Travel Guide

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (referred to as Chengdu Panda Base) is a non-profit research institution funded by the government for the breeding of giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animals, located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. The base was established in 1987, starting with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild. By 2008, it had successfully bred 124 giant pandas, and the captive giant panda population had grown to 83. Its goal is to "become a world-class research institution, conservation education center, and international educational tourism destination." In February 2024, the institution made international headlines for banning a 53-year-old male tourist from throwing unidentified objects into the giant panda enclosure, and the tourist was banned from entering the park for life.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former residence of Du Fu, a poet of the Tang Dynasty in China, when he lived in Chengdu. It is known as the "Sacred Land" in the history of Chinese literature. In 759 AD, Du Fu came to Chengdu and built a thatched cottage by the Huanhua Stream, where he lived for four years and created more than 240 poems, including famous works such as "My Thatched Roof Was Torn Apart by the Autumn Wind" and "The Shu Prime Minister". The main buildings of the Thatched Cottage that exist today were built and rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The pavilions, corridors, bridges, streams, bamboo forests, plum gardens, etc. in the garden are well-arranged and the environment is beautiful. The main attractions include Du Gongbu Temple, Thatched Cottage Residence, Daya Hall, and Shaoling Thatched Cottage Stele Pavilion. Du Fu Thatched Cottage is a sacred place for Du Fu enthusiasts from all over the world to admire the poet, and it is also an important place to understand Chinese poetry culture.

Tianfu Square is located in the center of Chengdu and is a landmark square and important public space in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is often hailed as the "Heart of the City" of Chengdu and is surrounded by many important government agencies, cultural facilities, and commercial buildings. The square is dominated by the famous statue of Mao Zedong and features a large musical fountain, making it a popular spot for citizens to relax and entertain, hold festive events, and for tourists to visit and take photos. Tianfu Square is also an interchange hub for Chengdu Metro Lines 1 and 2, making it easily accessible.

Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum is located in Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is the only temple in China dedicated to both a monarch and his ministers, and the most famous Three Kingdoms historical site museum. It is known for its profound historical and cultural heritage and exquisite garden art, and is an important place to understand the Three Kingdoms culture and admire the heroes of the Shu Han.

Kuanzhai Alley is one of the three major historical and cultural conservation areas in Chengdu, consisting of three parallel old-fashioned streets and courtyard settlements: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley. It is a microcosm of old Chengdu life, integrating Bashu culture, leisure food, characteristic residences, and modern creativity. It is an excellent place to experience Chengdu's slow life and historical features.

Mount Qingcheng is a famous Taoist mountain located in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and is known as "Qingcheng is the most secluded place in the world." It is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and one of the important Taoist holy sites in China. The 36 peaks in the mountain are surrounded by clouds and mist all year round, with beautiful scenery. In 2000, Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System were jointly listed as World Cultural Heritage sites. There are many Taoist palaces and temples here, such as Jianfu Palace, Chaoyang Cave, and Shangqing Palace, making it a tourist destination integrating natural scenery and historical culture.

Kung Pao Chicken is a famous Chinese dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers stir-fried together, embodying the spicy, numbing, and fragrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Its popularity has spread throughout China, giving rise to many regional variations.

Twice-Cooked Pork (Hui Guo Rou) is a classic and famous dish in Sichuan cuisine, meaning 'meat returned to the pot'. It primarily uses pork as the main ingredient, prepared with a unique cooking method of first boiling and then stir-frying. The characteristics of this dish are its rich but not greasy fat, tender but not dry lean meat, bright red color, and mellow flavor, usually with a spicy, numbing, and savory taste. It is an essential dish for every household in Sichuan during festivals and holidays.

Zhong Shui Jiao is a famous traditional snack from Chengdu, Sichuan, known for its unique red oil seasoning and delicious pork filling. The dumplings have thin wrappers and generous fillings. After cooking, they are drizzled with a special red oil sauce, offering a spicy, savory, fresh, and aromatic taste, with a balanced sweet and salty flavor, making for a unique culinary experience.

Zhangcha Duck is a classic Sichuan dish, primarily made from duck, prepared through multiple steps including marinating, smoking, steaming, and deep-frying. Its unique characteristic comes from being smoked with tea leaves and camphor leaves, which imparts a distinctive tea aroma and smoky flavor to the duck meat. This dish is complex to prepare and is often served at banquets or festive celebrations.

Long Chaoshou is a traditional snack from Chengdu, known for its thin wrapper, tender filling, delicious broth, and smooth, refreshing taste. With its unique preparation techniques and flavor, it has become a classic noodle dish in the Sichuan cuisine family.

Sichuan Boiled Pork with Garlic Sauce is a traditional and famous dish in Sichuan cuisine, beloved for its unique flavor and texture. It primarily uses pork as the main ingredient, which is boiled, sliced, and then drizzled with a special garlic sauce. The taste is refreshing, fatty but not greasy, with a rich garlic aroma, and a spicy, numbing, and savory flavor.