About Chengdu

Chengdu, the vibrant capital city of Sichuan Province in southwest China, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history, modernity, and natural beauty. Renowned for its famous giant panda breeding base, Chengdu offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close with these beloved creatures. Beyond pandas, the city’s warm hospitality, traditional teahouses, and historical landmarks provide a captivating experience for travelers, showcasing the unique charm of Chengdu’s past and present. Chengdu is also famous for its bold and spicy Sichuan cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with an array of flavorful dishes and street food, making it a paradise for food lovers.

Payment options in China

Chinese Yuan (RMB) is the official national currency in China. Major hotels and establishments accept payments by cash or international credit card.

People living in China make payments through two major digital payment apps, namely the WeChat Pay (微信支付) and Alipay (支付宝), for almost all purchases.

Foreigners can now download Alipay and WeChat Pay on both iOS and Android phones with their overseas phone number and link them with international debit or credit card to make payments such as transport, accommodation, shopping, dining at local eateries and restaurants, and entry passes to various places of interest.

We recommend that you download the Alipay and/or WeChat app and associate the app/s with your bank card prior to your trip to China.

Here are some useful links to help you set up the app/s:

Places of Attraction

Please note that some places of interest in Chengdu, China will require your passport to purchase a ticket or enter the premise.

CHENGDU RESEARCH BASE OF GIANT PANDA BREEDING

Situated in the northern outskirts of Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a highly sought-after tourist destination. This renowned facility not only focuses on the breeding and conservation of giant pandas but also offers interactive experiences and educational activities to promote public awareness and understanding of these lovable creatures and their conservation efforts. All tourists must reserve their tickets online within 7 days in advance because there is no ticket window on site. Tourists must bring along their passport to access the premise.

SANXINGDUI MUSEUM

Sanxingdui Museum is a thematic museum built on the Sanxingdui site collecting and exhibiting thousands of bronze, jade, and gold artifacts from the ancient Shu period 3,000 years ago. Full of dreamy art from ancient China, the amazing heritage of a lost civilization, this is the best place to learn about the Sanxingdui Culture. Located 60 km from Chengdu, the museum formally opened to the public in October 1997, with a new building opening in July 2023. All tourists must reserve their tickets online in advance. Tourists must bring along their passport to access the premise.

KUANZHAI ALLEY

Situated in the downtown of Chengdu city, Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子), also known as Wide & Narrow Alleys, is a well-preserved historic area that consists of Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley. Still maintaining the original looks for hundreds of years from the Qing Dynasty, travellers can find traditional courtyard houses, shops, teahouses, and local snacks.

JINLI ANCIENT STREET

Located near the Wuhou Memorial Temple in Chengdu, Jinli Ancient Street is a bustling pedestrian street that offers a glimpse into the city's ancient past. As you stroll along the street, you'll encounter an array of shops, teahouses, and street food vendors. The street is adorned with lanterns, red decorative elements, and traditional handicrafts, creating an immersive experience that takes you back in time.

WUHOU SHRINE

Wuhou Memorial Temple, is a significant cultural and historical site dedicated to the memory of Zhuge Liang, a renowned strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. Inside, visitors can explore various halls and pavilions adorned with ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and statues related to Zhuge Liang and other prominent figures from the era. The temple serves as a tribute to Zhuge Liang's wisdom and contributions, making it a revered destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of China.

DUJIANGYAN IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, is located near Chengdu in Sichuan Province. Built over 2,200 years ago, this innovative water management system continues to function effectively to this day. Designed to prevent flooding and distribute water for irrigation, Dujiangyan diverts the Minjiang River without the use of dams, ensuring a sustainable water supply for agricultural purposes. The system comprises channels, canals, levees, and the iconic Fish Mouth Dam. Visitors can explore the site's well-preserved ancient structures, walk across stone bridges, and marvel at the ingenuity of this remarkable hydraulic engineering masterpiece, which has had a profound impact on the region's agriculture and development.

WENSHU MONASTERY

With its last reconstruction finished in 1706 during the Qing Dynasty, Wenshu Temple (or Wenshu Monastery) is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu and makes for a serene place to stroll and get a glimpse of local Buddhist culture.

LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA

The Leshan Giant Buddha (Chinese: 乐山大佛) is a 71-meter (233 ft) tall stone statue built between 713 and 803 during the Tang dynasty. It was carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan Province in China, near the city of Leshan. It is considered to be the largest stone Buddha in the world, and by far the tallest pre-modern statue. The site attracts millions of people every year, including Buddhist pilgrims, making this ancient wonder of the world something of a sacred destination.