Things to do in Chengdu

The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

The iconic giant panda is one of the world's best-loved animals. A symbol of the World Wildlife Fund, it's also a symbol of China in general and Chengdu in particular. The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the largest facility of its type in the world and home to over 60 giant pandas, several red pandas and a colony of black crane. Visit in the morning when the pandas are most active. Feeding time is normally between 08.00 and 10.00.

Rest and Relaxation

Although the city is huge, its peaceful parks are filled with locals who like nothing better than a game of Mah Jong (Chinese checkers) over a cup of tea. The People's Park is one of the most popular spots and boasts several teahouses - some of which have been in the same family for generations. Take a stroll on the banks of the Jin River where traffic and crowds feel far away and you can fish in the shade of a gingko tree or play checkers with locals.

Eating Out Sichuan Style

In a country that's known for its cuisine, local cookery stands out from the crowd. The fiery Sichuan pepper (huā jiāo) adds heat and an aromatic citrusy flavour to local specialties like hotpots and barbecue skewers. A meal in a Tibetan restaurant in the city's Little Lhasa district near Wuhou Temple is a unique experience and you can try yak meat cooked in various ways.

Beautiful Temples and Historic Attractions

Most of the city's temples are in rural parkland or gardens. Visit Wenshu, a Tang Dynasty temple dedicated to Wenshu Pusa, the Buddhist representation of Wisdom or the vast Wuhou Ci Temple complex that is the burial place of Emperor Liu Bei. You may also enjoy seeing the Mausoleums of the Princes of the Shu of the Ming Dynasty by beautiful Qinlong Lake.

The Great Outdoors

Discover the Sichuan countryside with a visit to sacred Mount Emeisham. Enjoy enchanting mountain vistas as you hike one of the two trails to the top to see the impressive statue of Bodhisattva Puxian's six-tusked elephant. For those who prefer to take things easy, the Hong Zhu Shan spa at the foot of the mountain offers a range of traditional massage treatments and therapies.