By Yahoo! Newsroom
If you like Sichuan food, then Chengdu is the place for you. But this central Chinese city has so much more to offer than just food even if its dishes are among the most famous and spiciest of China’s cuisines.
Sichuan cuisine is world renowned.
Chengdu offers an unbeatable combination of wildlife and culture along with its food and traditional tea houses. Located in Sichuan province, central China, Chengdu is the first stop to the Tibetan highlands. Visitors can use Chengdu as a base to see Tibetan culture in mountain villages and even to visit Tibet by train or a direct flight to Lhasa.
It is also the gateway to China’s famous giant panda reserve. Nature lovers from all over the world are drawn to Chengdu for the rare chance to see the giant pandas in their natural habitat. The Panda Research Base is home to 60 giant pandas and a colony of red pandas. The giant panda is an endangered species and the park is the only place in the world where the chubby black-and-white pandas can be seen close up, surrounded by bamboo, the panda’s main source of food, and in its mountain habitat.
Chengdu is also a city of culture. The Qingyang Temple complex is one of the most famous Taoist temples in China. Built during the height of Taoism during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century, the temple expanded throughout the centuries. One of the highlights is the Eight Trigrams Pavilion, a square pavilion with a glazed dome.
The capital of the Qin Dynasty, Chengdu is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back as much as 4,000 years.
Among the sights to see in Chengdu are:
Visit:
Qingyang Temple is the most famous temple in Chengdu.
Chun Xi Street is the city’s hip district where you can find designer stores and local boutiques. Snack on “long chao shou”, a local dumpling in a spicy red sauce which is characteristic of Sichuan food.
Qingyang Temple: Don’t miss breathtaking views from the Eight Trigrams Pavilion.
Sanxing Dui Museum: See spectacular Shang Dynasty jade, gold and bronze pieces at this memorial to the ancient Shu culture of the Yangtze River which goes back some 4,000 years.
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre where aside from watching and photographing pandas from a distance, visitors can have their photo taken next to a panda for around $14.
Wander around Jinli Ancient Street, a colorful peddler market street with temples, a river and bridges.
Sichuan Opera: A visit to the famous opera is a must. Between the fire breathing performers, traditional Chinese music and singing and elegant dancers, the evening is bound to be a cultural treat.
Eat:
Experience eating at a local tea house in Chengdu.
Wenshu Yuan: A picturesque alley full of eateries that specialize in traditional Chinese dishes made entirely from vegetarian ingredients. There are a range of eateries in the quaint alley and the ambiance is enhanced by performers playing traditional musical instruments such as the Chinese harp.
Jinli Ancient Street: Here you can try Sichuan street food at a variety of stalls renowned for selling spicy snacks made from fresh ingredients.
Tea houses: One of the nicest is in a pagoda at Du Fu Cottage, the former home to one of China’s most famous poets. Watch locals play mah-jong and sip Longjing Tea. Another favorite teahouse is Shu Feng Ya Yunm, near Qingyang Temple. A visit to this traditional teahouse often requires an advanced booking.
Veranda Bridge Restaurant: Splurge at this Sichuan-style restaurant which is one of the most expensive in Chengdu and reputed to have the best food. The restaurant is located on an ancient bridge so expect a magical evening.
Make a side trip to:
The panda sanctuary is situated near the Bi Feng Gorge.
Luodai: A visit to this ancient town can be done in just a day. The charming town is inhabited by the Hakka minority and it takes just an hour to get there. There’s a replica of the Great Wall of China nearby.
Bi Feng Gorge: About two hours from Chengdu, there are some lovely walks along the stunning gorge with views of waterfalls and rivers. Located near the panda sanctuary, this is the giant panda‘s natural mountain habitat in all its glory.
Hailuogo Glacier: This national park is about a 9 hour drive from Chengdu. As the name suggests, the scenery of steep mountain slopes is stunning.
Danba: Spend a few days in this village high in the mountains where you can experience Tibetan culture. See distinctive Tibetan houses and marvel at the magnificent views. Visit ancient stone watchtowers that date back almost 2,000 years and the remnants of a Chinese castle. It takes about 10 hours to get to the region but some of the trains have sleeper cars.
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