A crucial commercial and economic hub for many centuries, Chengdu is an ancient city that dates back to Neolithic times. Throughout the centuries, Chengdu has weathered foreign invasions and natural disasters alike, including the Mongol invasions, World War II, and of course, the recent 2008 earthquake.
Today, Chengdu is a pleasant, sprawling city, voted one of the most livable in all of China as well as one of the best places to invest in. Chengdu is a university town and is home to a large, thriving community of students and intellectuals. Perhaps its most famous residents are the adorable giant pandas, who live in various preserves just outside the city.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Stroll along the tree-lined Chun Xi Lu Boulevard, whose tea cafés, boutiques and restaurants are popular with students of nearby universities.
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center and meet privately with the scientists responsible for developing the center’s advanced panda reproduction program, which has produced more than 46 cubs in 11 litters over the past ten years. Explore the grounds and have your photo taken with baby and adult pandas.
Jiuzhaigou, or the Valley of the Nine Villages, is a land of expansive, polychrome lakes, thickly forested hills, and gentle valleys. Named for the nine Tibetan villages within the area, Jiuzhaigou’s signature feature may well be its lakes, tinted a surreal shade of aquamarine. In recent years, Jiuzhaigou was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A little over two hours away from Chengdu is the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved out of a stone cliff face, the Buddha is situated in Leshan at the juncture of three rivers: the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers. Carving began in the Tang Dynasty in 713 and ended in 803 AD, a monumental 90-year effort that resulted in a 233-foot (71 meter) high Buddha. His hair is comprised of 1,021 separate buns that form an elegant coif.
The Qingyang Taoist Temple is considered the birthplace of Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism. As the day winds down, relax in the tea pavilion’s bamboo chairs, sip fragrant jasmine pearl tea, and observe a fast-paced game of mah jong.
Visit the Shu Xiu Fang embroidery workshop where you learn from artisans who craft Sichuan’s legendary textiles, renowned for fine needlework, elegant colors, graceful lines, and their design in the style of traditional Chinese paintings.
Enjoy a private culinary lesson from a master chef in how to cook and prepare local Sichuanese delicacies.
See an abridged Sichuan Opera at the Wuhou Temple, where performances are held in the traditional courtyard setting with tea service. Different from Western (or even Peking) Opera, this local style is distinguished by elaborate acrobatic stunts, sharp wit, lively characters, and audience participation. Afterwards, meet with the performers and catch a glimpse of the usually off-limits backstage area and dressing rooms.
Visit Wenshu Monastery, an exquisite architectural site. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it is one of the most active Buddhist centers in China; its sculptured roofs, colonnades, reflecting ponds and ornate, crimson buildings are a fine and increasingly rare example of classical Chinese architecture.
Afterwards, enjoy a Sichuan style lunch at the temple’s vegetarian restaurant.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
I am a self-confessed panda junkie. Seeing pandas in a zoo does not suffice for me, and I had always wanted to personally interact with these adorable creatures – to touch and feed and play with a panda…
Chengdu is the home of sizzling spicy Sichuan food, cuisine with a pungent, distinctive taste and so, so many chili peppers.
On a journey outside of Chengdu, travel writer Ronan O’Connell delves into small-town China with big time history and learns to appreciate the lesser sights of Sichuan.
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