Chengdu lies in the heart of South West China and has recently transformed from a landscape of traditional wooden houses and streets lined with Ginko trees to districts of towering concrete, glass and wide traffic laden streets; In short just another Chinese city. However a closer look at Chengdu reveals a world which still embraces the traditional heart of South West China where bamboo parks, sleepy tea houses and ancient temples are woven into the modern infrastructure.
The city was established in the fourth century BC when the 9th king of the state of Shu built his capital here. After a military conquest in 316 BC it was absorbed into the state of Qin under General Zhang Yi. This was when it became Chinese. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907) it had emerged as one of the most important commercial centres in China. In fact paper money was first introduced to the world on a large scale in Chengdu during the northern Song around (960 AD). Even Marco Polo visited Chengdu.
The region has always slightly cut off from the rest of China by a rugged landscape that has contributed to its distinct cultural development and for this reason it makes a fascinating addition to any tour. Its surrounding mountains and forests provide the last habitat of the Giant Panda. Visit these endangered creatures at the nearby Giant Panda Breeding Research base.
One of China’s most incredible and mysterious sites resides on the planes that surround the city. Sanxingdui is a surreal collection of bronze artefacts believed to have come from the ancient Shu civilization over 4900 years ago.
For a taste of real Sichuan culture visit one of the many park-side teahouses where you can while away the hours watching locals playing cards, and doing their exercises. From its speciality snack streets to famed hot pot restaurants Chengdu has become an ambassador for Sichuan food. The city even boasts a number of cooking schools that explore the intricacies of this spicy regional cuisine.
Visit the Qingyang Gong; the Temple of the Green Ram, which dates back to the ninth century, making it one of the oldest Taoist temples in China. Here amongst the clouds of burning incense you will have a chance to converse with one of the monks and gain a much overlooked perspective on traditional Chinese spirituality.
For a great evening’s entertainment, look no further than the Sichuan opera, which like everything else in the region has evolved with its own special magic from mystical face changers to ancient acrobatic routines. Chengdu is also the corridor to Tibet with daily flights to Lhasa, and it makes a fascinating stop for any tour.
