Chengdu is a modern metropolis with a significant historical heritage, one of the most ancient cities in the world. The sights of Chengdu are mainly represented by natural and architectural monuments, ancient monasteries and many museums where you can get acquainted with the ancient culture of this area.
Historical reference
The city arose in the fourth century BC, when the kingdom of Shu was founded. The ancient people, who once came to this land, said that the first founded city was destined to become a collection area, the second - a city, the third - a capital. During the kingdom of Shu, Chengdu, Sindu and Gaundu (now Shuangliu), which were collectively called the "Three Du", were popular. Subsequently, only Chengdu rose, and the other two became its constituent parts.
Chengdu (China) in different years was the capital of the kingdom of Shu, Shu-Han, the state of Cheng, Western Shu, Early Shu, Late Shu, Li Shu (rebel). All this time, the village was famous for the production of brocade. After the Great Peasant War, the war of the three princes and the Manchu conquest, the city was practically depopulated. New residents moved from the provinces of Hubei, Cantonese, Hunan and others.
In 1952, Chengdu became a city of provincial subordination.
Transport accessibility
The city of Chengdu (China) is located in the southwestern part of the country, is the administrative center of Sichuan. Shuangliu International Airport, one of the largest in China, is twenty kilometers away. The largest number of flights is made by domestic companies, but the Moscow-Chengdu flight has recently appeared. This is currently the only direct flight to Sichuan from Russia. The flight lasts eight and a half hours, and the ticket costs about 300 dollars (18.5 thousand rubles) per passenger in one direction. In addition, there are many flights with transfers in Beijing, Abu Dhab, Urumqi, Shanghai and so on.
From the airport to the city can be reached by bus. The fare is 1.5-2 dollars (approximately 100-150 rubles). A high-speed train runs that will allow you to quickly get to the city. But the final stop is only at the southern or eastern railway stations (there are five routes to buses). The trip takes only 10-20 minutes, the ticket costs $ 2 (150 rubles). Taxis from the airport to the center of Chengdu will cost about 10 dollars (600 rubles).
Hotels
Chengdu Lazybones Hostel Poshpacker is not located in the center, but the hotel is much cheaper than other offers, there is a public transport stop nearby, and reviews are only positive. On the ground floor you can order food, use free Wi-Fi, laundry services. The hotel provides transfers from or to the airport. Tourists really like the home decor and beautiful rooms. You can book a bed in a shared room or a private room. The cost of living in a standard double room with one double bed is 1600 rubles per day.
Luxury apartments with panoramic city views from the panoramic windows are, of course, the HDCL Service Residence. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, wireless internet (throughout the hotel), cable TV, terrace, hot tub, washing machine, free toiletries and towels. Free parking space is provided. A minibar, microwave and fridge are also included. Accommodation in such a room will cost three thousand rubles per day.
Chengdu Attractions
Modern Chengdu attracts travelers with its significant historical heritage, the beauty of natural attractions and beautiful traditions. This is one of the oldest cities in the world, which for about a thousand years has been the capital of the powerful kingdom of Shu, a large industrial and production center. Fans of excursions can see ancient temples and visit interesting museums. Chengdu, as noted above, is also famous for its unique natural attractions, among which the Chinese Natural Reserve is especially notable.
Ancient Jinli Street
Many tourist groups begin to explore the sights of Chengdu from Tianfu Square with many landscape decorations. Nearby is one of the most populous streets of the city. The Jinli story began before our era. Historical documents mention this place in the third century BC. Trade was actively going on here, it was possible to purchase the best decorative fabric in the city. Walking along this street, you can get acquainted with ancient customs and culture. On the ancient theatrical stages, performances are organized, and local craftsmen are happy to show everyone who wants samples of their unique work, various costumed shows are held on the street, scenes are staged, and traditional Chinese holidays are celebrated.
Boulder Nature Reserve
The Chengdu reserve is home to more than four thousand species, but this place has gained popularity among tourists due to the maintenance and development of large pandas - an unofficial symbol of China and the most popular character among local people. The reserve area is two hundred thousand hectares. To care for such a vast territory, more than a thousand Chinese families live and work here.
Research Center
Probably the main attraction of Chengdu (China) is a research center for the study of pandas. In the northern suburbs you can watch leisurely panda bears. Good conditions have been created for them: spacious enclosures, rooms for sleeping, feeding and treatment. The grown bears are released. The best time to visit the center is from 8:30 to 10:00 in the morning, when animals are fed. Many tourists confirm this. At other times, there is a high probability of catching pandas at their favorite thing - sleep.
Big buddha
Chengdu's architectural landmark is the Buddha statue carved into the rock. Big Buddha is located in the mountains of Lingyushan. The height of the monument is seventy-one meters, only the index finger of the Buddha is eight meters long, and the nose is five and a half meters. The construction of the statue began in about 713, the work lasted almost a century. Nearby are grave caves, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Park of a Thousand Buddha. All paths of the most beautiful park lead to the main monument.
Chengdu Museum
An interesting place is the city museum, which was created to preserve and popularize the local cultural heritage. The construction of the building began in 1992, and the opening took place in 1997. Four expositions are presented: the main characteristics of ancient culture, the art and technical achievements of the Shu culture, the craft of ancient people who lived in these territories, architecture, the spiritual world. In 2004, a new hall was opened, in which the attention of tourists presented products from bronze, jade, ceramics and gold jewelry.
Wan Nian Monastery
The monastery was built during the Jin Dynasty, that is, approximately in the third or fourth century AD. This is the oldest building in the area. Pusian, one of the preachers of Buddhism, is considered the patron saint of the temple. Inside is a bronze statue. The age of the bronze Pusian exceeds a thousand years. The statue has reached us in its original form (even despite several fires). According to legend, it was in this place that the Buddha Shakyamuni received enlightenment. His spirit remained here to help all believers.
Summer Residence and Museum
What to see in Chengdu? The Bishushanzhuang park can conditionally be divided into two often: the park and the imperial palace. The residence is located in the southern part of the park, its main purpose was to provide conditions for conducting public affairs and comfortable living of the emperor's family. The park part is a real paradise with numerous pavilions connected by bridges, a picturesque lake and even small mountains. Here, representatives of the Qin Dynasty staged equestrian competitions, circus performances, music evenings and picnics.
Dinosaur museum
This attraction of Chengdu and the surrounding area is the largest museum of such a profile in Southeast Asia. The museum is located not in the city limits of Chengdu, it is closer to the town of Zigong. The attraction was opened in 1987, today it is a fancy three-story building, on the territory of which there are three large exhibitions. The first tells the story of the development of dinosaurs, the second part - the restored skeletons of these creatures, found nearby, the third exposure is in the place of the remains of dinosaurs. Tourists are given the opportunity to see the process of conducting search operations and touch the bones of ancient dinosaurs.
Thatched house
Dufu Straw House is a museum of one of the Chinese poets. Dufu lived in the eighth century, settled in a house after being forced to flee from the war. The house is surrounded by a large park, next to a beautiful garden. It is believed that the construction is the remains of the original. Tourists who visit this place will learn interesting facts about the life and work of Dufu, the time in which he lived, and walks in the park set up philosophical thoughts. In Chengdu, the poet created more than 200 poems, which today are classic examples of realistic poetry.