Find Us In Chengdu, The Place To Be!
We are excited to announce that we partnered with a language school in Chengdu! So, now you’ll be able to visit us there as well and share and live the China experience.
When we mention Chengdu, the first things that you might think of are pandas and Sichuan peppers. Yes, Chengdu is known as the Panda Capital of China, home to the iconic giant panda. It is also located in the Sichuan province which is popular for its culinary dishes. But there is more to Chengdu than meets the eye!
Chengdu has become a popular destination for those who want to see the endangered giant panda’s. Nevertheless, Chengdu is growing as a fast-growing Metropol, with so much more to offer.
This place has become very popular among tourists, especially those from Australia. The growing interest is understandable, due to the many cultural sites and history Chengdu has to offer. These places include, but are not limited to, temples, panda’s, nature, museums, and architecture. So, there is enough to see and to do for anyone. Which might leave you wondering, what does Chengdu with its 14,5 million citizens, have to offer us (besides the Hutong School)? We made a list of the “must see’s” in Chengdu:
1. Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Of course, this list would not be complete without the pandas. This research base was established in 1987 with the main focus to conserve the existence of the giant panda and other endangered species.
This center tries to mimic the natural habitat of the panda, to create the optimal environment for them to freely breed. If you were to visit this center, it is strongly recommended to visit in the morning around 9am. The pandas tend to be the most active in the morning. For more information about the exact location, entrance fees and opening hours check out their website.
2. Wenshu temple
Another must-see is the Wenshu Temple, also known as the Wenshu Monastery, which is a Buddhist temple located in the Qingyang District. This temple is the perfect place to escape from the big city. The temple is hidden and surrounded by nature, creating an oasis of quiet and peace. Come here, to wander the empty pedestrian streets, enjoy beautiful nature, appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and admire the Buddhist statues. One of the ground rules in Buddhism is: “I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life”. Some interpret this, that one should avoid eating any kind of meat. So, for all the vegetarians (and also non-vegetarians) out there, this is the perfect place to enjoy great vegetarian options.
3. Jinli Street
This pedestrian street is about 550 meters long. When you walk here, you’ll get to enjoy a typical traditional representation of what Chengdu used to look like. The street is bustling with activity. The many shops with its vendors and the architecture give a very authentic and cozy feeling. Especially the architecture makes this street unique, as this street is part of the Temple of Marquis and was build with the Qing Dynasty style in mind. Back in 2004, the street was closed for renovation, but the street is now open for business. Explore this street with many little souvenir shops, bars, inns, snack stores, and local snack vendors.
4. Wuhou Temple
The Wuhou temple serves as a memorial for the Three Kingdom Period. It’s characterized by the quietness and historical artifacts on display. It proudly serves as one of the largest preserved museums of that area from the Three Kingdom period. This period (220 – 280 AD) started with the Jin dynasty and marks the division of China between the three states: Wei, Shu, and Wu. In addition, this period also marks one of the bloodiest historical events in China. Nevertheless, this period has been romanticized by some Asian cultures, through folk stories, films, television, and even video games. Travel back in time by admiring the old artifacts on display, while learning about some of China’s most significant historical events. We recommend doing some background research about this period so you can better understand the displayed artifacts.
5. Tibet district
Since Chengdu is one of the bigger cities closest to Tibet, therefore known as the gateway city to the Tibetan plateau. So, you should definitely take some time to visit the Tibet district. It is closely located to the Wuhou Temple and is, therefore, a good option for an afternoon stroll. The Tibetan quarter is home to thousands of Tibetan residents. If you don’t have the time or the resources to visit Tibet, this is a nice place to get a first impression. Visit ethnic shops that sell authentic and handcrafted products. Enjoy some local foods and snacks.
6. Mount Qingcheng
For the more adventurous and sporty tourists out there this is a perfect place to get some exercise. Feeling guilty because you have been indulging yourself in local snacks? Here is your chance to become (a bit) more active. The Mount Qingcheng is a famous Taoist mountain and offers many historical and cultural sites. Admire the beautiful green scenery and enjoy the fresh air and nature. When visiting this mountain, be prepared to get your hiking gear out as it can require some hiking. However, there is also the option to take a cableway up the mountain. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded by the beautiful Taoist temple complex that is located on top of this holy mountain. This mountain is comprised of two sides, a front- and rear- mountainside. The front mountain offers more historical and cultural sides, whereas the rear mountain is characterized by its stunning green scenery. Depending on what side of the mountain and how you’ll be going up the mountain, you should either take a day or a half-day to visit the mountain.
7. Chunxi Road
Be ready to spend some money, when visiting Chunxi road, also known as the “Hundred Year Gold Street”. This pedestrianized shopping street offers over 700 shops that range from large department stores, street stalls, supermarkets, restaurants and so much more! All-in-all, there is enough to see, do, eat and shop. The street has a history of 85 years and is the most famous commercialized pedestrian street in Chengdu.
8. The big Buddha of Leshan
This place might not be really located in Chengdu, nevertheless, with a travel time of 2 hours from Chengdu, it is still worth the journey. The giant stone statue is 71 meters tall and was build between 713 and 803 during the Tang dynasty.
The construction of the statue started in 713 AD. The Buddha statue faces the Mount Emei, with rivers flowing below its feet. No surprise that this statue was built with the intention to calm down the turbulent waters that posed a threat to the boats that went down the river. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world and has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 1996.
What are you waiting for?!
Are you just as excited as us to explore this city? Of course, Chengdu has much more to offer then what we listed here. So, join us in Chengdu! Check out the Chinese language courses that we offer in Chengdu. We can also arrange an internship for you in Chengdu and so much more !
Want to know more about traveling in China? Check out this blog post about how to prepare for China! Also, here are some suggestions for other places to visit in China. If you are contemplating whether you want to study in China, check out this post for popular places for foreigners to study in China.
