Chengdu is the capital of which country. Sights and interesting places in Chengdu: photo and description

I will tell you separately in the next article about the attractions of Chengdu for children, and now you will find out what you can see in Chengdu with the whole family or alone, what interesting things to do in this city and district. What we liked while traveling to Chengdu in 2016. And also in the near future, detailed articles about each of these places with a large number of photos will appear on the blog)

Many people come to Chengdu to see giant pandas!

1. Research center for breeding giant pandas.

Perhaps the most famous landmark of Chengdu. It is in this city that the largest giant panda breeding and research center in the world is located. However, keep in mind that there are two panda research centers in Chengdu! One is the famous one, and the second one is no less large, nearby in the city of Dujanyan. I would even say huge - you can hardly get around it on foot, but you don't need to, free buses run around the reserve. The main recommendation for both centers is to come to the opening, from 8 am pandas are actively chewing bamboo and you can see many of them. During the day, most of the famous pandas sleep and you will see mainly small red pandas that look like adorable raccoons. By the way, you can take a picture with a panda in an embrace (only 2,000 yuan - about 20,000 rubles - and the photo is yours. Like Jackie Chan)

Name and address of the main giant panda breeding center in Chengdu in Chinese:
成都大熊猫繁育研究基地
610081 成华区 外 北 三环 熊猫 大道 1375 号

The second center is the Funny Panda Park in Dujiangyan,
address 都江堰 市 怀中 路 观音 院 (青城 山镇 与 大观 镇 之间) By purchasing tickets on the official website in advance, save a couple of dollars)

Met on the lanes of Kuanjay in Chengdu)))

2. The old lanes of Kuanjay. Kuanzhai Ancient Street of Qing Dynasty

I advise you to visit: colorful characters in ancient traditional costumes on the streets, many interesting places. Wander the streets of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), look into cozy courtyards, of which there are 45, try local delicacies in numerous restaurants or right on the street, buy good tea from the Sichuan province, listen to live music and songs at lunch or dinner. You can also buy souvenirs, sweets and gifts there. Details about the lanes of "Kuanzhai Xiangzi" with photos in this article, as well as our photo walk around this Chengdu attraction with children and more photos from these lovely streets in.

Name and address of Kuanjai lanes:
宽窄 巷子 ， 位于 成都市 市中心 区, 距 天府 广场 约 1000 米
or 610015 青羊 区 同仁 路 以东 长顺 街 以西

On the streets of Kuangzhai in Chengdu

Read more about Kuanjai (Kuangzhai) lanes:

Lanes "Kuangzhai Xiangzi" - attractions of Chengdu

Photo walk to the sights of Chengdu with children: Kuangzhai

Sightseeing Chengdu: Third Photo Walking Tour of Kuangzhai

3. The famous Taoist Temple of the Green Goat.

Sometimes it is also called the "Palace of the Black Goat". Although there are many temples and pagodas in Chengdu, this one is the most popular with tourists. The complex was built during the heyday of Taoism during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but most of the surviving palaces and buildings are the result of reconstruction during the Qing period (1644-1911). You will see several palaces in the traditional Chinese style on the territory of the temple. The main one is decorated with golden dragons, in front of the entrance there are two bronze goats, which are made up of elements of all the animals of the Chinese 12-year cycle, for example, they have claws like a tiger. You can also see a beautiful garden and many pagodas.

Name and address of the Temple of the Green Goat - Black Goat in Chinese: 青羊宫
Address: 610072 青羊 区 成都市 一环路 西 二段

Chengdu main square

4. Tianfu Square - Tianfu Square

The main square of the city of Chengdu. On it you will see the figure of Mao Tse Tung, in the center is an open ground floor with a fountain, which also houses the shopping area and the entrance to the subway. There are many shopping malls around, a beautiful street with expensive shops of famous brands. It is best to visit in the evening, when the beautiful lights and fountain turn on.

Chinese name 天府 广场
Chengdu Main Square Address: 人民 南路 一段

Sichuan Opera Show

5. Sichuan Opera.

Not quite an opera in our understanding, although they will also sing there. More like a theater. But it's an interesting show, definitely worth a visit. You will see many different performances, theatrical performances, excerpts from a performance, small shows: a very beautiful shadow theater, a beautiful puppet dance, a number of "warriors" who instantly change their masks and costumes, and much more. During the opera you will be offered dinner, massage and even ... ear cleaning! Basically, Sichuan Opera is shown in many places in Chengdu, but I recommend the Opera House. Nearby there is a wonderful walking street with very beautiful houses and a park where you can watch people dance or learn movements from different types martial arts in the fresh air.

The name and address of the Chengdu Opera House:
Qingai Street. Qing Hai Hua Long Niu Rou La Mian, Wuhou Qu, Chengdu Shi

Relax)

6. Tibetan sauna.

A great way to relax in Chengdu, especially after a long hike. You can lie down in a wooden bath, make a face and body peeling, which will be offered to you right there for an additional fee. Although you can buy a special glove there and make it yourself. You can order a back massage with stones - only it is more suitable for men, after which good marks remain on the back for some time. But a foot massage will be especially pleasant. Not only with hands, but also with stones, various devices and even cans of fire. We liked it very much, children too.

I will add the address in Chinese later.

As you can see what to see in chengdu city and where to go to rest - there are enough places!

2 hours drive from Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha

7.8. Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emeishan.

In a little over an hour from Chengdu, you can drive to Leshan city and see one of the largest Buddha statues in the world (71 m), carved into the rock. You will go down next to this Buddha on the stairs in the mountain and see him in every detail. The Buddha has been created since 713 for 90 years in a row and the scale of the work is amazing to this day. Considering that he is depicted in a seated form, in terms of theoretical growth, he is the largest Buddha in the world. Also not so far from it is Mount Emeishan. However, in order to conquer the top of the mountain, to see all its attractions, the large Baogosa Temple, Fuhusa and the Wanniansa Temple, where the 7-meter bronze statue of Puxian, cast in 980, is kept, you will need several days. Half a day - 1 day is enough to see the giant Buddha and its surroundings.
Giant Buddha name: 樂山 大佛
Address 614000 市 中 区 凌云 路 2435 号

Emeishan Mountain Name: 峨嵋山

My little ones in Ziuzhaigou

9. Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. Jiuzhai Valley Nation Park

One of our brightest impressions. Often a trip to Chengdu is combined with a visit to this amazing Jiuzhai Valley Nation Park, located in the mountains at heights from 1.990 m to 4.764 m above sea level on the edge of the Tibetan Himalayas in the north of Sichuan province and famous for its colorful lakes and waterfalls. Water in numerous lakes of amazingly bright colors: blue and green. You can get to the reserve by bus in 9 hours or by plane. The roads are good, my children and I went by bus. By the way, this national park in 1992 declared a world heritage by UNESCO. The most convenient way is to take a tour for a few days, the first day you will go, the second after spending the night in a hotel in the mountains to explore the Jiuzhaigou reserve, the third day is the Huanglong reserve, you will spend the night, on the way back you will stop in the ancient city of Songpan, Mao County.

Chinese name: 九寨沟

We did not get to Huanglong due to the collapse of stones, so another photo of Ziuzhagou)

10. Huanglong Nature Reserve.

No less famous and amazing with its beauties the imagination of the reserve with multi-colored lakes of unusual shapes, huge waterfall, travertine terraces. On the territory you can see a giant panda and a golden snub-nosed monkey. And on the way back to Chengdu, you can stop by the ancient village with numerous sculptures on the roof of the fortress. The reserve is located about 4 hours from Chengdu, but it is not possible to explore in a day.

Chinese name: 黃龍

Me and the little ones at Confucius Temple in Dujenyan

11. Dujianyan City and Dujianyan Ancient Irrigation System

Located one hour drive from Chengdu in Sichuan province. Created around 256 BC and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Chinese name: 都江堰

There you can also visit Dujianyan Temple of Confucius, "Study" the ancient sciences in a day and pass the tests. You can take an archery lesson, make a picture using a stone print, put on clothes like in antiquity, and so on. At the end you will receive a certificate. Like us)

Cooking Peanut Chicken Gongbao

And in the same city is sichuan Cuisine Museum and a culinary school where you can learn how to cook traditional local dishes in a master class from local chefs. Just put the spices according to your mind, and not as they say) otherwise Agon)

12. New Century Global Center - New Century Global Center
The largest building in the world by area! The area of \u200b\u200bthis complex is 1.76 million square meters !!! You can't even get around in less than a day. It houses an ice rink, a huge water park, a hotel, hundreds of boutiques, shops, restaurants, a cinema, food courts, a play area and much more. The water park is good, both adults and children like it.

Title: 新 世纪 环球 中心
Address: 天府 大道 北 段 1700 号

Souvenirs

13. Jinli Pedestrian Street
The walking pedestrian street, where there are a lot of souvenir shops, is rather cramped and noisy. But around is a park with canals and temples. There are a lot of people. It's better to visit in the evening, everything will be in red lanterns - it looks like we represent China) Souvenirs are designed for tourists.

Title: 锦 里 步行 街
Address: 610041 武侯区 武侯祠 大街 231 号

CHENGDU - a city of sub-provincial importance in southwestern China, in the valley of the Minjiang River, the administrative center of Sichuan province.

Population - 14.0 million people (2010), the 5th most populous city in China.

The emblem of the city is the ancient golden disc "Birds of the Golden Sun", found in 2001 during the excavations of the Jinsha culture within the city.

Chengdu arose in the 4th century BC. e. When people came to these places at the founding of the kingdom of Shu, they were told: “In the first year to establish a region, in the second year to establish a city” (一年 成 邑, 二年 成都); from the words "establish the city" (成都) the name "Chengdu" appeared. In the ancient kingdom of Shu, Chengdu, Xindu and Guangdu (modern Shuangliu), collectively referred to as "three Du" (三 都), were famous, but later it was Chengdu who rose to the top, and Xindu and Guangdu have now become its integral parts.

At the beginning of our era, Chengdu was famous for the production of brocade and was also called Jincheng ("city of brocade"). Until 316 BC e. Chengdu was the capital of the Shu kingdom, in the era of the Three Kingdoms from 221 to 263 - the capital of the Shu-Han kingdom, in the first half of the 4th century - the capital of the Cheng state, at the beginning of the 5th century - the capital of the Western Shu state, and during the five dynasties - the capital of the Early Shu and Late Shu. In 994, Chengdu was for some time the capital of the rebel state of Li Shu.

In 1644-46 Chengdu was occupied by the rebel army of Zhang Xianzhong, becoming the capital of the Great Western State he created. During the Great Peasant War, the Manchu conquest of China and the war of the three tributary princes, the city suffered greatly and was practically depopulated. After the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, the government had to take special measures to repopulate the deserted Sichuan province, and the city gradually rebuilt. The province of Sichuan was separated into a separate military governorship, and in 1731 Chengdu became the seat of the governor of Sichuan.

Until the 20th century, Chengdu was a county town that did not have its own governing bodies. In 1928, Chengdu and Huayang counties were officially merged into Chengdu City with their own governments.

On December 27, 1949, the People's Liberation Army of China entered Chengdu, and Chengdu became part of the PRC. In 1952, Sichuan Province was restored, and Chengdu became a city of direct provincial subordination, and the provincial government was located in it.

Geography and climate

The city is located at the western end of the Sichuan Basin, on the Chengdu Plain. The city district stretches 192 km from west to east and 166 km from north to south with an area of \u200b\u200b12 390 km². It borders on urban districts: Deyang, Ziyang, Meishan and Ya'an, as well as on the Ngawa-Tibet-Qiang Autonomous Region. The urban area is located at an altitude of about 500 m above sea level. The lowest point of the Chengdu urban district is 378 m, the relief is more diverse outside the city.

Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate. Comfortable for people living and for farming. The Qinling Mountains protect the city from the penetration of northern air masses from Siberia, so the winter in Chengdu is milder than in the lower part of the Yangtze. The average January temperature is 5.6 ° C; snow falls extremely rarely, although short-term frosts are sometimes possible. Summers are humid and rather hot, but not as hot as in cities down the Yangtze. Average temperatures in July and August are about 25 ° C, although during the day they can reach 33 ° C and higher. Persistent heat waves are also quite rare. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from June to September.

Administrative divisions [edit | edit wiki text]
The sub-provincial city of Chengdu is divided into 9 districts, 4 urban counties, 6 counties.

Economy

Chengdu is a major center of economy, trade, finance, science and technology, as well as an important center of transport and communications. According to the 2007 World Bank report on the global investment climate, Chengdu was declared the benchmark for the investment climate in China. Also, according to research conducted by the Nobel laureate of economics Robert Mundell and the famous Chinese economist Li Yinging, published by the State Information Center in 2010, Chengdu has become the engine of the Western development program and the standard of the investment climate in China, as well as the main center of new urbanization.

In 2010 alone, 12 Fortune 500 companies including ANZ Bank, Nippon Steel Corporation and Electricite De France opened offices, branches or operations centers in Chengdu. In total, at the end of 2010, more than 200 companies from this list had their offices in Chengdu, which is the highest figure among cities in western and central China. The city has become the largest investment attraction center in the western part of the country.

Manufacturing plays an important role in the economy. The main industries in Chengdu include the manufacturing of engineering products, equipment, food, medicine and IT. The largest businesses in these industries include Chengdu Sugar and Wine Co. Ltd., Chengdu Food Group, Sichuan Medicine Co. Ltd., Chengdu Automobile Co. Ltd. other.

A high-tech industrial park has been deployed and expanded in Chengdu, where one of the country's largest aerospace industries is located. Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation manufactures military and other aviation equipment, including the modern Chengdu J-10 "Swift Dragon" fighter and the first copies of one of the few fifth-generation fighter in the world, the Chengdu J-20 "Black Eagle".

The city is one of the most important centers for the automotive industry and the production of auto parts in the country. The city produces several hundred thousand cars a year and plans to increase production to 1.25 million in 2020. Car manufacturers such as Volvo, FAW Volkswagen, FAW Toyota and Sinotruk Wangpai are represented in Chengdu. There are also about 200 major manufacturers of vehicle components for German, Japanese and other lines.

Chengdu has been developing as a national electronics and IT base for quite some time now. Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone attracts at least 30 companies from a list of 500 companies and about 12,000 Chinese companies, including Intel, IBM, Cisco, NOKIA, Motorola, SAP, Siemens, Canon, HP, Xerox, Microsoft, Tieto, NIIT, and Wipro. as well as a local giant like Lenovo. Dell also plans to open its second major center in China in Chengdu as an extension of the center in Xiamen. Chengdu is one of the five largest software industry bases in China.

The National Development and Reform Commission has approved a proposal to establish a state bio-industry center in Chengdu. The city government also approved a plan to develop the biopharmaceutical industry.

At the beginning of the 21st century, a large hydroelectric power station was built in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River near the city of Dujiangyan.

Transport

The Chengdu Metro was officially opened in Chengdu on October 1, 2010, and includes one 18 km north-south line from Lake Shenxiang to the city center, and one northwest-southeast line, which opened in September 2012 of the year. Construction and planning of four more lines, including the circular one, is underway. There are about 400 bus routes in the city and metropolitan area.

Shuangliu International Airport is located about 16 km from the city center. It is the 5th busiest airport in mainland China; in 2012 traffic amounted to 31.6 million passengers. Flies to most major cities countries, as well as international flights to cities such as: Hong Kong, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Bangkok, etc. In 2009, an agreement was signed to improve the airport infrastructure, which would allow Shuangliu to increase its traffic up to 40 million passengers by 2015. The major airline Chengdu Airlines is based at the airport. There is also a long-term plan to build another airport with five runways. With the plan, the journey from the new airport to downtown Chengdu would take less than 30 minutes.

Chengdu is a major railway junction. The Baoji-Chengdu, Chengdu-Chongqing, Chengdu-Kunming and Chengdu-Dazhou branches intersect here. The city currently has 4 main stations. In addition, North Sorting Yard is the largest marshalling yard in all of China. Another station will be built in the coming years. Two more high-speed railway lines operate from Chengdu (Chongqing and Dujiangyan) and three more high-speed railway lines are being completed, while the line to Chongqing is being converted into part of the main latitudinal national high-speed highway (up to speeds of 350 km / h).

Chengdu is crossed by many national highways going from the provinces of Shaanxi, Yunnan and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chengdu-Chongqing Highway became one of the first highways in the country and the first in its western part.

sights

• complex of the temple of Uhoutsi (XVI-XVIII centuries)
• Temple of the Green Goat - Taoist Temple
• baoguansa monastery
• house-museum of the poet Du Fu
• sichuan Provincial Museum
• China Giant Panda Natural Reserve
• tianfu Square
• The 339-meter West Pearl Tower, the tallest in western China
• more than 20 high-rise buildings of 30-45 floors, in 2012-2013 the construction of three 48-60-storey skyscrapers is being completed; in the number of such buildings, Chengdu is second only to Chongqing in western China
• Chengdu Sports Center
• The largest building in the world. The opening took place on July 1, 2013. 1.7 million square meters, equivalent to three Pentagon buildings or 20 Sydney Opera buildings

Chengdu is in the valley min river and is the capital sichuan province.

In ancient times, Chengdu was known as an important political, trade and economic center. In the first centuries of our era, it was famous for its brocade, which was considered the best in the East. At that time, the city was called: Jincheng - "city of brocade". In the Song era, it was in Chengdu that the world's first paper money was printed. In addition, the city was the capital of China for some time.

Nowadays, Chengdu bears the title of the capital of Chinese traditional medicine: local healers use thousand-year-old recipes to treat hundreds of ailments. One of the notable features of the city is the unhurried way of life of its inhabitants, which you especially pay attention to after visiting Hong kong or Shanghai... Although in reality Chengdu is a very modern metropolis with developed industry and excellent infrastructure. In addition, the weather is wonderful here most of the year. Here, both sightseeing and educational recreation and active sports entertainment are equally possible. And a visit to Chengdu with the whole family is generally an ideal option: the kids will be delighted with the funny pandas, which can be watched in the local reserve.

Climate and weather

Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon climate. Typically, this region is warm and humid throughout the year, except for the winter months. The average annual temperature is +16 ° C. Another feature of the city is the constant fog. There are not very many sunny days a year.

Summers are very warm, temperatures rarely exceed +30 ° C, but it can be difficult to breathe in the city due to high humidity. Keep in mind that July is the rainy season that lasts until the end of August.

In winter, the mercury column does not drop below +3 ° C at night. But again, high humidity makes the weather less comfortable, and it's easy to catch a cold at this time.

The best time to plan your trip to Chengdu is from March to June or September to November, when the city is warm and there is relatively little rain.

Nature

The natural wealth of Chengdu attracts travelers as much as its historical sites. Although the city itself is located on a plain, 63 kilometers from it is located ora Qingchengshan, and 160 kilometers away - mount Emeishan... The mountains are famous for sheer cliffs, roaring waterfalls, steep cliffs, evergreen forests, exotic flowers and bamboo thickets. Scenic views surround chaoyang lake in the suburb of Chengdu. But the main natural gift is undoubtedly the giant pandas, which can be seen at close range in several reserves in the region.

sights

The main attractions of Chengdu, for which, in fact, travelers come here include: qingyangong palace ("Palace of the Black Goat"), House-Museum of the poet Du Fu, Wuhoutsi Temple, Sichuan Provincial Museum, monasteries of Wenshu, Qinyangong, Baoguangs and the largest in the world buddha statue.

It is impossible not to visit the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, which was built during the Qin dynasty, in the 3rd century BC. This man-made miracle is still in effect and plays an important role in local agriculture. Dujiangyan Dam was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

If you want to know interesting Facts about the culture of the ancient kingdom of Chu, visit jinsha settlement in the western suburb of Chengdu. Here archaeologists have found more than 3 thousand artifacts of that era: items made of tortoiseshell and ivory, gold and jade jewelry, funerary ceramic vessels and much more. Also impressive graves of Sanxingdui 20 kilometers from the city. In the places of ancient burials of this mysterious civilization, amazing masks and sculptures were found, the age of which exceeds five thousand years!

On the south bank of the Jinjiang River is an old wanjianlou Park, included in the list of attractions that Chengdu residents have a right to be proud of. This park is dedicated to Xue Tao, the Chinese poet Tang Epahi. In the park there are several types of bamboo, so beloved by the poetess. And the main building of the park is an elegant pagoda in the style of the Ming era.

Nutrition

Of all the regional cuisines in China, Sichuan cuisine is perhaps the most popular in the country and in the world. It has received international acclaim for its deep aroma, pungency and savory condiments. Chili peppers in Sichuan are just as popular as rice. But "flaming" dishes are far from the only difference in local cuisine.

The most celebrated local food is the everyday steaming hot pot, an extremely popular legume throughout the country ma Po curd, Gong bao ji ding (spicy chicken with peanuts), Ma la tang ("Numb tongue soup") and a simple but delicious meal Ji si liang mian ("Cold noodles").

Sichuan gastronomic delights can be enjoyed at numerous local restaurants. For example, a great hot pot is served by Huangcheng Laoma on Kintai Road. Shizilou and Tanyutou restaurants are also known for good local menus. However, Western cuisine in Chengdu is by no means taboo. The city has numerous European-style restaurants, including fast food outlets KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut... In short, no one will go hungry in Chengdu: even if you cannot get used to the spiciness of local dishes, there will always be an alternative that is more familiar to Europeans.

Accommodation

Chengdu is a city offering a wide range of hotels of various levels and price ranges. It is not at all necessary to spend huge sums of money here to live in comfort. Even youth hostels and guest houses guarantee decent living conditions for their guests. Hostel prices vary from $ 10 to $ 25 per person, depending on location and amenities. Hostels such as Chengdu Sam "s Hostel and Guesthouse, Nature BC Hosteland Mr. Panda Hostel.

Accommodation in a 3 * hotel will cost a little more. The price for a double room starts from $ 45-50. From $ 80-90 per day will be required to rent a room in an excellent 4 * hotel with a beautiful view from the window, a swimming pool, a fitness center, restaurants and nightlife on the territory of the complex. 5 * hotels will give the atmosphere of luxury. To be fair, it should be noted that the prices for accommodation here are not as high as is usually the case in five-star hotels in Shanghai, Hong Kong or Beijing. For example, a standard room in Millennium Hotel 5 * will make a guest fork out $ 120 per day.

Entertainment and recreation

Chendo has a lot of fun and entertainment, from traditional tea houses to ultra-modern nightclubs.

Many people travel to Chengdu to get a close look at giant pandas. These cute, hulking animals are housed in the Giant Panda Research Nursery, just 10 kilometers northeast of the city center. The center is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00, but it is better to come in the morning, when the pandas have breakfast. After the animals are full, they become completely lazy and it is almost impossible to see them in motion. For a fee, you can even take a picture with a panda, but this pleasure is not cheap - a little over $ 100.

Among connoisseurs of the tea ceremony, it is believed that Sichuan tea houses are ranked first in the world, and Chengdu tea houses are, accordingly, the best in Sichuan. Tea houses are places for relaxation and communication. They play an important role in the life of the local population. Therefore, we advise you to be sure to visit an institution of this type at least once in order to join the thousand-year-old traditions.

High art lovers will appreciate the Sichuan Opera. This is a syncretic genre that involves a spectacular action in which "chhow" - clowns play an important role. Such plots of the opera as "rolling lamps", "changing faces", "spitting fire" are very interesting.

Nightlife is in full swing on the street Jingli (Jinli). There are countless teahouses, bars and pubs, making this street one of the most popular entertainment spots. The street is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun slowly recedes over the horizon and red lights begin to light up.

Nightlife is also concentrated on busy streets such as Renmin South Road, Lihua Streetand Yangshi Street. There is everything for the connoisseur of entertainment: discos, karaoke, bowling alleys, VIP-clubs. Among the popular establishments - Kakadu Club & Disco, Hongse Niandai Club, Meigaomei International Recreational Club.

Purchases

Chengdu is a great place to shop for original souvenirs, clothing, shoes and accessories. Moreover, the prices here are very affordable, and some goods are interesting just for inspection. Shopping in Chengdu is fun even if you don't plan on shopping.

An excellent example of a gift with a local flavor is the famous brocade shu (Shu is one of the names of the Sichuan province). It boasts a 2000-year history: once only empresses wore brocade. Bamboo products are no less popular: coasters, chairs, vases, mats, and so on. Using special techniques, local craftsmen interweave bamboo and porcelain, creating unique products. You can find the widest assortment of tea in the shops of the city.

The most popular shops and markets are concentrated around the streets Zongfu Road, Chunxi Roadand Luomashi... Very cheap souvenirs and groceries can be bought at night markets near hotels Minshanand Jinjiang... Just do not forget to bargain - and the prices will pleasantly surprise you!

A lot of modern shopping centers, supermarkets, small shops are located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Chunxi pedestrian street. This shopping street is more than a hundred years old and shopping here will leave the most pleasant memories.

You will have to pay in the markets only in cash, while in shops you can also accept bank cards. ATM machines are ubiquitous, so withdrawing money will not be a problem.

Transport

Today, Chengdu has a well-established public transport system. Travelers can travel by bus, including sightseeing buses, metro, taxi and, of course, cycle rickshaws.

Perhaps this fact will seem strange, but the metro in huge and modern Chengdu was built only in 2010. Now the metro consists of two lines, one of which opened in September 2012. It is planned that 4 more lines will be built.

City buses follow more than 400 routes in all directions and take you to most attractions. The fare on a regular bus costs about $ 0.15, while on an air-conditioned bus it is twice as expensive. We recommend stocking up on small change for payment, since there are no conductors on the buses and no change is given.

For a comfortable ride around the city center and sightseeing, you can use the double-decker sightseeing bus. The price for a city tour is about $ 1.3. These buses run every half hour, and you can change from one flight to another five times. For $ 0.4 you can buy a ticket with the possibility of only one landing.

Taxi in Chengdu is a very popular form of transportation among tourists. Basically, taxi cars are Citroens, equipped with everything you need: modern meters, several cameras and even digital television. Passengers must wear seatbelts even in the back seat.

Cycle rickshaws here, as elsewhere in China, are a traditional tourist-oriented form of transport. The fare starts at $ 1, and, by the way, you can bargain with the driver.

Communication

Internet access is available in all hotels of the 3 * category and above, and even in some hostels. True, in the latter it is not always free. Internet cafes are common in all areas of the city, but you need a passport to access the network. Mobile communication is available and works great. Optionally, you can use roaming or purchase a local SIM card. The main operators are China Mobile and China Telecom.

It is advantageous to make local calls from public telephones that accept magnetic cards. They can be bought at newsagents, gas stations, hotels.

But it is better to call abroad from postal or telegraph offices. You can also call from a hotel room, but the cost of such a call will be several times higher.

Safety

Chengdu can rightfully be considered a safe city. On the streets, nothing threatens the lives of travelers, even at night. However, during the day, you need to be vigilant in crowded places - parks, shopping centers, markets, public transport: dexterous pickpockets operate there. The only way to avoid trouble is to keep track of your belongings and keep all valuables in a safe at the hotel.

Drinking raw tap water is not recommended. Hotels usually have electric kettles or thermoses with boiled water. Also, be careful with local food: spicy foods can cause digestive problems, so it is advised to bring basic medication for an upset stomach.

While vacationing in Chengdu, try to follow the Chinese code of conduct and respect the local culture and traditions. It is customary for the Chinese to restrain emotions. On the other hand, talking loudly is not considered a shameful thing. It is not accepted to joke on political topics.

When visiting temples, remember that you cannot step on high rapids and photograph the interior. It is forbidden to smoke in public places (the violator will face an impressive fine).

When buying antiques and art objects, do not forget to take a permit from the seller to export the product from the country.

It is very useful to always have a business card with you with your name and address, where you are staying, on chinese: English is hardly spoken here, and the chances of getting lost in a big city with a business card are small.

The ancient city of Chengdu seemed to me personally as a giant ugly symbiosis between Guangzhou and Ryazan. It seems that the widest avenues with skyscrapers of glass and concrete and the metro were built in 2010, in theory, a beauty, and nothing more. But in reality it is somehow gray and sad, and if you wander along non-tourist streets, then the sadness can be increased threefold. Wooden buses, houses in the style of Khrushchev, gray gateways, and such that Peter nervously smokes on the sidelines. The color of the city is such that you want to take a blade and fix your veins, I don't know how people live there.

Chengdu arose in the 4th century BC. e. in the valley of the Min River, in the first centuries of our era, the city was so called Jincheng (City of Brocade) and was famous for the best brocade in the East. Until 316 BC e. Chengdu was the capital of the Shu kingdom, in the era of the Three Kingdoms from 221 to 263 - the capital of the Shu-Han kingdom, in the first half of the 4th century - the capital of the Cheng state, at the beginning of the 5th century - the capital of the Western Shu state. In 994, Chengdu was for some time the capital of the rebel state of Li Shu. In 1644-46 Chengdu was occupied by the rebel army of Zhang Xianzhong, becoming the capital of the Great Western State he created.

During the Great Peasant War, the Manchu conquest of China and the war of the three tributary princes, the city was badly damaged and practically died out. The Qing dynasty government even had to take special measures to repopulate the deserted Sichuan province, and the city gradually rebuilt. The province of Sichuan was separated into a separate military governorship, and in 1731 Chengdu became the seat of the governor of Sichuan. Until the 20th century, Chengdu was a county town that did not have its own governing bodies. In 1928, Chengdu and Huayang counties were officially merged into Chengdu City with their own governments. On December 27, 1949, the People's Liberation Army of China entered Chengdu, and Chengdu became part of the PRC. In 1952, Sichuan Province was restored, and Chengdu became a city of direct provincial subordination, and the provincial government was located in it.

And in the era of the Song dynasty, it was in Chengdu that the world's first paper money was printed. Nowadays, Chengdu bears the title of the capital of Chinese traditional medicine: local healers use thousand-year-old recipes to treat hundreds of ailments.

The emblem of the city is the ancient disc "Birds of the Golden Sun", but it would probably be more logical to make the city's logo a panda. Why panda? Because it is here that the biggest attraction of Sichuan province is located - the Giant Panda Sanctuary and almost the entire city is crammed with images of these animals.

It is the world's largest panda research and breeding center. They are very lazy, to reproduce and multiply, it is difficult to force them, as, indeed, it is difficult to find them in a waking state. The reserve is located outside the city, you can get there either by bus or by tour. It is recommended to visit in the early hours of 8-9 in the morning, then the bears, having devoured, all hibernate and there is nothing to look at, a bonus to this is a million Chinese people jostling with their elbows, which makes the attraction extremely dubious to visit. Well, as you understand, I did not waste time and did not go, and I have already seen giant pandas in Singapore, they are the same as small ones, but bigger.

The only day in the city had to be spent profitably, which means you need to get around the attractions on foot. I was handed a map of the city at the hostel, and I went to absorb the culture of the ancient city. You can navigate the city even without a navigator, the main streets diverge from the central square in all directions of the world. The city center is surrounded by a system of concentric ring roads, and the rivers Fuhe, Nanhe, and Jinjiang Brocade River serve as a very good reference point.

Sights:

Tianfu Square (天府 广场), the main square, is located on the south Renmin Nanlu Street of Chengdu City, its shape and location is similar to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Tianfu is the largest central urban area in Western China and covers an area of \u200b\u200b88 thousand square meters, has a rectangular shape, with a width to length ratio of 1: 1.5. On the square there is a monument to the leader Mao Tse Tung, in the center there is an open ground floor with a fountain, a shopping area and an entrance to the subway. The area is surrounded by flowers, lush greenery, shopping malls and skyscrapers that together create a unique urban landscape.

Jinli Street is one of the oldest and most crowded streets in the city. Jinli Street is 350 meters long and the entrance is decorated with an arch carved with the name "锦 里 古街". The history of this street began even before our era, and historical documents mention that during the reign of the Qin dynasty 221 - 206 BC. here it was already in full swing. During the Shu period, the street became one of the main trade points, earning the title of "the first street of the Shu kingdom." Nowadays, from the old street there is no stone after stone, the Chinese demolished everything and built in 2004 an exact copy with traditional Chinese houses, shops, restaurants, hotels and tea houses. All buildings are designed in the style of the ancient cities of the western part of the Sichuan province of the Qing period (1644-1911). Wooden columns and brick details in the decor give the street an old-world charm. As in all of China, the task of this street is one, as much as possible to sell souvenirs, paintings, calligraphy and other nonsense to tourists.

There is also Wenshu Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist complex in Chengdu. This place is the center of the Sichuan Buddhist Association. The first buildings of the monastery were built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). At that time, the complex was called Xinxiang. In 1681, during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a monk named Cidu came to the monastery and built a small hut for himself, where he lived for several years in the most ascetic conditions. Legend has it that when the monk died, the body was cremated, and the face of Wenshu, the Bodhisattva Manjurshi, who personified wisdom, appeared in the flame of fire. People decided that Monk Tsidu was nothing more than the reincarnation of Wenshu. Ten years later, in 1691, the complex was rebuilt and renamed the monastery in Wenshu and has not changed its appearance since then. The main cultural value of the monastery is the collection of painting and calligraphy of the Tang and Sung eras, numbering about 500 paintings. The sutra pavilion contains many autographs of famous personalities, paintings and manuscripts. Another treasure of the monastery is the exquisite White Buddha statue, brought from Burma to China in 1922. Currently, the complex consists of five buildings. There are Prayer Halls, the Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, the Calligraphic Institute, and a dining room for monks. There are many ponds around the monastery with turtles, carps and large frogs. The garden there is truly exquisite - the monks made it a wonderful attraction in Chengdu. There is also a large tea house, where you can hear folk music, and a vegetarian restaurant.

The capital of Sichuan province, the city of Chengdu (China) is a global transport and economic center of the Middle Kingdom, one of the five most densely populated megacities of the Middle Kingdom.

Historical chronicles

Sinologists still have no consensus about the time of the formation of the settlement in the Mingjiang River valley. The date that suits everyone is located in the fork from 2300 to 3000 years. The first documented mention of Chengdu is associated with the city's acquisition of the capital status of the Shu kingdom in the era of the Three Kingdoms.

For three thousand years Chengdu as a mythical Phoenix, it flashed (shone), then fell into ruins and ashes. The majestic chronicle of the Sichuan administrative center is best conveyed by nicknames, aliases, labels.

Interesting! Since the 200s, the city has been famous for its heavy silk fabric with embroidered gold patterns.

A symbol of luxury and wealth, brocade is still included in the basic list of products produced in the province: Chengdu rightfully bears its middle name "Jincheng" (Brocade City).

History has given Chengdu another definition: "Paradise Basin". Sichuan chernozems are fertile, peasants working on the land are hardworking. The world knows the most ancient Dujiangyan irrigation network invented and implemented in the region.

There are many names and nicknames, they reflect the glorious history of Chengdu:

• the homeland of the jiao paper money;
• flower hibiscus garden city;
• the oldest center of engraving and printing of the Celestial Empire;
• alma mater of the Sichuan branch of traditional Chinese opera;
• places of birth and fruitful everyday life of the great Chinese writers Li Bo and Du Fu;
• center of the tea industry. Manding Ganlu, Moli Hua Cha with hints of jasmine, the famous Zhu Ye Qing are just the tip of the iceberg of the famous tea varieties cultivated and harvested on the highland plantations of the region.

Location

Chengdu is located in the southwest of mainland China, in the western part of the Sichuan tract. The modern city includes eleven prefectures and five counties on a total area of \u200b\u200b14,312 square kilometers.

Population

The official statistics of the PRC declares sixteen million people inhabiting the metropolis in 2010. In urban prefectures and adjoining rural counties, in addition to the Han people (the main population of the country), 54 other small ethnic groups live.

Paradise weather

Sichuan province is a classic subtropics with a clear seasonality. Chengdu's climate canon is a tropical monsoon.

The region is warm and humid throughout the year: the average annual temperature ranges between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius. Early spring, sweltering summer, gorgeous autumn and damp warm winter.

Chengdu has a "resort weather" between March and June. The “high” season is the period between mid-September and November. Hottest period: July and August.

Road routes

One gets to the metropolis by plane or by rail. Car traffic is also possible, but it is too long and too long.

High-speed rail transport

Chengdu has four train stations. The best transit options are direct connections from Beijing or Shanghai.

• Shanghai-Chengdu Express: 1,700 km, 160-350 km / h. From 6,000 to 14,000 rubles.
• Standard flight Beijing-Chengdu: 1517 km, 140 km / h, 4900 rubles.

The negative side of this movement is the high cost of tickets.

Chengdu air harbor

Chengdu Airport is based in Shuangliu District, a suburb of Chengdu. A direct flight "Sichuan Airlines" flies from the Russian capital to Chengdu: the flight time is about eight hours. Issue price: from 30 to 47 thousand rubles.

You can get to the metropolis from the air harbor:

• by taxi: 50-60 yuan;
• by bus: 12 RMB;
• monorail (CRH) 12-15 RMB.

Metro

The Chengdu metro system consists of five branch lines with a total length of 140 km. The fare is 2 to 10 RMB.

The underground monorail also belongs to the grid of metro lines, which really improves the traffic of the urban colossus. In 2018, a new line to the airport was inaugurated.

Map of picturesque and remarkable places

Chengdu is the center of an ancient province, there are quite remarkable tourist spots in the city and the surrounding areas.

The most popular and unique sightseeing hits of the Sichuan region are located outside the city: inquisitive travelers should plan their travel schedule in advance, stock up on a map.

Chengdu travel guide is striking in its thickness. In the city itself there are many temples, museums, traditional centers of cultural and spiritual heritage. Outside the metropolis, travelers will find parks and protected areas, a unity with the beautiful nature of Sichuan.

"The tract of magnificent pandas"

The Sichuan climate is comfortable for giant pandas.

Interesting! The state nursery "Valley of Bamboo Bears" was organized in the nineties of the last century as part of the national program for the rescue of an endangered species.

The Panda Park employees are doing an excellent job with the task set by the government of the country: visitors to the park can observe prosperous adult animals and cubs in free green areas.

It costs 58 RMB to visit the park. The park is open to the public from 7.30 to 18.00 seven days a week. The reserve can be reached by the third subway line (Xiongmao dadao station) or by taxi.

Repository of the origins of Taoism

A stunning collection of Tao culture documentation (ancient manuscripts and scrolls) is kept in the green goat pantheon in Chengdu. The collection of Tao Zang is the last surviving library of Taoism, a literary and scientific artifact of the world philosophical and religious teaching.

The construction of the pantheon is associated with the Zhou era. The name of the central pagoda is associated with the legendary saying of Lao Tzu: "Look out for the green goat after a century of Tao practice." The temple complex is considered by UNESCO as an object of classical architecture.

The sanctuary is open to the public from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, for only RMB 10 per person. You can get there by subway: Provincial People's Hospital station, the second line.

Park areas and gardens

The green lungs of the metropolis are an independent tourist value. Exotic nature and fauna, accompanying spectacles and entertainment.

"New century"

The monumental urban giant "New Century" is a universal urban building. The architectural masterpiece is included in the Guinness register as the world's largest integral structure.

The giant occupies 1.76 million square meters. The huge spaces of the building house business offices, conference halls, auditoriums of local educational institutions, three shopping malls, two five-star hotels, a cinema and an oceanarium.

Tianfu Square

The central square of the city (80,000 square meters), in addition to the business card, is the cultural, historical and transport heart of the huge metropolis.

The square is decorated with a huge monument to Mao Tse Tung and a magnificent fountain. Along the perimeter there are numerous shopping areas and boutiques with expensive brands, entertainment complexes and a metro station. Experienced guides recommend planning a visit to Tianfu in the evening, with the grandiose lighting turned on.

Chunxi Pedestrian Road

Chunxi Shopping Street transforms everyday shopping into a world-class commercial tour. In addition to the exotic surroundings, the pedestrian avenue enchants travelers with an amazing assortment. More than seven hundred shopping centers, department stores, malls and small boutique shops are concentrated on 220 thousand square meters.

The shopping highway is located in the center, you can walk to the establishments or "fly" along the second metro line to the Chunxi Road stop.

Natural Park

Jiuzhaigou is a nature park in the Sichuan mountains. The reserve is famous throughout the world for lakes, waterfalls and stunning mountain views.

It is better to allocate two days to visit the park: one for the road and accommodation in a hotel, the second for "unity with nature."

The price of the visit ranges from $ 26 to $ 50 seasonally. The reserve is open from 8.00 to 17.00 seven days a week.

Monument of Buddha in Leshan

The mountainous settlement Leshan (140 km from the metropolis) is famous all over the world for its giant (71m) statue of Buddha. Statistical guides of the Median State classify the colossus as the largest object carved into the mountain range.

The colossus was cut in the rock for 90 years: the carving from the rock started in 713 and finished in 803. Inspection price of all objects: 90 yuan.

Qingchengshan peak

Qingchengshan is the birthplace of Taoism. The first Tao monastery was founded in the mountainous regions of the region.

A whole complex of Taoist temples, pantheons and pagodas is located in the Qingchengshan Mountains. Those wishing to get acquainted with the life and activities of modern monks will have to make a three-hour trek to the top. There is also an alternative: the cable car for 60 yuan. The Tao Sanctuary is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

Accommodation and accommodation

The megalopolis of Chengdu offers travelers the widest choice of hotels of various comfort and prices.

Hostels and youth campsites will provide tourists with good conditions for $ 10-25 per day. The hotel will become more expensive, pretentious and much more comfortable:

• three stars / double / 45-50 dollars per night;
• four stars / double / 80-90.

The atmosphere of luxury and unforgettable bliss will be provided by five-star grandees. For a suite at the Millennium Hotel, they will ask for $ 120 per day.

Where and how to eat?

Professional chefs and restaurateurs consider Sichuan culinary school to be the most popular and beloved in the world.

The Sichuan culinary tradition is famous throughout the world for its enchanting aromas, fiery intensity and pungent spice of seasonings. Known all over the world - hot pot, Ma Po bean curd, Gong Bao Ji Ding Chengdu (fragrant chicken with nuts), Ma La Tang ("flaming tongue chowder").

Local gastronomic delights are available in restaurants and on the street. An exemplary hot sweat is served at the famed Huangcheng Laoma on Kintai Road. Shizilou and Tanyutou are famous for excellent local menus.

Gifts and souvenirs

Chengdu is a cult place for gift and souvenir shopping.

Interesting! Walking through the shops, stalls and street markets of Chengdu is a great pastime, therapy and relaxation.

The list of souvenirs and gifts with a local flavor is incredibly wide: for every taste and wallet. All guidebooks and tour guides recommend purchasing:

• brocade Shu. Two millennia of production history and unconventional popularity all over the world;
• bamboo products and crafts. Local craftsmen skillfully weave bamboo stems and porcelain. Stylish and very original;
• traditional medicine preparations, dietary supplements. Chengdu is the center of traditional medicine, the city's pharmacists practice the most ancient recipes;
• excellent tea grown on high mountain plantations.

The most popular shopping outlets and street bazaars are located along Zongfu Road, Chunxi and Luomashi.

Conclusion

Chengdu - beautiful city wealth, capital of success. The global metropolis is a good place to visit: here you can enjoy the beauties of nature, architectural and historical monuments, learn a lot about the great Celestial Empire, organically combining the archaic of antiquity and ultramodern data of progress.