Chengdu

Dujiangyan Irrigation Project

Constructed by Li Bing and his son during the Warring States Period (around 256 BC), Dujiangyan is the world’s oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation project that is still in operation today, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It ingeniously divides the Minjiang River into inner and outer rivers, solving the dual problems of flooding and water shortage in the Chengdu Plain. The core projects, including Yuzui, Feishayan and Baopingkou, embody the ancient Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. The surrounding Erwang Temple and Fulong Temple are dedicated to commemorating Li Bing, with numerous inscriptions and cultural relics recording the project’s history and technical wisdom.

Qingcheng Mountain

Known as “the most serene mountain under heaven”, Qingcheng Mountain is the birthplace of Chinese Taoism. It has a history of over 2,000 years, with the first Taoist temple, Zhangren Temple, built here during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The mountain is covered with dense forests and winding paths, and its Taoist temples and pavilions are scattered among the green peaks, creating a quiet and sacred atmosphere. The main scenic areas include the Front Mountain with cultural relics like Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace, and the Back Mountain famous for its natural beauty of waterfalls, streams and ancient trees. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, paired with Dujiangyan, and a popular destination for Taoism studies, health preservation and mountain hiking.

Wuhou Shrine

The only temple in China dedicated to both a monarch and his minister, Wuhou Shrine commemorates Liu Bei, Emperor Zhaolie of Shu, and Zhuge Liang, the loyal prime minister known as Marquis Wu in the Three Kingdoms period. First built in the Western Jin Dynasty, the temple has been renovated and expanded over the centuries, preserving a large number of ancient buildings, stone tablets and cultural relics. The famous “Three Kingdoms Steles” and the forest of steles with inscriptions by celebrities from past dynasties are precious historical materials for studying the Three Kingdoms culture. The adjacent Jinli Ancient Street, a restored traditional commercial street, features antique shops, tea houses and Sichuan snack stalls, allowing visitors to experience the charm of ancient Chengdu.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage

This is the former residence where the great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu lived in seclusion for four years. In 759 AD, Du Fu fled the war and settled in Chengdu, building a thatched cottage by the Huanhua Stream. During his stay here, he created more than 240 masterpieces, including the famous “Thatched Cottage Broken by the Autumn Wind”. The current scenic area, renovated and expanded through dynasties, consists of ancient buildings, gardens, and a museum. It features the Thatched Cottage, Huaishi Hall, and a large collection of Du Fu’s manuscripts, rubbings and related cultural relics, making it a sacred place for Chinese literature lovers. The quiet and elegant gardens with bamboos and flowing water perfectly reflect the poetic mood of Du Fu’s poems.

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Located on the outskirts of Chengdu, this base is a world-leading institution dedicated to the protection, research and breeding of giant pandas. It covers a vast area with lush vegetation, simulating the natural habitat of giant pandas. Visitors can watch these cute national treasures eating bamboo, playing and resting in different pavilions and enclosures. The base also undertakes international cooperation projects in panda conservation and popularizes knowledge about wildlife protection. It is not only a must-visit attraction for tourists from home and abroad but also an important base for global giant panda research and conservation.

Jinsha Site Museum

The Jinsha Site, discovered in 2001, is an important part of the ancient Shu civilization, dating back over 3,000 years. The museum displays a large number of precious cultural relics unearthed from the site, the most famous of which is the Sun God Bird gold foil, which has become the symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. Other relics include jade artifacts, bronze wares and ivory carvings, reflecting the superb craftsmanship and unique cultural beliefs of the ancient Shu people. The museum combines indoor exhibition halls with an outdoor archaeological site park, allowing visitors to explore the mystery of the ancient Shu kingdom that once flourished in the Chengdu Plain.

Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alleys)

This is a well-preserved ancient street complex in Chengdu, consisting of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley, with a history of over 300 years, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It was originally a residential area for Manchu and Mongolian soldiers stationed in Chengdu. Today, the traditional courtyard houses (Siheyuan) have been renovated into teahouses, restaurants, craft shops and folk art performance venues. It perfectly integrates the traditional folk culture of Chengdu with modern fashion elements. Strolling here, you can enjoy Sichuan snacks, watch folk performances, drink tea in a courtyard, and experience the leisurely “slow life” of Chengdu.