Chengdu
the capital of Sichuan Province, located in the west plain in the Sichuan Basin, is a famous historical and cultural city with a history over 3,000 years. It serves as the provincial center for politics, economy, culture, and transportation. Its jurisdiction is over nine districts, four county-leveled cities and six counties. Known as the land of abundance, Chengdu boasts plentiful local products, a pleasant climate, a large number of scenic spots and historical sites, and fine traditional handicrafts well known both at home and abroad. According to the records and relics, there was human being living on this piece of land about 3,700 years ago. It is about 2,300 years ago the ninth king Kaiming of ancient Shu State moved his capital to the site and named it 'Chengdu'. Then the name has been kept until today. Due to its economic and military importance, more than seven local regimes appeared here in the history started from the end of Western Han Dynasty (8 A.D.-25 A.D.). Among them, the most famous one is the Shu State during the Three Kingdom Period 1,700 years ago. It is a miracle for a city to remain unchanged and prosperous through thousands of years and flames of wars, however, Chengdu is a miracle of this kind. During its development, the city has gain many reputations, such as the land of abundance, the city of Hibiscus, and the city of brocades. source: www.topchinatravel.com
the capital of Sichuan Province, located in the west plain in the Sichuan Basin, is a famous historical and cultural city with a history over 3,000 years. It serves as the provincial center for politics, economy, culture, and transportation. Its jurisdiction is over nine districts, four county-leveled cities and six counties. Known as the land of abundance, Chengdu boasts plentiful local products, a pleasant climate, a large number of scenic spots and historical sites, and fine traditional handicrafts well known both at home and abroad. According to the records and relics, there was human being living on this piece of land about 3,700 years ago. It is about 2,300 years ago the ninth king Kaiming of ancient Shu State moved his capital to the site and named it 'Chengdu'. Then the name has been kept until today. Due to its economic and military importance, more than seven local regimes appeared here in the history started from the end of Western Han Dynasty (8 A.D.-25 A.D.). Among them, the most famous one is the Shu State during the Three Kingdom Period 1,700 years ago. It is a miracle for a city to remain unchanged and prosperous through thousands of years and flames of wars, however, Chengdu is a miracle of this kind. During its development, the city has gain many reputations, such as the land of abundance, the city of Hibiscus, and the city of brocades. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Du Fu Cottage
is the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu. Compelled by poverty and social upheaval in the year of 759 A.D., Du Fu moved from Gansu Province to the outskirts of Chengdu and built a thatched hut. During nearly four years of his stay here, Du Fu composed more than 240 poems reflecting upon the misery and the real life of the common people. Although the original residence disappeared long ago, the site was renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties and enlarged to its present scale as a park with fine gardening. A symbolic thatched hut was built to give visitor association to the original site. The poet's thatched cottage is esteemed as the holy land of Chinese traditional literature, and the place to memorize this Saint of Poem. source: www.topchinatravel.com
is the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu. Compelled by poverty and social upheaval in the year of 759 A.D., Du Fu moved from Gansu Province to the outskirts of Chengdu and built a thatched hut. During nearly four years of his stay here, Du Fu composed more than 240 poems reflecting upon the misery and the real life of the common people. Although the original residence disappeared long ago, the site was renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties and enlarged to its present scale as a park with fine gardening. A symbolic thatched hut was built to give visitor association to the original site. The poet's thatched cottage is esteemed as the holy land of Chinese traditional literature, and the place to memorize this Saint of Poem. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Wuhou (Martial Marquis) Temple
one of the most popular attractions in the country. It is the largest museum of the site left over from the Three Kingdoms Period, and a very quiet oasis in the city. The temple is built to memorize Zhuge Liang, the distinguished statesman and strategist during the Three Kingdom Period, meanwhile the symbol of wisdom in Chinese people's mind. For his accomplishments as the minister and great personality, he was gain the name of Martial Marquis after his death. Hence, the temple got the name. The first building time of the temple cannot be found out now, however, it can be deducted that the time at least was as early as Tang Dynasty according to a famous Tang Poem by Tu Fu. Today, the temple covers an area of 37, 000 square meters and surrounded by the red wall as well as the green pine trees. The main building is located in the north part of the complex facing to the south. Along the axle wire, there are located the gate, the second gate, Temple of Liu Bei, the corridor, and Temple of Zhuge Liang one by one. Inside the temple, there are 41 statues of historical figures of Shu State during the Three Kingdoms period. Each figure is of 1.7 to 3 meters tall and made by deft craftsmen in Qing Dynasty. The most valuable relic in the temple is the Tang stone tablet erected between the gate and the second gate. The tablet is 367 centimeters tall and 95 centimeters wide, which was made in the year of 809. It was named ‘Three Success' because of the wonderful inscribed article, the excellent inscribed calligraphy skill and the respected characteristics of Zhuge Liang mentioned in the article. source: www.topchinatravel.com
one of the most popular attractions in the country. It is the largest museum of the site left over from the Three Kingdoms Period, and a very quiet oasis in the city. The temple is built to memorize Zhuge Liang, the distinguished statesman and strategist during the Three Kingdom Period, meanwhile the symbol of wisdom in Chinese people's mind. For his accomplishments as the minister and great personality, he was gain the name of Martial Marquis after his death. Hence, the temple got the name. The first building time of the temple cannot be found out now, however, it can be deducted that the time at least was as early as Tang Dynasty according to a famous Tang Poem by Tu Fu. Today, the temple covers an area of 37, 000 square meters and surrounded by the red wall as well as the green pine trees. The main building is located in the north part of the complex facing to the south. Along the axle wire, there are located the gate, the second gate, Temple of Liu Bei, the corridor, and Temple of Zhuge Liang one by one. Inside the temple, there are 41 statues of historical figures of Shu State during the Three Kingdoms period. Each figure is of 1.7 to 3 meters tall and made by deft craftsmen in Qing Dynasty. The most valuable relic in the temple is the Tang stone tablet erected between the gate and the second gate. The tablet is 367 centimeters tall and 95 centimeters wide, which was made in the year of 809. It was named ‘Three Success' because of the wonderful inscribed article, the excellent inscribed calligraphy skill and the respected characteristics of Zhuge Liang mentioned in the article. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Jinli Old Street
was set up and opened for public in 2004. Walking in this street, historic lanes, old official residences, vernacular dwelling, inns and shops will bring you back to the ancient China. The elegant style of the architectures tells you what Sichuan looks like during the Qing Dynasty. Sichuan Culture is inlayed in this ancient street. After its recent renovation, Jinli Ancient Street has become one of the busy trading streets in Chengdu. On both sides of this 350-metre street there are numerous small stores selling handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs such as Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, old porcelain dishes, curios, or calligraphies and paintings. Within the area, there are also hotels, restaurants, teahouses, bars and cafés. The street is very popular with both locals and tourists, especially at night. In the middle of the street, there is a wooden stage which looks like an ancient pavilion. It is used from time to time for performing classic Sichuan Operas. You can enjoy folk music along with the actor's beautiful, quick costume and make-up changes. The actors' perfect performances will wow you. When you reach the end of the street, you'll be tempted by the aroma of delicious local snacks. The citizens of Chengdu are born epicures and they are particularly fond of dining. Here there are many restaurants as well as sidewalk booths offering local snacks that will make your mouth water. source: www.topchinatravel.com
was set up and opened for public in 2004. Walking in this street, historic lanes, old official residences, vernacular dwelling, inns and shops will bring you back to the ancient China. The elegant style of the architectures tells you what Sichuan looks like during the Qing Dynasty. Sichuan Culture is inlayed in this ancient street. After its recent renovation, Jinli Ancient Street has become one of the busy trading streets in Chengdu. On both sides of this 350-metre street there are numerous small stores selling handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs such as Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, old porcelain dishes, curios, or calligraphies and paintings. Within the area, there are also hotels, restaurants, teahouses, bars and cafés. The street is very popular with both locals and tourists, especially at night. In the middle of the street, there is a wooden stage which looks like an ancient pavilion. It is used from time to time for performing classic Sichuan Operas. You can enjoy folk music along with the actor's beautiful, quick costume and make-up changes. The actors' perfect performances will wow you. When you reach the end of the street, you'll be tempted by the aroma of delicious local snacks. The citizens of Chengdu are born epicures and they are particularly fond of dining. Here there are many restaurants as well as sidewalk booths offering local snacks that will make your mouth water. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Kuan Zhai Alley
is one of the top three historic preserve districts in Chengdu City. It is formed by three alleys called Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley. The major buildings in this site are courtyards and ancient style streets. This district had been renovated from 2005 to 2008. And now, it is a cultural site consisting of 45 Qing Ming Dynasty style courtyards, modern villas and gardens, as well as theme hostels. ♦ History In the fifty-seventh year of Kangxi in Qing Dynasty (1718), the government has sent about 3,000 soldiers to Tibet. After the war was stopped, over one thousand Baqi Garrison and their families have stayed in Chengdu forever. Kuan, Zhai and Jing Alleys were included in the 42 alleys for soldiers. However, the process of urbanization gradually swallows up the historical relics of old Chengdu, and nowadays only three out of 42 alleys, that is, Kuan, Zhai and Jing Alleys have been remained with reserve of the past signs. source: www.topchinatravel.com
is one of the top three historic preserve districts in Chengdu City. It is formed by three alleys called Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley. The major buildings in this site are courtyards and ancient style streets. This district had been renovated from 2005 to 2008. And now, it is a cultural site consisting of 45 Qing Ming Dynasty style courtyards, modern villas and gardens, as well as theme hostels. ♦ History In the fifty-seventh year of Kangxi in Qing Dynasty (1718), the government has sent about 3,000 soldiers to Tibet. After the war was stopped, over one thousand Baqi Garrison and their families have stayed in Chengdu forever. Kuan, Zhai and Jing Alleys were included in the 42 alleys for soldiers. However, the process of urbanization gradually swallows up the historical relics of old Chengdu, and nowadays only three out of 42 alleys, that is, Kuan, Zhai and Jing Alleys have been remained with reserve of the past signs. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Jinsha archaeological site and Jinsha Site Museum complex
located about 7 kilometers or four miles west of the center of Chengdu in the Qingyang District. So it is an easy place to visit. There is a big museum and park area that measures about 530 meters by 400 meters (.3 square kilometers) that highlight the discoveries of the Bronze-age site in Jinsha. There are three large buildings and the rest of it is park is parkland with a stream called the Modi River. So it is built to be a combination of a museum and a green park, and there are also entertainments and amusements for the visitors. It is thought that the people who lived there about 3,000 years ago and left the tombs and other remains were part of the same culture as the people of the earlier and more famous Sanxingdui site that is about 50 kilometers northeast. It is an archaeological highlight to visit in the Chengdu area. Both the recently discovered Sanxingdui site that dates to about 1,200 BC and the Jinsha site that dates to about 1,000 BC surprised archaeologists. The large cast bronze objects that were found at the Sanxingdui site astonished archaeologists and historians because they didn't know that the civilization existed and because the objects showed an unusually high level of bronze technology. The bronze artifacts at Jinsha were not as large, but because objects looked similar, it was thought that the Jinsha people were of the same culture as the Sanxingdui people. source: www.chinahighlights.com
located about 7 kilometers or four miles west of the center of Chengdu in the Qingyang District. So it is an easy place to visit. There is a big museum and park area that measures about 530 meters by 400 meters (.3 square kilometers) that highlight the discoveries of the Bronze-age site in Jinsha. There are three large buildings and the rest of it is park is parkland with a stream called the Modi River. So it is built to be a combination of a museum and a green park, and there are also entertainments and amusements for the visitors. It is thought that the people who lived there about 3,000 years ago and left the tombs and other remains were part of the same culture as the people of the earlier and more famous Sanxingdui site that is about 50 kilometers northeast. It is an archaeological highlight to visit in the Chengdu area. Both the recently discovered Sanxingdui site that dates to about 1,200 BC and the Jinsha site that dates to about 1,000 BC surprised archaeologists. The large cast bronze objects that were found at the Sanxingdui site astonished archaeologists and historians because they didn't know that the civilization existed and because the objects showed an unusually high level of bronze technology. The bronze artifacts at Jinsha were not as large, but because objects looked similar, it was thought that the Jinsha people were of the same culture as the Sanxingdui people. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Wenshu Temple
located in Chengdu downtown, covering an area of 90 mus. It is a famous Buddhist temple and the provincial cultural relics protection unit in Sichuan. It is also one of the four Chinese zen Buddhism Sadhana Spots in China. It used to be Miaoyuanta Courtyard. In Song Dynasty it was renamed "Xinxiang Temple". Later it was destroyed in the war. It was said that, during Qing Dynasty, someone saw red light appearing in the night. The local government sent people to Legend of the Qing Dynasty was Yomi red light appears, the government sent people to have a look and they saw the statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva was in the red light. Because of it, the temple was renovated in 1697 and finnaly named Wenshu Temple ( Manjusri Bodhisattva’s Chinese name). Wenshu Temple is facing south, with the construction area of 11,600 square meters. It has over 190 rooms. Hall of Heavenly Kings, Three Deities Hall, Buddha Dharma Hall and Mahavira Hall and Sutra Mansion are solemn and respectful lining on the central axis of the temple, which are typical Qing Dynasty architecture. At both side of the temple, there are Zen Room, Guan Room, Guest Room, Vegetarian Room, Jie Room, the Buddha Recitation Hall and the Ministry Room, forming an enclosed courtyard. In the two mutually opposing three eaves style bell towers, there is a bronze bell weighting 4500 kg. The bronze statue of Avalokitesvara is a masterpiece sculpture. And the statue of Guardian Deity Skanda, was built in the Qing dynasty. There is a Burma Hade Buddha which was invited from Burma in 1922. In addition, there are over 300 buddhas’ statues, including stone buddha inscriptions, bronze or iron buddhas statues, or wooden statues, which all have artistic value. source: www.topchinatravel.com
located in Chengdu downtown, covering an area of 90 mus. It is a famous Buddhist temple and the provincial cultural relics protection unit in Sichuan. It is also one of the four Chinese zen Buddhism Sadhana Spots in China. It used to be Miaoyuanta Courtyard. In Song Dynasty it was renamed "Xinxiang Temple". Later it was destroyed in the war. It was said that, during Qing Dynasty, someone saw red light appearing in the night. The local government sent people to Legend of the Qing Dynasty was Yomi red light appears, the government sent people to have a look and they saw the statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva was in the red light. Because of it, the temple was renovated in 1697 and finnaly named Wenshu Temple ( Manjusri Bodhisattva’s Chinese name). Wenshu Temple is facing south, with the construction area of 11,600 square meters. It has over 190 rooms. Hall of Heavenly Kings, Three Deities Hall, Buddha Dharma Hall and Mahavira Hall and Sutra Mansion are solemn and respectful lining on the central axis of the temple, which are typical Qing Dynasty architecture. At both side of the temple, there are Zen Room, Guan Room, Guest Room, Vegetarian Room, Jie Room, the Buddha Recitation Hall and the Ministry Room, forming an enclosed courtyard. In the two mutually opposing three eaves style bell towers, there is a bronze bell weighting 4500 kg. The bronze statue of Avalokitesvara is a masterpiece sculpture. And the statue of Guardian Deity Skanda, was built in the Qing dynasty. There is a Burma Hade Buddha which was invited from Burma in 1922. In addition, there are over 300 buddhas’ statues, including stone buddha inscriptions, bronze or iron buddhas statues, or wooden statues, which all have artistic value. source: www.topchinatravel.com
Cuisine
Chengdu cuisine has three categories, Sichuan Cuisine, Hotpot, and Snack. Sichuan cuisine has developed over the centuries. Its distinctive flavors entice people throughout China and recently in foreign countries.Sichuan cuisine is famous for piquancy, but its flavoring is complex as well as hot. Typical dishes include the following:
Ma Po Tofu (Bean curd with mince and chili oil): one of the most influential flavors of Sichuan cuisine, served in every Sichuan restaurant. Chen Ma Po's Bean Curd Restaurant at No. 197, West Yulong Street serves the most delicious and local one. For hundreds of years, Ma Po's Bean Curd has been popular among people all over China, even throughout the world.
Hot Pot: When people think of Chengdu, they immediately think of hotpot. Introduced from Chongqing, Chengdu hotpot has its own style ranging from simple spicy to moderate, three or four kinds of spices, as well as fish head hotpot, medical herbs hotpot, etc.
Snacks: Hidden in the streets and lanes of the city, snack bars still send out savory flavors. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Chengdu cuisine has three categories, Sichuan Cuisine, Hotpot, and Snack. Sichuan cuisine has developed over the centuries. Its distinctive flavors entice people throughout China and recently in foreign countries.Sichuan cuisine is famous for piquancy, but its flavoring is complex as well as hot. Typical dishes include the following:
Ma Po Tofu (Bean curd with mince and chili oil): one of the most influential flavors of Sichuan cuisine, served in every Sichuan restaurant. Chen Ma Po's Bean Curd Restaurant at No. 197, West Yulong Street serves the most delicious and local one. For hundreds of years, Ma Po's Bean Curd has been popular among people all over China, even throughout the world.
Hot Pot: When people think of Chengdu, they immediately think of hotpot. Introduced from Chongqing, Chengdu hotpot has its own style ranging from simple spicy to moderate, three or four kinds of spices, as well as fish head hotpot, medical herbs hotpot, etc.
Snacks: Hidden in the streets and lanes of the city, snack bars still send out savory flavors. source: www.travelchinaguide.com