KRISTEN CHANEY
The mega-city of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, makes a great base for tourists looking to explore the culture, lifestyle, heritage and history of this southwestern region. An important city of literature, art and commerce of over 2000 years, Chengdu is now a vast metropolis of over 10 million people, sprawling across the countryside of the Red River Basin. Ancient temples, pagodas, museums, stunning gardens and green spaces, markets, street stalls, local eateries and unlimited shopping opportunities attract a growing number of visitors annually.
Chengdu
Although modern high-rise development has replaced many of the city as traditional streets, there are still much to see for the history buff, beginning with the beautiful, original Tang Dynasty, Wenshu Temple and monastery, built in honor of the Wisdom Buddha, Manjusri and reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty. Its main hall holds 450 ancient Buddha images and many precious relics of former abbots and holy men, with the teahouse in the grounds, a popular place for locals play chess and relax with friends and family. The vegetarian restaurant in the grounds is great for a quick lunch after exploring the complex.
China has best-loved classical poets, Du Fu and Li Bai, living here during the 8th century. The site, home to the Chengdu Du Fu Society, is part shrine and part museum, with its peaceful bamboo gardens and teahouse a relaxing break from the noisy city. The Wuhou Temple complex, first founded almost two millennia ago, dates from the 17th century with its two shrines to ancient emperors, and Sichuan Opera performances are given nightly on the grounds. A traditional Chinese performing art is a colorful and fascinating cross between classical music and poetry.
Wuhou Temple is close to Jinli Street, a narrow, cobbled traditional street lined with old houses and shops selling everything from souvenirs to tea, books and musical instruments. The best of it lies in a tiny alleyway between the temple and the main street, crowded with eateries and snack stalls. It’s a good place for people as it is even more popular with the locals than with the visitors. Wangjian Tower Park and Bamboo Garden lies along the river banks, a quiet, spacious area containing over 150 bamboo varieties and the elegant 19th century pagoda with its four storeys and exquisite decoration. The on-site Xue Tai natural spring provides water for the teahouse, with its teas a refreshing break from wandering the many halls and pavilions here.
The Jinsha-Sanxingdui excavation pits west of the city are the most important in terms of finds made during the last 30 years. Since, the mystery , say disturbing, objects from the collection have toured the world’s most important museums. Now also displaying in the site museum, history buffs will stand in awe of these stunning ceremonial artifacts and golden masks.
For a relaxing break from history and heritage, shopping in Chengdu is one of the best thing. The city is a hub for Tibetan crafts, with the Tibetan quarter lined with shops selling everything from traditional clothes to religious items.
Chengdu 