Chengdu – ‘The Abundant Land’

Located in southwest China, the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu has over 2,300 years of historical heritage. It combines an impressive cosmopolitan district with iconic cultural landmarks and of course, it is the unique habitat of the giant panda.

Sichuan Province boasts 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites aginst its stunning scenery. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a reserve boasting spectacular views, stunning waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and peaks, reaching heights of over 4,500 metres. It is also home to some 140 bird species, the endangered Sichuan takin, and the giant panda.

Huanglong is located in the Minshan mountain range and is renowned for its colourful pools, created by calcite deposits. The area is home to many rare and endangered species including the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey and the giant panda

In 2010, Chengdu joined the UNESCO “Creative Cities Network”, becoming only the second city in the world and the first in Asia to be designated a “City of Gastronomy”. The city has a world-famous reputation as a historical centre of gastronomy, and the cradle of Sichuan cuisine. Today travellers from all over the world are drawn to Chengdu to experience its tastes and cultural cuisine.

Mount Qingcheng was the birthplace of Taoism, making it amongst the most important centres for the religion in China. With its peak 1,600 metres above sea level, Mount Qingcheng enjoys a cool climate and lush greenery all year round.

Also not to be missed during your time in the province, is the imposing and impressive Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-metre tall, stone statue, built during the Tang Dynasty. Carved out of a cliff face, the Buddha faces Mount Emi with rivers flowing just beneath his feet.

Extend your time in Chengdu and explore all that the province has to offer. Chengdu is deservedly one of only two Chinese cities to have received the prestigious title of China’s Best Tourist City and the World’s Excellent Destination City.

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