Travel to Chengdu with MyChina.com

Chengdu, once known for its flourishing agriculture, has evolved to become one of the greatest economic and communication centers in China. It has fascinating history and full of temples and shrines, and yet at the same time it is fast, lively and modernized. The city's population - over 9 million people, did not make it into an indifferent, urbanized metropolitan like other cities of its magnitude. Instead it has the reputation of being a peaceful, fun-filled place with rich nightlife and a western atmosphere.

Places to See in Chengdu

Children and any animal-lover should not miss the chance to visit The Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre, also known as The Panda Research Base. This center is the biggest of its kind in the world and is home to many species of Pandas including the red panda and the endangered giant panda. Visitors can get close to the animals and watch relevant documentary films in the small museum. For a full zoological experience, drop by the Chengdu Zoo and observe the vivacious assortment of tigers, elephants, giraffes and other wildlife forms.

The energetic travelers will certainly enjoy the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum with its interactive exhibitions and appealing presentations. Children who will exhaust their interest in science, aerodynamics, robotics and space will find the inner playground on the 4th floor to be reasonable substitute.

Jiuzhaigou (Jiuzhai Valley) is a national park is offers some incredible views and rich wildlife. It covers a huge area and is full of colors and life. Keep in mind though that a trip to the valley will require a long drive out of the city or a short flight, and keep it in mind when you make your plans.

The "Changing Faces" shows in Sichuan Opera (or Chengdu Opera) have a worldwide reputation. These performances are more cabaret style than actual operas and at times include traditional musicians, shadow play, fire eaters, comedians, different styles of dancers and even magicians. Tourists will be fascinated by the colorful, noisy, cheerfulness and although the performances are in Chinese, they are very easy to follow.

The city has many lovely temples, but two of them are worth a special mentioning. Wenshu Buddhist Temple offers a breathtaking collection of over 450 Buddha statues and its beautiful gardens. It is full with local families all year round as it is a real center for believers and not merely a tourist attraction. Another temple that deserves a special attention is the striking Taoist Qingyang Temple. It is a legendary place with an ancient, huge structure and its special atmosphere leaves a powerful impression on visitors.

The Jin Li Ancient Street may be built in traditional fashion and filled with small old-fashion shops, but it is a active, energetic neighborhood. Visit it at nighttime and you'll enjoy the dance bars, pubs and varied restaurants.

If you want to learn more about the city of Chengdu and it's many wonders, try wikitravel.org/en/Chengdu or the official chengdu.gov.cn/echengdu.