tourist attraction.

What's inside? In addition to a huge number of shops, offices, restaurants, conference rooms, two five-star hotels, ice skating rink and the largest IMAX cinema in Chengdu, there is something that just doesn’t fit into your head. Inside the shopping complex, the Chinese have built an artificial beach with an area of ​​5 thousand m², which can simultaneously accommodate more than 500 people. If you want to visit it, here you go useful information: The beach is open from 10:00 to 20:00 and admission costs $28 (RMB 180).
You can get to this architectural miracle by taking the metro to Jinchen Plaza Station (锦城广场), exit A.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

If this is not your first time in China, then perhaps the temples and other traditional architectural structures are boring and no longer impressive to you, but there are several in Chengdu that will interest you.

Temple of the Green Goat (青羊宫 qīngyáng gōng)

The Green Goat Temple is not just an example of Taoist architecture, but also one of the most ancient temples, which houses the sacred relics of Taoism. For those who are not interested in religion, the place is still worthy of a visit, because there is a beautiful well-groomed area, beautiful architecture and a unique atmosphere. The temple itself is located on the territory of Wenhua Park (文化园wénhuàyuán), where you can also have a good time.

Bronze goat statues can be found at the entrance to the Hall of Three Principles. They have already been polished to a shine by visitors who believe that touching the statue will bring them good luck. One goat there, by the way, is very unusual, the main thing is to look carefully :)

The temple is open from 8:00 to 18:00, and the entrance fee is nominal, less than 2 dollars.

You can get there by metro, the nearest station is Provincial People's Hospital 中医大省医院 on Line 2 and then walk a little more. Or by bus: 11, 19, 27, 34, 35, 58, 59, 82, 129, 151 , 170, 309, 319 to the stop 青羊宫.

Wenshu Monastery (文殊院 wénshū yuàn)

Buddhist monastery Wenshu is one of the best preserved sacred Buddhist sites in Chengdu. On the territory of the monastery there are more than 300 Buddhist statues made of stone, bronze, wood and other materials. The oldest of them belong to the Liang (502-557) and Tang (618 - 907) dynasties. In addition, the monastery exhibits valuable paintings, frescoes and calligraphy.

Open from 8:00 to 18:00, the entrance fee is nominal, about a dollar. To get there, take the first metro line, the station is called Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) or take city buses 16, 52, 55 and 298.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Sichuan Provincial Museum

The museum consists of four halls and occupies an area of ​​46 thousand square meters. Its collection includes more than 300 thousand artifacts that tell the history of Sichuan from prehistoric times to the present day.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit it, so I can’t tell you from my experience, but I think it’s worth a visit, because it’s where you can get to know the history and culture of the province better. Open from 9:00 to 17:00, except Monday. According to rumors, entry is free, you just need to have a passport with you, but I’m not sure of this information. You can get there by buses No. 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, 165, 170, 319 to the Songxianqiao 送仙桥 stop.

In addition, if you have nothing else to do, you can visit museums such as:

• Sichuan University Museum (四川大学博物馆). Admission is $5.
• Sichuan Science and Technology Museum. Located in the main square of the city, behind the statue of Mao Zedong. Open from 9:30 to 16:30, but visitors are no longer allowed an hour before closing. Admission is $5.
• Dinosaur Museum of the Polytechnic University. Located on the territory of the Polytechnic University - 成都理工大学. Entrance is 1.5 dollars.

Parks

The Chinese love to spend their free time outdoors, which is why there are many parks and gardens in every city. They are worth visiting not only to be closer to nature, but also to see how the locals spend their leisure time. It is especially interesting to watch the older generation. Old people play mahjong, gather, so to speak, in “interest groups” and sing songs, play instruments, read poetry, do dancing and breathing exercises, and practice calligraphy.
Almost every park has a teahouse where you can try local teas and play board games.
Parks worth visiting:

• People's Park (人民公园 rénmín gōngyuán). Located within walking distance from the main square of the city, you can get to the metro station of the same name.

• Baihuatan Park (百花潭公园 bǎi huā tán gōngyuán). Admission is free, the park is open from 6 am to 9 pm. Buses 35, 115, 126, 127, 129, 170 go there.

• Wangjiangtang Park (望江楼公园 wàngjiāng lóu gōngyuán). You can visit the park for free from 6 am to 9 pm. The nearest bus stops are 三官堂 (sānguān táng) and 龙船路 (lóngchuán lù), which are served by buses 3, 12, 18, 31, 56, 68, 74, 82, 106, 152, 218, etc.

Tourist streets

Wide and narrow alleys (宽窄巷子 kuānzhǎi xiàngzi)

This place is a popular tourist attraction in the city center. It consists of three parallel streets with cafes, shops and funny monuments.

Here you can sit in a cafe, buy souvenirs or try local “delicacies” and feel like you are in ancient China. But the prices for everything are a little high; after all, this is primarily a tourist attraction.

Getting to the street is easy; from the center it will not be a problem to walk from the square (30 minutes) or the People's Park (15-20 minutes).

From other parts of the city, you can take the metro station 人民公园 Line 2 and then walk.

I really liked this place, it has a special atmosphere, so I recommend visiting it.

What to see in the area

Many tourists come to Chengdu not for the city itself, but most often it serves as a starting point for exploring the treasures of Sichuan province. I would like to offer several of them, all of them are included in the UNESCO list.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Almost 50 km from Chengdu, on the Minjiang River, there is a unique monument to the engineering thought of the ancient Chinese - the Dujiangyan irrigation system, which was created more than two thousand years ago. Now it's tourist place with interesting temples, a suspension bridge and teahouses to visit.

There are several ways to get there from Chengdu:

• as part of a tourist excursion,
• by bus,
• by train,
• by taxi.

Buses to Dujiangyan City operate from the airport, Xinnanmen, Chadianzi and other bus terminals. Upon arrival in the city, you still need to get to the park on city route No. 4 or by taxi for 3-5 dollars. If you want to get there by train, then you need the main station (travel time is only 30 minutes, ticket costs 2-3 dollars). A taxi directly from Chengdu will cost 20-25 dollars per car. Admission to the park itself costs $15.

Mount Qingchengshan (青城山 qīng chéng shān)

70 km from the city of Chengdu and only 20 km from Dujiangyan is Mount Qingchengshan, revered by Taoists, since it was here that the first Taoist temple was erected temple complex. Now on its territory you can see Taoist monasteries, pavilions and pagodas, caves and lakes. This place combines Taoist culture and natural beauty. To get there from Chengdu, you can take the train (to 青城山火车站 station), then take bus No. 101 along the front of the mountain. Or take a bus from Xinnanmen or Chadianzi Station. Alternatively, it can be reached from Dujiangyan. You will have to pay about $15 to enter, plus the cable car and visits to some caves are paid separately.

If you have enough time, I would advise combining a visit to the irrigation system and the mountain, especially since they are located nearby. You can stay overnight inside the park at a hotel or monastery, or outside at the foot of the mountain and return to Chengdu the next day. But I haven't tried this option.

Giant Buddha statue in Leshan (乐山大佛 lèshān dàfó)

Near the city of Leshan, which is 140 km from Chengdu, in the territory beautiful park there is a unique 70-meter statue of Buddha carved into the rock, the creation of which lasted about a hundred years. Its size is truly impressive, as several people can fit on just one toe. You can get to Leshan town by bus from Chengdu bus terminals or Chengdu Airport by tourist bus, taxi or train from the southern railway station. Entrance fee is about 15 dollars (90 yuan).

Emeishan Sacred Mountains (峨眉山 éméishān)

The Emeishan Mountains are one of the four great and sacred Buddhist mountains of China and are a place of special beauty and atmosphere. Today, about 300 monks live in this territory and there are more than 20 monasteries. It attracts pilgrims and ordinary tourists who are ready to overcome the difficult path to the top and watch the sunrise in this stunning place. The ways to get there are the same as to Leshan.

Jiuzhaigou National Park

One of the main treasures of Sichuan province is a unique natural reserve with incredibly beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountain landscapes 400 km from Chengdu. All the necessary information about the park can be read in my article.

Huanglong National Park (黄龙 Huáng lóng)

No less beautiful is Huanglong National Park, which is located 70 km from Jiuzhaigou. The pride of the park is its extraordinary beauty of colored pools, waterfalls and a mountain 5588 meters high, which is covered with snow all year round. Best combined with a visit to Jiuzhaigou.

I highly recommend visiting at least a few of these amazing places, because each of them is unique in its own way. I am by nature a great lover of nature, so for me the ideal choice was visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, but for people who are interested in Buddhism, I advise you to conquer Emeishan, this is simply a must-see item on the program. If you don’t have much time, then you can escape from the city to Mount Qingchenshan, admire nature, and at the same time visit Dongjiangyan. Well, it’s best to visit everything so you don’t regret it later.

Food. What to try

You probably know that Chinese cuisine is very interesting, varied and, sometimes, exotic. I wrote more about food in China and dishes worth trying in another article, which you can read.

But the Sichuan province has its own special cuisine, 川菜, which is famous throughout the world for its scorching spiciness. So, if you are in Chengdu, be sure to try the local signature dishes. I have already mentioned some of them, such as gongbao chicken (宫保鸡丁gōngbǎo jīdīng), hot pot (火锅）and pork in fish sauce (鱼香肉丝 yúxiāng ròusī). Besides them, I advise you to pay your attention to the following dishes:

• mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐 má pó dòufǔ) – bean curd tofu fried with minced meat and hot Sichuan pepper;

• boiled fish in spicy Sichuan sauce (水煮鱼shuǐzhǔ yú);

• twice-cooked pork, or “meat that returned to the cauldron” (回锅肉 huíguōròu) – pork stewed in a special way with hot peppers;

• beef with citrus zest (陈皮牛肉chénpí niúròu);

• stewed pieces of pork (东坡肘子dōng pō zhǒuzi);
• chili fish (辣子鱼丁làziyúdīng);
• fish with pickles (酸菜鱼suāncài yú) - fish steamed with marinade according to a special recipe;

• dan dan noodles, or Szechuan spicy noodles (担担面dàndànmià).

By the way, to take the edge off after eating, you need to drink milk, not water.
Finding what to eat in Chengdu is not a problem, because, as in all of China, there are establishments for every taste and budget on every corner. The price will depend on the location, dish and type of cuisine you choose. European cuisine will cost more, Chinese cuisine will be cheaper. The most budget option is street food: various snacks, sandwiches, kebabs. Hike to good restaurant It will cost a decent amount of money, but I can’t say that it tastes much better there than in small street establishments.

As you understand, you can eat almost everywhere in Chengdu; there are both Chinese establishments and cafes, restaurants and fast foods with European cuisine, so you won’t have to go hungry.

A variety of dishes can be found on the tourist streets that I wrote about above, and there are a large number of places near the main attractions. The photo shows restaurants near the ancient Qingli Street (锦里古街).

There are even separate, so-called food streets, but I would say that this is more suitable for the Chinese than for foreigners. The most famous are Shaxixian (沙西线美食一条街), Yangxixian（羊西线美食一条街), Wenshuyuan (文殊院小吃街) and others .

In addition, any shopping center or mall will definitely have an entire floor with cafes and restaurants. Most often these will be good and clean places with quality food.

In case you can't handle the spicy Sichuan cuisine, you can always grab a bite to eat at MacDonald's, KFC (in addition to hamburgers and fries, they often have rice dishes with meat) or Pizza Hut.

Things to do

Shopping and shops

Chunxi Shopping Street (春熙路)

If you want to buy something for yourself in Chengdu, I would advise you to first go to Chunxi Street, which is called a shopping paradise.

On this street there are simply a lot of boutiques, shopping centers, supermarkets and just shops where you can find things from Chinese and world brands at moderate and not very reasonable prices. Most stores are open from 10:00 to 22:00.

In addition to shops, there are a lot of coffee shops, fast foods and restaurants, both Chinese and European, where you can eat delicious food and have a good time.

How to get there

It is located almost in the city center, and it is best to use the metro. There is a station on Line 2 called Chunxi Road (春熙路), which is exactly what you need. When you arrive at the place, use exit C or D. In addition, you can also get there by city buses, here are several routes that run here: 43, 47, 55, 56, 58, 81, 98, 104 and others.

Zongfu Street (总府路zǒngfǔlù)

This street is located near 天府广场 Square. It is home to a large number of shopping malls that attract both locals and visitors. There you can buy branded cosmetics, shoes, clothes and jewelry. But as for me, a trip to Chunxi Street will be enough, because there is more choice there, and there is a special flavor. But if you come to go, then the map below will help you, it will take about 20 minutes on foot from the square.

• handicrafts and antiques market (送仙桥 sòng xiānqiáo);
• Wide and Narrow Alley (宽窄巷子kuānzhǎi xiàngzi);
• market for Tibetan souvenirs near Wuhou Temple （武侯祠横街 wǔhóucí héngjiē);
• Qingli Ancient Street, next to Wuhou Temple (锦里古街sòng xiān qiáo);
• antique market on Renmin South Road (人民南路rénmín nán lù).

Bars. Where to go

Chengdu is a large and advanced city where young people also like to have fun and relax. Therefore, there is quite a large number interesting establishments and even entire streets of bars and nightclubs. Just tell the taxi driver 酒吧街 jiǔbā jiē, and he will take you to one of the many bar streets.

A popular street frequented by both locals and foreigners is Lan Kwai Fong 兰桂坊, which has about 30 bars, restaurants and nightclubs in one place, but the prices are not cheap. If you love parties and don’t spare money on them, then this is definitely the place for you. It is located near the Dong Da Road (东大路) ​​metro station. In addition, you can visit:

1. Shaoling Road Bar Street (少陵路酒吧一条街);
2. Jiuyanqiao Bar Street (九眼桥酒吧街);
3. Yulin Neighborhood Bar Street (玉林酒吧一条街);
4. Wuhou Temple Bar Street (武侯祠酒吧一条街).

If you want to spend the evening in a bar with a glass of beer or a cocktail, I advise you to take a walk along one of these streets, there you will definitely be able to find something to suit your taste, or you can look into one of the establishments suggested below.

Popular bars among foreigners:

• Beernest (啤酒窝j酒吧),
• Underground (隧道酒吧),
• Bookworm,
• bar-restaurant Lazy Pug,
• Irish pub Shamrock, live music bar Music House (音乐房子).

Others frequently visited by local youth include:

• Machu Picchu,
• Little Bar,
• Elephant Bar,
• Lotus Place
• Shark's and others.

Most bars are open from lunch until 2 am.

Clubs and nightlife

In addition to bars, there are nightclubs and discos in the city, but from my own experience I can say that the format of such an establishment is different here and in China. With the exception of VIP establishments, which I have never been to, most have free admission, and there are no requirements for appearance either. And no one bothers foreigners at all, because it will be prestigious for any club if such guests come there. In some places, there is even a practice that administrators specially invite laowai (as the Chinese call all foreigners 老外) and treat them for free, just to create a reputation for their establishment. In addition, there may not be a usual dance floor; instead, there will be a narrow stage for a dance show or singers (this is also a feature of local clubs), and the Chinese themselves rarely dance in clubs. By the way, another big disadvantage of many “Chinese” clubs is that they do not sell single drinks and cocktails, and in order to sit at a table, you need, for example, to take a box of beer or expensive whiskey (often fake), and if you come together, then this is absolutely not profitable. But there are also exceptions. Chinese clubs also close early, at 2-3 am, although in my homeland I used to dance until the morning :)

Some of the most popular clubs include:

• Jellyfish,
• Muse,
• Nasa,
• Here We Go,
• BABI,
• Kakadu.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

The choice of souvenirs is probably an important part of any trip, because all these pleasant little things will later remind you of a great time. And you definitely don’t want to return from China empty-handed. Chengdu is no exception, the choice of shops and markets is quite large, I would even say it’s mind-blowing, so if you have free time, devote a day to shopping. In addition to the usual Chinese souvenir products, Sichuan has its own interesting and special products.

Bamboo products

Sichuan province is rich in bamboo forests, which panda bears love so much. It is not surprising that bamboo souvenirs have become popular here. As a gift for yourself or your loved ones, you can bring boxes, lamps, baskets, kitchen and writing utensils made from this material; they are sold both in expensive stores and in markets.

If you want to buy some unusual gift, then here’s an idea: recently it has become fashionable to combine porcelain and wicker bamboo, you get very beautiful interesting things, like this tea set in the photo below.

Sichuan Brocade Shu (蜀锦 shǔjǐn)

The skill of making Sichuan Shu brocade, or, as it is also called, patterned silk, originated more than two thousand years ago and has survived to this day. Previously, only emperors could have such luxury, but now it is considered an important cultural heritage of Chengdu, but anyone can buy it. In the city, by the way, there is even a museum of Shu brocade, in Chinese it is called 成都蜀锦织绣博物馆 (chéngdū shǔjǐn zhīxiù bówùguǎn) and is located at 青羊区草堂东路2号(qīngyáng qū cǎ otáng dōng lù èr háo), which is not far from home to the Du Fu Museum and Baihuatan Park.

Sichuan Shu embroidery (蜀绣 shǔxiù)

This is a traditional artistic silk embroidery characteristic of this province. In Chengdu you can buy paintings, scarves, clothes, pillowcases and bed linen with traditional Sichuan embroidery, but it will not be cheap. Among the inexpensive ones, small embroidered paintings in frames are in demand among tourists.

Lacquered products（漆器qīqì）

Various lacquerware items: dishes, vases, and boxes became popular souvenirs from Chengdu. Sichuan lacquer crafts have been renowned for their quality since ancient times, so if you like this kind of thing, don't miss the opportunity to purchase it.

Other souvenirs

In addition, you can buy silverware, jade jewelry, porcelain, tea, spices, local alcohol, antiques and ordinary Chinese souvenirs (fans, paintings, Chinese traditional clothes, Chinese masks, etc.).

How to get around the city

Chengdu has an excellent public transport system; at your service local residents and tourists there is a metro, regular and excursion buses, taxis. Today, the most convenient way to get around the city is by bus, but only for those who know Chinese, because the names of the stops are written only in hieroglyphs, and the stops are also announced in Chinese. With many different routes you can easily reach the main city and suburban attractions, railway and bus stations, shopping centers and tourist streets. Bus travel is also the cheapest - $0.3 per trip. The metro system is not yet sufficiently developed, because the first line was launched relatively recently, in 2010. But you can also get to many places, and without traffic jams. The metro will cost 0.3 - 1.1 dollars depending on the distance, plus all the signs are duplicated in English. For those who do not like public transport, there is always the option of taking a taxi. More about all this below.

Taxi. What features exist

In Chengdu, as throughout China, there are fixed prices for taxi services. Most cars are equipped with a taximeter and are charged at certain rates. I specifically checked what the current prices are in Chengdu, and you can use this information to roughly calculate how much you need to pay for travel, provided that, of course, you at least know the distance approximately.

From 6:00 to 23:00, landing and the first 2 km cost 8-9 yuan, then the price for each kilometer is 1.9 yuan for a distance of up to 10 km, over 10 and up to 60 km you will have to pay 2.85 yuan for each kilometer. At night it gets a little more expensive. From 23:00 to 6:00 landing - 10 yuan, up to 10 km the price per km is 2.2 yuan, from 10 to 60 km - 3.3 per km.

That is, if you need to travel 2 km, you should be charged only 1.2 dollars, if 10 km, then 3.6 dollars, 20 - about 8 dollars.

You can catch a taxi everywhere and without much effort, just wave your hand at a passing taxi. In China, there is usually no need to call and pre-book a car, but if you have a flight to the airport, it is better to ask the hotel staff to arrange transport in advance.

When you get into a taxi, make sure that the taxi driver turns on and resets the taximeter, or, if he doesn’t have one, negotiate the price in advance (if you have an idea how much you should pay). In China, you can also take a ride; they usually cost about the same price. The problem with Chinese drivers is that they often do not know English, so it is always better to have an address written in hieroglyphs on a piece of paper. It’s one thing if you need some kind of tourist place or a train station, an airport, the location of which everyone knows, but there are problems with hotels. Drivers do not always understand the nooks and crannies of the city and can get lost, and you will pay for this ignorance.

Metro

The metro in Chengdu appeared relatively recently. The first line was opened in 2010, and according to the plan, by 2020 there will already be 10 of them. But so far 3 metro lines have been launched: Line 1 (blue), Line 2 (red) and Line 4 (green). A diagram of operating metro stations is presented below.

How much does it cost to travel by metro?

As I said above, the cost of travel on the metro varies depending on the distance and is calculated by the number of stops. So, for example, driving 6 stops costs 0.3 dollars, 12 stops costs 0.46 dollars, and so on. That is, if you, for example, need to get from the course to the destination along Line 1, you will have to pay 0.77 dollars. (22 stops). The maximum amount will be $1.1 if you travel 40 stops.

Opening hours

• Line 1 operates from 6:20-22:50;
• Line 2 from 6:20-22:30;
• Line 3 from 06:30-22:30.

How to buy a ticket

There is currently no option to buy a one-day or two-day ticket in the Chengdu metro ticket, and each trip is paid separately. Locals have a special smart card that gives a discount on travel, but there is no point in purchasing it for tourists.

To pay for the metro there are special machines (they have English language), a metro map and the station you are at appears on the screen. Next, you should select the station where you are going to get off, after which the machine will tell you how much you need to pay. You insert money into the bill slot, receive change and a ticket. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip, because you will need to present it to the turnstile when exiting. That's all, nothing complicated.

Buses

Regular city buses

City buses are the most popular and developed way to travel around the city. There are stops on literally every corner, and you can get to almost anywhere in the city. The cost of travel on a public bus is 0.3 dollars. You need to pay in cash, and it is advisable to always have small change with you. Most often, buses do not have a conductor, and the fare is placed in a special transparent box next to the driver. Locals use a card to pay, which, if I’m not mistaken, is the same for all city transport, including the metro. On most routes, service starts at 6:30 am and ends at 21:00, although some buses run until 23:00. The exact schedule can be found at the stops; not only the route is written there, but also the operating hours for each route.

In addition, the city has one night route number 298, which runs from 22:00 to 05:30, the fare costs 0.46 dollars. It runs from the Century City New Convention and Exhibition Center to the Main Railway Station through the city center. The route practically runs along the first metro line, as can be seen on the map below.

Excursion buses

There are also sightseeing buses in Chengdu that you can take to some of the attractions in and around the city. But this proposal is quite peculiar. I’m not a fan of group trips, so I haven’t tried this option, but I can still tell you a little about it.

The advantage of such a bus is that it travels to your destination quickly, without stops or transfers, and you don’t have to look for a seat yourself. The downside is that in addition to travel (can be one-way or two-way), its cost includes the entrance fee and guide services. So it turns out more expensive than driving on your own. public transport. Prices and schedules must be found on site.

For example, I found information that sightseeing tour to the panda breeding center will cost 20 dollars (128 yuan) per person, this price includes round trip travel, entrance ticket to the center and the services of a guide (I don’t know what they mean by this, most likely you will have to follow him in a group). At the same time, you can get to the place on your own by city bus, which will cost a maximum of 1.5 dollars (10 yuan) in 2 directions (this is if you go with transfers), and for the entrance to the park you will pay 9 dollars. (58 yuan). In my opinion, the difference in price is noticeable. If you are traveling with a group, then a taxi will be more profitable.

But for those who don’t like to look for something on their own, this is a good option.

Where to buy tickets

There are special offices for selling tickets for such excursions; they are located near the main tourist attractions (at the main entrance to the pandas, Wuhou Temple, Dufu House Museum), and buses depart from there. In addition, tickets can be purchased at Shuangliu Airport (you need to find the International transit passenger service center in terminals 1 and 2) and at Tianfu Main Square (at -1F near Starbucks at Jinzhan Shopping Center)

Where can I get there?

On such a sightseeing bus you can go to see the Panda Breeding Center, the house museum of the poet Du Fu, Wuhou Temple, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Jingchengshan Mountain and more.

Transport rental

In order to legally drive a car in China, you only need to have a Chinese driver's license. No foreign or international documents are suitable. Therefore, you won’t be able to rent a car on your own and quickly. If the question is fundamental, you can apply for a Chinese one on the basis of an existing driver’s license from your country, but you will have to take an exam in China, and this requires time and money. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend driving here. But if the desire to drive is irresistible, you can get your bearings using car rental prices. Although local roads high quality, drivers drive as they please, without following the rules at all, and it can be very difficult for a person not accustomed to such traffic to navigate. If retaking your license is not an option for you, then the only possible way is to rent a vehicle with a Chinese driver or a person who has a document issued in the PRC, but this will not be cheap.

The largest museum of this profile in southeast asia. Located 9 kilometers from the town of Zigong (Sichuan), in the Dashanpu area. This is one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil sites.

Today the museum, opened in 1987, is a large 3-story building with a bizarre shape. The total area of ​​museum exhibitions exceeds 65 thousand square meters.

The museum presents three large thematic exhibitions. The first tells about the history of the evolution of dinosaurs and gives a general idea of ​​the life and development of giants on our planet.

The second part is the restored dinosaur skeletons found in Dashanpu. Some of them are very well preserved. The most interesting exhibit is the fully preserved skeleton of a dinosaur that lived approximately 175 million years ago. His height exceeded 10 meters and his weight was 4 tons.

The third exhibition is located directly at the site where dinosaur bones were found. Here you can see how search work is being carried out and even touch the remains of ancient lizards.

Coordinates: 29.39494000,104.82773400

Big Buddha

The main attraction of Leshan is the world's largest Buddha statue, carved into a rock. The Big Buddha is located in the Lingyunshan Mountains. The height of the statue is 71 meters - only the index finger is 8 meters long. Its construction began in 713 and work lasted 90 years.

The seated Buddha's head is at the level of the mountain peak, and his feet touch the river. All the proportions of the human body were skillfully conveyed, and even the face of Buddha was able to give an expression of calm and kindness. Next to the statue - on the southern and northern walls - more than 90 stone images of bodhisattvas are carved out.

In 1996, the Leshan Big Buddha was listed in the Catalog of World Cultural and natural heritage UNESCO.

Coordinates: 29.54583300,103.77342200

What sights of Sichuan did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Turquoise Lake

Jiuzhaigou National Park is located in eastern China in Sichuan Province. Its name translates as “valley of nine villages.” This park is famous for the fact that it has more than a hundred lakes and the water in them is crystal clear green, blue and turquoise colors, since all these lakes were formed as a result of melting glaciers. In 1992, the park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since 1997 it has been declared a biosphere reserve.

Jiuzhaigou is located in the highlands, and due to the abundance of water and highlands, many lakes and waterfalls are formed on its territory, which amaze tourists with their appearance.

More than a hundred species of animals live on the shores of these lakes and throughout the park. The forests here are mostly of mixed type, they are especially beautiful in autumn, when they turn yellow, orange and red. Among the plants here you can find numerous bamboos, rhododendrons and others.

Coordinates: 33.25562800,104.24391700

Mount Emeishan is considered the eternal residence of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. This mountain, along with the other three, is a sacred mountain for Chinese Buddhists.

First Buddhist temple It was built on the mountain in the 1st century. It was called "Temple of Ten Thousand Years". The most valuable monument of the temple is the statue of the sacred Bodhisattva Samantabhadra on an elephant, made in the 9th-10th centuries. By the twentieth century, there were already more than 100 temples on the mountain, but most of them were damaged during the Cultural Revolution. To this day, about 20 temples have survived, which can be reached by cable car and along two paths. The hike to the top will take 2-3 days.

Now Mount Emeishan is very popular among Chinese pilgrims. Their number is so large that special rooms in temples are allocated and rented out for tourists to spend the night.

Next to the mountain is the most tall statue in the world - the Big Buddha of Leshan, which is a monument World Heritage UNESCO.

Coordinates: 29.73181200,103.36083400

Jiuzhaigou Valley

The Jiuzhaigou Valley is known for its stunning mountain scenery and flowering meadows. In addition to natural beauties, in the valley there are several clean mountain lakes and ancient villages which have become popular tourist spots.

The valley is located in the north of Sichuan province on the territory of the amazingly beautiful national park-reserve. The length of the valley is fifteen kilometers.

Since ancient times, there have been nine villages in the valley, and the most touristy of them are Heie, Shuzheng and Dzechawa.

Local residents of these villages offer to see how various handicrafts, dishes and much more are made. You can buy your favorite decorative items in souvenir shops, and in small cafes you will be offered to try traditional Chinese dishes.

Coordinates: 33.02478500,103.98834200

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Not far from Chinese province There is one place in Sichuan indescribable beauty. Such colors, such paintings, such views can only be seen in well-processed photographs. But Jiuzhaigou National Park is quite real place, where people from all over the world come to see with their own eyes the incredible wonders of Asian nature.

This place is called the Valley of Nine Villages, because there are nine Tibetan settlements here. The park is famous for its multi-level waterfalls, valleys and lakes. The most popular places here are Panda Falls, Swan and Grass Lakes, as well as the Ancient Forest.

This national park looks most amazing in the fall, because the local forests take on a yellow-red color, which, together with the bright blue and green waters of the local lakes, creates a stunning picture. Here it is - a corner of harmony with nature and with yourself.

Coordinates: 33.22941500,103.91157900

Panda Breeding Research Center

You can watch leisurely panda bears by visiting the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center. Pandas live in spacious enclosures, where natural conditions are recreated for them, and there are rooms for feeding, sleeping, and treatment. Grown-up bears are released into the wild.

Due to the fact that these animals reproduce slowly, they are in danger of extinction - which is why Chinese scientists have taken them under their protection. It is believed that no more than 1000 individuals live in natural conditions. A large panda reserve is located 150 km from Chengdu.

Coordinates: 30.73246700,104.14609900

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Baogo Monastery

Bauguo Si Temple is located in the sacred Eme Mountains. Despite the fact that there are other Buddhist temples in these mountains, Baogo is considered the most striking example of local Emei architecture.

Baoguo was founded during the Ming Dynasty. It began to be built in 1573, but construction was delayed - the gates of the monastery opened only in 1620. In the mid-eighteenth century it underwent reconstruction, the result of which has survived to this day.

Baoguo Temple boasts attractions rich in history. One of them is a statue of a seated porcelain Buddha, whose age is over 600 years. Another attraction is the seven-meter bronze tower, on which thousands of Buddha images and ancient sutras are engraved.

Coordinates: 29.56810600,103.44356300

The most popular attractions in Sichuan with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Sichuan on our website.

More attractions of Sichuan

Chengdu - large hospitable city in Sichuan province. The city is one of the most important economic, financial, trade, cultural, transport and communication centers of Western China. At the same time, the surrounding area of ​​Chengdu has been inhabited for four thousand years. Chengdu has achieved the glory of the city of pandas. The western mountainous regions are a favorite habitat for giant pandas, largely due to the preservation of ancient forests in the area. The image of a panda is used to decorate the city; the vast majority of souvenirs are somehow related to these animals. And it is not surprising, because in the vicinity of the city there are as many as three research centers for breeding and studying giant pandas living there: “Dujiangyan Base”, “Bifengxia Base” and “Chengdu Base”.

The city has its own Shuangliu International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport receives 119 domestic and 52 international routes. Of course, both railway and road communications are developed in Chengdu. Chengdu is an excellent transit point when traveling around China.

Panda Museum

The Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center is located at the foot of the mountain in the northern suburbs, about 10 km from the center. It can be reached in approximately 35 minutes. On the territory of the center there is a nursery for young animals and a panda museum. This is the only museum in the world that presents information exclusively on giant pandas, which are on the verge of extinction. Among the museum's samples, you can see display cases reproducing the habitats of pandas, study fossil samples, receive comprehensive scientific information, and learn about measures taken to restore the giant panda population. The landscape of the center imitates the natural habitat of pandas: bamboo groves are planted, artificial burrows are dug, ornamental grasses are planted, and there are rock and cave shelters. On an area of ​​about 300 square meters you can also see a reconstruction of the ancient habitats of these extraordinary animals, which introduces us to the territories of Qin Lin, Xiang Ling and Ming Shan. Visitors will be able to see first-hand the work of the Chinese government and the scale of efforts being made to protect this endangered but beloved animal around the world. It is recommended to visit this park in the morning. The animals are fed from 8:30 to 10 am, after which the cute pandas indulge in their favorite pastime - sleep.

Sichuan Museum

The Sichuan Museum or Sichuan Provincial Museum in Chengdu is the best museum in the region. Some of the most valuable exhibits are historical relics dating back to 3300 BC. The construction of the museum building was completed in 2009 and since then, 15 giant exhibition halls have been presenting bronze items, collections of Han Dynasty ceramics, ancient calligraphy and painting to visitors. Much attention is paid to the relics of several dynasties of Chinese rulers. You can see fossils, ancient tools, and a huge exhibition of weapons. Fine art is represented by works dating back to the Qing and Tang dynasties.

Renmin Park & ​​Tea House

You can learn about real Chinese culture by visiting a historical Chinese park. Such an opportunity will present itself to the guests of Chengdu. In the very center of the city is one of the oldest and most famous parks. Renmin Park, also known as the People's Park, is home to Chengdu's oldest teahouse. The park opens at 6 a.m. for those wishing to exercise and closes at 2 a.m. Chinese people gather here to dance and drink tea. Here you can also ride catamarans on a small lake. Near the cozy bonsai garden, in the shade of the trees, there is a sports ground. The highlight of a holiday in the park is the opportunity to drink Chinese tea in a real Chinese teahouse. The teahouse is located in an old pavilion.

Thatched Pagoda of Chinese poet Du Fu

While in Chengdu, you need to visit the memorial park and pagoda of the great ancient Chinese poet Du Fu, which is located on the western outskirts of the city. In 1961, the Chinese government designated the Tang Dynasty Poet's Pagoda as a national heritage site. In 759, Du Fu moved to Chengdu and built a thatched hut in which he lived and worked for 4 years. This place inspired the poet to write 240 poems. The original building has not survived, but the memory of Du Fu was honored at the beginning of the 16th century, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. The restoration of the pagoda in 1811 speaks of the recognition of the poet’s skill during the reign of the Qing dynasty. The reconstructed thatched hut is divided into an office, a bedroom and a kitchen, and recreates life during Du Fu's life. The hut is located in a picturesque park, laid out in traditional Chinese style. The park abounds with plums, lotuses, chrysanthemums and orchids. The park contains the "Hall of Great Poets", which houses sculptures of 12 famous poets and a mural depicting scenes from the life and poems of Du Fu.

Chengdu ("City of Brocade") is the administrative center of the southwestern province of Sichuan (Sichuan), the main region of giant panda nurseries in China.

Chengdu is an ancient city founded in the 4th century. BC, when it was the capital of the kingdom of Shu, and subsequently six more kingdoms. Already in ancient times, Chengdu was an important political and shopping center. At the beginning of our era, the city was known throughout the Celestial Empire thanks to its rich brocade, which was considered the best in the East. During the reign of the Song Dynasty, paper money was used here for the first time in the world.

Modern Chengdu is one of the largest industrial centers in Western China. The appearance of the city has changed dramatically; some of the oldest historical Buddhist and Taoist monuments have survived to this day.

One of the main attractions of Chengdu and the province as a whole is the giant panda nurseries - the “national treasure” of China.

What are the must-see attractions in Chengdu?

The most famous cult monument in China, dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period; was founded back in 223, however, most of the buildings date back to the Qing period.

One of the most popular places in Chengdu, located 12 km north of the city. This is a huge center and nursery where giant pandas live in natural conditions. There is also a museum exhibition dedicated to the evolution, habitats, reproduction and protection of pandas. Also here, under the guidance of the center, 2-day volunteer work is possible. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jiuzhaigou National Park in Chengdu attracts tourists with its unique beauty, unusual mysterious oriental landscapes, and names unusual for European ears: Grass Lake, Sleeping Dragon Lake or Lake of Five Flowers.

4. Leshan. small town at the southern foot of Mount Lingyunshan, 120 km southwest of Chengdu. In ancient times, it had a reputation for having the most beautiful scenery in Sichuan. Today, Leshan is one of the most popular places in the province, thanks to the giant stone Big Buddha and the Emeishan Mountains.

The largest Buddha statue in the world, carved from a single rock in Lingyunshan Mountain, 71 m high. It inspires a sense of awe with its size, grandeur and impartial face. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the sacred mountains of China, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Puxian; is located 160 km southwest of Chadu. The highest peak of Emeishan is called the Peak of Ten Thousand Buddhas and reaches a height of 3099 m. During the Tang Dynasty, the mountain became an object of pilgrimage among Buddhists due to more than 200 shrines built here during this time. 20 temples and monasteries have survived to this day. Among them are Jinding Temple, Ten Thousand Years Temple, Golden Peak, Jinying Pavilion. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Weather in Chengdu

Chengdu's climate is characterized as humid subtropical. Comfortable for both human habitation and farming. The Qinling Mountains protect the city from the penetration of northern air masses from Siberia, so winter in Chengdu is milder than in the lower part of the Yangtze. The average January temperature is 5.6 °C; snow falls extremely rarely, although short-term frosts are sometimes possible. Summer is humid and quite hot, but not as hot as in cities lower along the Yangtze. Average temperatures in July and August are around 25°C, although during the day they can reach 33°C and above. Sustained periods of heat are also quite rare. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from June to September.

How to get there

The Chengdu Metro was officially opened in Chengdu on October 1, 2010. It consists of four lines, with construction and planning of other lines, including the ring line, underway. There are about 400 bus routes in the city and agglomeration.

Shuangliu International Airport is located approximately 16 km from the city center. It is the 5th busiest airport in mainland China; in 2012, traffic amounted to 31.6 million passengers. Operates flights to most major cities in the country, as well as international flights to cities such as Hong Kong, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Bangkok, etc. In 2009, an agreement was signed to improve the airport infrastructure, which would allow Shuangliu to increase its traffic to 40 million passengers by 2015. The major airline Chengdu Airlines is based at the airport. There is also a long-term plan to build another airport with five runways. If the plan were implemented, the trip from the new airport to the center of Chengdu would take no more than 30 minutes.

Brief video overview of Chengdu

The ancient city of Chengdu personally seemed to me like a giant ugly symbiosis between Guangzhou and Ryazan. It seems that the widest avenues with skyscrapers made of glass and concrete and the metro were built in 2010, in theory they are beautiful, and that’s all. But in reality it’s somehow gray and sad, and if you wander around the non-tourist streets, the sadness can be increased threefold. Wooden buses, houses in the Khrushchev style, gray gateways, such that Peter nervously smokes on the sidelines. The color of the city is such that you want to take a blade and scratch your veins, I don’t know how people live there.

Chengdu originated in the 4th century BC. e. in the valley of the Min River, in the first centuries of our era, the city was called Jincheng (City of Brocade) and was famous for the best brocade in the East. Until 316 BC. e. Chengdu was the capital of the kingdom of Shu, in the era of the Three Kingdoms from 221 to 263 - the capital of the kingdom of Shu-Han, in the first half of the 4th century - the capital of the state of Cheng, at the beginning of the 5th century - the capital of the state of Western Shu. In 994, Chengdu was briefly the capital of the rebel state of Li Shu. In 1644-46, Chengdu was occupied by the rebel army of Zhang Xianzhong, becoming the capital of the Great Western State he created.

During the Great Peasant War, the Manchu conquest of China and the War of the Three Tributary Princes, the city suffered greatly and almost died out. The Qing Dynasty government even had to take special measures to repopulate the deserted Sichuan province, and the city gradually recovered. The province of Sichuan was separated into a separate military governorship, and since 1731, Chengdu became the residence of the governor of Sichuan. Until the 20th century, Chengdu was a county city that did not have its own government bodies. In 1928, Chengdu and Huayang counties were officially merged into the city of Chengdu, with their own governments. On December 27, 1949, the People's Liberation Army of China entered Chengdu, and Chengdu became part of the People's Republic of China. In 1952, Sichuan Province was restored, and Chengdu became a city under direct provincial jurisdiction and housed the provincial government.

And back in the Song Dynasty, it was in Chengdu that the world's first paper money was printed. Nowadays, Chengdu bears the title of the capital of Chinese traditional medicine: local healers use thousand-year-old recipes to treat hundreds of ailments.

The emblem of the city is the ancient disk “Birds of the Golden Sun,” but it would probably be more logical to make a panda as the city’s logo. Why panda? Yes, because this is where the biggest attraction of Sichuan province is located - the Giant Panda Sanctuary and almost the entire city is stuffed with images of these animals.

It is the world's largest panda research and breeding center. They are very lazy, it is difficult to be fruitful and multiply, it is difficult to make them, just as it is difficult to catch them in a waking state. The reserve is located outside the city, you can get there either by bus or on a tour. It is recommended to visit in the early hours of 8-9 am, then the bears, having eaten, hibernate en masse and there is nothing to see, as a bonus there is a million Chinese pushing their elbows, which makes the attraction extremely dubious for visiting. Well, as you understand, I didn’t waste time and didn’t go, and I’ve already seen big pandas in Singapore, they’re the same as the little ones, but bigger.

The only day in the city needed to be spent usefully, which meant visiting the sights on foot. I was handed a map of the city at the hostel, and I went to soak up the culture. ancient city. You can navigate the city even without a navigator; the main streets radiate from the central square in all directions of the world. The city center is surrounded by a system of concentric ring roads, and the Fuhe, Nanhe, and Jinjiang Brocade Rivers serve as very good landmarks.

Attractions:

Tianfu Square (天府广场), is the main square located on the southern Renmin Nanlu Street of Chengdu, its shape and location is similar to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Tianfu is the largest central city square in Western China and occupies an area of ​​88 thousand square meters, has a rectangular shape, with a width to length ratio of 1: 1.5. On the square there is a monument to the leader Mao Zedong, in the center there is an open lower floor with a fountain, a shopping area and an entrance to the metro. Around the square there are many flowers, lush greenery, shopping complexes and skyscrapers that together create a unique cityscape.

Jinli Street is one of the oldest and most crowded streets in the city. Jinli Street is 350 meters long, and the entrance is decorated with an arch with the name “锦里古街” carved on it. The history of this street dates back to before our era, and historical documents mention that during the reign of the Qin Dynasty 221 - 206 BC. here it was already in full swing. During the Shu period, the street developed into one of the main shopping spots, earning the title of "the first street of the Kingdom of Shu." Nowadays, from old street Not a stone was left unturned; the Chinese demolished everything and built an exact replica in 2004 with traditional Chinese houses, shops, restaurants, hotels and tea houses. All buildings are designed in the style of ancient cities in the western part of Sichuan province during the Qing period (1644-1911). Wooden columns and brick details in the decor give the street an antique charm. As in all of China, the task of this street is one, to sell as many souvenirs, paintings, calligraphy and other nonsense to tourists as possible.

The Wenshu Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist complex in Chengdu, is also located here. This place is the center of the Sichuan Provincial Buddhist Association. The first buildings of the monastery were built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). At that time, the complex was called Xinxiang. In 1681, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a monk named Cidu came to the monastery and built himself a small hut, where he lived for several years in the most ascetic conditions. Legend says that when the monk died, the body was cremated, and the face of Wenshu, Manjurshi Bodhisattva, personifying wisdom, appeared in the flames of the fire. People decided that Monk Qidu was none other than the reincarnation of Wenshu. Ten years after this, in 1691, the complex was rebuilt and renamed the Wenshu Monastery and has not changed its appearance since then. The main cultural value of the monastery is the collection of paintings and calligraphy of the Tang and Song eras, numbering about 500 paintings. In the sutra pavilion you can see many autographs of famous personalities, paintings and manuscripts. Another treasure of the monastery is the elegant statue of the White Buddha, brought from Burma to China in 1922. Currently the complex consists of five buildings. There are Prayer Halls, the Thousand Buddha Pagoda, the Institute of Calligraphy and a dining hall for the monks. There are many ponds around the monastery with turtles, carps and large frogs. The garden there is truly exquisite - the monks made it a wonderful landmark of Chengdu. There is also a large tea house where you can hear folk music, and a vegetarian restaurant.