Discover the City of Pandas
CHENGDU
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is known as the "Land of Abundance" and celebrated for its leisurely pace, spicy cuisine, traditional teahouses, bustling markets, and as the home of the giant panda.
It combines both tangible and intangible cultural wealth, featuring three UNESCO sites (Mount Emei with the Leshan Giant Buddha, Qingcheng Mountain with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries) and vibrant traditions like Sichuan Opera's face-changing, its cuisine, and bamboo weaving.
As a cradle of Taoism and Buddhism in China, Chengdu is dotted with sacred mountains and numerous historical sites spanning different dynasties, reflecting its profound cultural and religious significance in Chinese history.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTION HIGHLIGHTS
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Located in the Futou Mountain area of Chenghua District, the base is about 10 kilometers from downtown Chengdu.
This non-profit organization focuses on the conservation of endangered giant pandas through scientific research, breeding programs, and public education. Spanning 600 acres, it provides a natural habitat for over 100 giant pandas, offering visitors the opportunity to observe these beloved animals.
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A marvel of ancient Chinese engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed around 256 BC during the Warring States period, this system was ingeniously designed to prevent flooding and provide irrigation to the Chengdu plain, enriching Sichuan's agriculture.
The system operates through three main components: the Yuzui or Fish Mouth Levee, which diverts river water; the Feishayan or Flying Sand Weir, which discharges excess water and sediment; and the Baopingkou or Bottle-Neck Channel, which directs water into irrigation canals.
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Chengdu, Qingcheng Mountain holds a prestigious status as one of China's principal Taoist mountains, marking it as a cornerstone in the country's rich religious and cultural landscape. Its serene environment and historical significance as a cradle for Taoism underpin its importance, offering a unique blend of cultural depth and natural beauty.
It features two main areas: the Front Mountain, rich in Taoist heritage, and the serene Back Mountain, known for its natural landscapes.
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Standing at 3,099 meters tall, it is revered as the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich Buddhist heritage, hosting the first Buddhist temple in China from the 1st century CE.
The mountain is home to a diverse ecosystem, including the native Tibetan macaques. Its intricate Buddhist monasteries, nestled among lush landscapes, adapt seamlessly to the mountain's contours, offering visitors a unique blend of spiritual and natural exploration.
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A stunning monument of religious significance and an architectural marvel situated in Leshan. This colossal statue, standing at 71 meters (233 feet) tall, is the largest stone Buddha in the world. It was carved into the cliff face of Lingyun Mountain during the Tang Dynasty.
Recognized alongside the Mount Emei Scenic Area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this awe-inspiring statue exemplifies religious devotion and showcases China's advanced ancient engineering techniques. Among these is its sophisticated drainage system, designed to protect the statue from erosion.
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Located by Huanhua Creek, it was the residence of the great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. Fleeing the An-Shi Rebellion in 759 AD, Du Fu settled here, constructing a thatched cottage known as "Chengdu Thatched Cottage," where he lived for nearly four years and wrote over 240 poems.
A “sacred site” in Chinese literary history, the Du Fu Thatched Cottage has evolved through reconstructions into a museum that embodies the essence of Du Fu’s legacy and Chinese literary history, and has earned recognition as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.
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Nestled against Chengdu's bustling Taikoo Li, it offers a striking contrast of ancient simplicity and modern luxury. Rooted in the Wei and Jin dynasties, it stands as an architectural marvel, having survived numerous fires and reconstructions.
Celebrated as the ordination ground of the revered Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang, it boasts murals acclaimed as "unparalleled in the world." With its sprawling courtyards, towering trees, and majestic structures, Daci Temple served as a pivotal center for Buddhist scholarly exchange across China, Korea, and Japan, housing rare paintings and statues that captivate visitors today.
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Nestled in Qingyang District, Wenshu Monastery traces its roots back to the Sui Dynasty, gaining prominence with a Qing Dynasty rebuild. An emblem of Qing architectural mastery, showcasing over 300 Buddha statues in varied materials, including a rare Jade Buddha from Myanmar, the monastery is a rich repository of Buddhist heritage and artifacts.
The complex boasts significant halls and a vast scripture collection, with a 4,500 kg bell among its prized relics. This monastery, a beacon of Buddhist culture and heritage, serves as a spiritual haven and a historical monument in Chengdu.
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A well-preserved Qing Dynasty ancient street, known alongside Daci Temple and Wenshu Monastery as one of Chengdu's three major historical and cultural conservation districts.
Reflecting the leisurely lifestyle shaped during Emperor Kangxi's reign, the alley now flanked by traditional and modern elements, illustrates the evolution of Chengdu's "street culture," including tea house and dining cultures. Its three preserved alleys offer a blend of historic architecture, cultural experiences, and an array of local and contemporary commerce, making it a vibrant testament to Chengdu's rich heritage and modern allure.
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China's only temple honoring both a monarch and his minister. Founded in 223 AD as Liu Bei's mausoleum, it has undergone several reconstructions and damages over the millennia. Initially separate, Zhuge Liang's shrine merged with Liu Bei's temple during the Ming dynasty's early years, forming the combined Wuhou Temple seen today.
Covering 150,000 square meters, the Temple is a major site commemorating Zhuge Liang, famed for its artifacts, inscriptions, and the renowned Triple Success Tablet.
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Renowned since the Qin, Han, and Three Kingdoms periods as one of the oldest and most commercially vibrant streets in Western Shu, it has recently been acclaimed by American media as the world's most beautiful street.
This narrow, 350-meter-long ancient street, renowned for its carefully arranged mix of bars, Sichuan cuisine, inns, and craft stalls, mirrors the historical lifestyle of Chengdu. Its recognition as "the First Street of Western Shu" and comparisons to the "Chengdu version of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" underscore its cultural significance.
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Established in 1911 and historically known as Shaocheng Park, Chengdu People’s Park is one of Chengdu’s most beloved comprehensive parks. It has undergone numerous restorations over the last century, maintaining its charm and attracting many visitors.
With its lush greenery and picturesque artificial lake, the Park offers both tranquility and various long-term recreational activities, making it a beloved spot for relaxation and leisure. Visitors can enjoy the traditional pastime of drinking tea at one of the many teahouses, and the park is also famous for its "Matchmaking Corner," where parents often gather to find potential partners for their children.
MUST-EXPERIENCE LOCAL CULTURE
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Renowned for its bold, pungent flavors and tantalizing spiciness, Sichuan cuisine is a veritable paradise for those seeking a culinary thrill, best experienced in Chengdu.
The city offers a diverse range of food with various flavors, from the spicy and stimulating hotpot and mala xiangguo to the sweet but not greasy sweet water noodles and the fresh and delicious yuxiang shredded pork. In addition, the local snacks, such as tofu pudding, Long's dumplings, and husband and wife lung slices, are also worth a try.
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A gem of Chinese traditional art, the Sichuan Opera stands out with its unique artistic value and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known for its dramatic, often humorous plots and beautiful costumes, Sichuan Opera is a living testament to China's rich cultural history. Its most distinctive feature, the magical face changing, adds an element of surprise that captivates audiences of all ages.
CGT offers an immersive Sichuan Opera experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this traditional art form.
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Traditional Chinese medicine, notably Tui Na massage, is renowned for its healing and balancing properties. This ancient technique manipulates the body's meridians to rejuvenate energy flows and treat ailments effectively.
Chinese foot soaking, a practice involving immersion of feet in herbal mixtures, is considered to detoxify the body and enhance overall well-being by targeting energy points on the soles, making it a valued wellness ritual.
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A cherished part of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. This age-old art form transforms humble bamboo strips into a myriad of intricate designs, from practical items like baskets and mats to ornamental pieces of stunning complexity.
As an eco-friendly and renewable resource, bamboo plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable living and traditional craftsmanship. CGT offers a unique opportunity for you to experience bamboo weaving firsthand and take home your own handcrafted piece.
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Located in the northwest of Chengdu, Jinsha Site Museum is one of the largest, earliest, and best-preserved archaeological sites of the Bronze Age in China. It provides a unique glimpse into the remarkable casting techniques and artistic styles of the ancient Shu people.
With a collection of over 6,000 unearthed items, including intricate bronze, gold, jade artifacts, and ivory, the Jinsha Site Museum is a living testament to Chengdu's rich cultural heritage.
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The Sanxingdui Museum's new extension is the largest archaeological museum building in Southwest China. It cleverly extends the original bronze hall's spiral curve, with a sloping roof that blends into the environment, symbolizing "three stars lined up.”
Over 1,500 artifacts are displayed, leveraging modern technology like naked-eye 3D media, sophisticated projection technology, AI, and 3D printing for an immersive look at Sanxingdui's archaeology.
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Originating from the Tang Dynasty, it is an integral aspect of Sichuan culture. The name 'Covered-Bowl' comes from the distinctive way of drinking this tea, where the tea bowl's lid is used to cover the bowl, maintaining the tea's temperature and filtering the leaves. It offers a unique taste with a strong tea fragrance and a sweet aftertaste.
In Chengdu, this is more than just a beverage; it is a way of life and a cultural symbol. Many locals like to spend their leisure time in tea houses.
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The practice of ear cleaning, known as "cai er," rooted in the Han Dynasty, was initially a luxury for the noble class. By the Song Dynasty, it became widely available in teahouses and public spaces.
Now in Chengdu, this traditional practice is more than just personal care; it's a cultural experience deeply intertwined with the city's leisurely way of life. Skilled ear cleaners, often found in serene teahouses, offer a meticulous service using specialized tools, providing a moment of relaxation and connection.
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Matchmaking in China, with its deep historical roots, has evolved over time. Traditionally, it involved matchmakers considering family backgrounds and astrological readings for marital harmony. Today, matchmaking corners in parks are where parents gather to find partners for their children.
The "Matchmaking Corner" in Chengdu People's Park is particularly popular among local people. Come check it out if you are single, maybe you will find your romance!
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Deeply embedded in Chengdu's relaxed culture, Sichuan Mahjong is more than a game—it's a vital leisure activity pervasive throughout the city, from tea houses to public spaces. The game's tiles include three suits, and winning requires strategic grouping of these tiles.
If you visit Chengdu in summer, you can even experience the unique "water Mahjong." The city's intense summer heat does nothing to dampen the locals' fervent love.
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The Jinjiang River, flowing through Chengdu, has a rich history, serving as a lifeline for the city since ancient times.
Spanning from Dongmen Wharf to Langqiao, the cruise creates a dynamic evening filled with "Night Exhibition, Night Show, and Night Cruise" themes, blending the city's past with its vibrant present through various art installations and performances including the Bodhi Sound Light Show and storytelling at the docks.
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Sichuan, with its rich history in alcohol culture, plays a significant role in China's alcohol narrative, fostering a thriving local bar scene.
As one of the crucial birthplaces and incubators of China's hip-hop culture, Chengdu's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Home to the passionate DJMag's top 100 clubs globally, including Playhouse (currently the best nightclub in China) and DNA. Who is ready for clubbing and bar hopping?
Also known for its economic prosperity, Chengdu is the base for many internationally renowned companies such as Tencent, JD.com, and Lenovo.
Acknowledging the impact of the Chinese economy on the world, CGT has arranged an additional corporate study tour service. If interested, visitors can explore these renowned companies to gain a deeper understanding of their operations.
*For a complete list of visits, please reach out to us.
TENCENT CHENGDU
Tencent Chengdu, established as a major product development and research center in 2012, has evolved to become a significant player in the tech industry. Housing approximately 2,300 employees, it spans various departments including major online game development and operation, mobile gaming, data processing centers, and cloud services.
Notably, TiMi Studio Group, the powerhouse behind 'Honor of Kings'—which has reached over 100 million daily active players globally, making it one of the most popular and highest-grossing mobile games of all time—operates from here, marking Chengdu as a key location for Tencent's innovation and growth in the digital realm.
JD CHENGDU RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The JD Chengdu Research Institute, established in June 2011, is JD.com's largest R&D center outside its Beijing headquarters. Located in the Western Wisdom Valley of Wuhou District, Chengdu, and spreading over 3,000 square meters, it has grown from a few dozen to over 400 professionals. The institute focuses on five key areas: mobile internet, cloud computing, big data, payments, and artificial intelligence. It has submitted hundreds of patents internationally and domestically, handling over 100 internal R&D projects, collaborating closely with other departments, businesses, universities, enterprises, and social organizations in Chengdu for technological advancements.
LENOVO WESTERN INDUSTRIAL PARK
Lenovo Group, a Fortune Global 500 company with a $46 billion turnover, holds a leading position in innovative technology for consumers, businesses, and enterprises worldwide. Its Chengdu facility, established in December 2011 in collaboration with the Chengdu government, is part of its strategic global layout, enhancing its supply chain, R&D, and sales network. Situated in Pidu District, the Lenovo Western Industry Park spans approximately 199.47 acres, symbolizes a significant phase in Lenovo's global strategic layout.
SICHUAN CHANGHONG (CHiQ)
Established in 1958 and headquartered in Mianyang, Sichuan, Changhong is a leading consumer electronics and home appliances company in China. With over 50,000 employees, it offers a wide product range, including TVs, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Since 2013, Changhong has held a dominant 20% of the global market share for refrigerator compressors. It maintains a broad international presence, with branches in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, serving over 90 countries and operating more than 20,000 sales and service outlets worldwide, making it one of Asia's largest air conditioner manufacturers.