About Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China, is a city where ancient history meets modern vitality. With a history of more than 2,300 years, Chengdu has long been celebrated as the "Land of Abundance" (天府之国), blessed with a mild climate, fertile plains, and a relaxed way of life. Today it is renowned worldwide for three iconic symbols: the giant panda, the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and a rich literary heritage embodied by the great Tang poet Du Fu. Beyond its cultural treasures, Chengdu is also a major hub for science, technology, and education in western China, home to several national-level universities and research institutes.
Must-See Attractions
Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂)
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is a museum and memorial park dedicated to Du Fu (712–770), one of China's greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty. Du Fu lived here for nearly four years, during which he wrote more than 240 poems. The site features the Dayatang (Hall of Great Elegance), gardens of bamboo and plum blossoms, and a bronze statue of the poet in contemplation. It remains a pilgrimage site for lovers of Chinese literature.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Panda Base is one of the world's most important conservation centers for the giant panda. Set in a semi-natural environment of bamboo groves and streams, the base is home to more than 100 giant pandas and red pandas. Visitors can observe pandas at play, feeding, and resting year-round, and even witness newborns in the breeding center. It is a must-visit symbol of Chengdu and of China's wildlife heritage.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰)
Dujiangyan, built in 256 BCE by the engineer Li Bing and his son, is the oldest functioning non-dam irrigation system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ingenious "Fish Mouth" diversion weir splits the Min River into inner and outer channels, taming floods and irrigating the Chengdu Plain for over 2,200 years. The site combines engineering marvels, temples, and dramatic mountain scenery.
