Chengdu
INTRO
Giant Pandas, Staggering Nature, Ancient Temples, Hot Pot Dishes, Modern Skyscrapers, Prosperous Economy, Teahouses... This is not a brainstorming exercise. These are all the highlights of the fascinating city of Chengdu. As one of the most historically and culturally significant cities with thousands of years of history, Chengdu is a contemporary metropolis, rich in attractions and business suggestions.
City Profile
City: Chengdu
Country: China
Area: 12,390 km2
Population: 10,597,000
Districts: 7
Governor: Ge Honglin
Language: Mandarin
Rating:
LOCATION
Located in the largest of all Chinese provinces, namely Sichuan province, and serving as its capital, Chengdu is spread in the middle of the fertile Sichuan Plain and bisected by the Fulan River. Thanks to the favourable climatic conditions that result from the city's different altitude from east to west Chengdu welcomes both agriculture and tourism. As an important provincial capital, it is connected to other parts of the world with a big international airport.
TIME TO VISIT
Characteristic of the city is the subtropical monsoon climate. The weather features within the urban area, however, differ because of the drastic change in height from the east to the west. Generally, temperatures are a little higher on the east part of the city compared to the western regions. Summers are usually humid and hot with more sunlight than the rest of the year. The hottest months are July and August when average temperatures could reach 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are short and rarely reach freezing and snowing levels, with an average daytime temperature of 5 degrees C. Typically as for most of the year, winters are cloudy and misty with little sunlight if any. The best time to visit Chengdu is during the spring (March-June) or during the autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. The spring is also the time of the year when a couple of festivals are held: The Lantern Festival and the Spring Festival.
POPULATION
Chengdu is the fifth most populated city in China, respectfully following Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing with an estimated almost 11 million inhabitants. The official language here is Mandarin but other Chinese dialects might also be understood by the local people. English is mostly spoken at the major tourist sites as well as by the tour guides and the younger generations.
DISTRICTS
There are seven districts and eight counties under the jurisdiction of Chengdu. The main tourist or commercial districts are the following:
- Wuhou is one of the five central districts in Chengdu and carries the name of the famous Wuhou Memorial Temple that is located within its territory. It plays an important role in the economical and cultural development.
- Jinjiang is the administrative, financial and commercial district in the city. This is the main business area with many insurance companies, trade markets and department stores built here. The district is also a pleasant entertainment center with many restaurants, teahouses and so on.
- Tianfu Square is the centre of the city, occupying an area of around one square kilometre. It is the major hub of public transport, providing connections to all the main tourist attractions, including Wuhouci Temple, Culture Park, Imperial City Wall Mosque and others. Many shopping malls are also located in the district.
- Qingyang is the home of most major tourist destinations in Chengdu. Here is the Qingyang Temple, the most important Taoist temple in this part of the Province, from where comes the name of the district, as well as several other places of interest, such as Wenshu Monastery and the Straw Pavilion
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Chengdu indeed fascinates with the amount of attractions it has in stock for its visitors both in and out of the city. Apart from the holy mountains and charming valleys, located in the region, there are several places that should definitely not be missed.
- Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is an artificially created habitat for breeding giant pandas and other endangered species. Having a look at these rare animals is among the primary reasons why many people come to Chengdu every year. Pandas are most active in the mornings and you will have the chance to see how much they differ from each other. One can actually pay to get photographed holding one of those cute animals. It is definitely a one-in-a-lifetime experience. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/panda-breeding-and-research-center.htm
- Wuhou Memorial Temple was built during the 6th century and was dedicated to two important Chinese figures- Liu Bei, the Emperor of the Shu Kingdom, and Zhuge Liang, the kingdom's Prime Minister. One of the highlights of this old temple is the Triple-Success Stele. It features calligraphy by a famous Chinese calligrapher, an article by a Tang Dynasty minister and a praise of Zhuge Liang's personality. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/wuhou_temple.htm
- Qingyang Palace, or Grey Goat palace, dates from the days of the Tang Dynasty and thus is the oldest Taoist temple in the city. Most of the exhibited items are renovated and date from the Qing Dynasty; there is also a collection of Taoist sculptures on display. Many local people gather here and play traditional Chinese games on the tea tables.
- National Memorial is a replica of the residence of one of the best Chinese love poets who lived and worked during the Tang Dynasty. Today, the place, where Du Fu spent about four years writing, is turned into a pleasant museum. One can actually experience the atmosphere, under which influence the poet got its inspiration, surrounded by a serene park-like garden and singing birds. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/dufu.htm
- Wenshu Monasterywas originally built during the Tang Dynasty and is today an authentically preserved Buddhist temple. The monastery houses around 300 Buddha statues, all of which are made of different materials, including jade, iron, wood, etc. It is also interesting to see all the calligraphies, paintings and other works of art by famous Chinese people that are exhibited here. Visitors can enjoy some Chinese tea at the monastery's Tea-House and listen to some relaxing music. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/wenshu_monastery.htm
- Yong Mausoleum houses the grave of a Chinese Emperor who ruled during the Shu Dynasty. A stone statue that commemorates the royal person is found on the bed in one of the three chambers along with the rest of the emperors belongings. The bed is also a unique sight by itself, having dragons engraved by its sides. This Mausoleum is an example of the typical Chinese architecture and its tea park is well known and frequently visited by the locals. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/wangjian_tomb.htm
AIRPORT
Chengdu is the communication hub of Southwest China and is conveniently connected to over 100 domestic and international airports, making it reachable from almost any major country in the world.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located 20 km southwest from the city centre. The cheapest way to reach downtown is by using the shuttle bus services that provide transportation every 20 minutes. The journey takes around 35 minutes and costs CNY 8-10. Another option is to take a taxi that should reasonably cost about CNY 50. Make sure to negotiate the price before you get in. More info at: http://www.cdairport.com/cdairport/en_front/index.jsp
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation is welcomingly facilitated for tourists and foreign visitors:
- Public buses are probably the cheapest way of getting around. CNY 1 costs a regular public bus while the air-conditioned ones cost CNY 2. There are two sight-seeing buses that are available for tourists and pass through all the tourist attractions in Chengdu. The bus numbers are 901 and 902; the bus stewards introduce every sight both in English and Chinese and there are multimedia systems that facilitate passengers who speak other foreign languages. Fares: Bus 901: RMB 3 for only one boarding and RMB 10 for three admissions. Bus 902: RMB 2.
- Taxis are readily available and an easy way to get anywhere within the city since the drivers can give helpful advice. The fare is CNY 5 for the first 3 kilometres and CNY 1.4 for every following kilometre. At nights from 10 p.m. till 6 a.m. prices change to CNY 6 for the first 2 kilometres and CNY 1.7 for every additional.
- Pedicabsare very characteristic means of transport in Chengdu. The drivers should wear uniforms and identifying cards and you can bargain on the fares that typically start at RMB 5.
- Carscan be rented for around CNY 700 per day, depending on the type of car. It is also possible to hire a driver for about 50 Yuan for eight hours.
HISTORY
The region of present day Chengdu was first inhabited some four thousand years ago. The city received its name in the 4th century BC when the Shu King decided to move the capital there and renamed it "Cheng", meaning "become", and "du", meaning "capital". Following the beginning of the city's Chinese history in 316 BC when it was captured by the Qin general, Chengdu had been the capital of three subsequent kingdoms: the Shu-Han, Dashu and Daxi. Later, during the World War II, Chengdu happened to be in a very beneficial situation. The Chinese Nationalist government sought protection from the invading Japanese forces here and consequently influenced the city's culture and economy by bringing with them many businessmen, employers, and academic people who contributed to the development of the local society. Apart from that, it became the first place, from where a serious attack against the Japanese had been initiated because of the American Operation Matterhorn, which was based in Chengdu. Today, the city is an important industrial and educational centre.
CITY LINKS
- China Daily, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/
- Interesting Places outside Chengdu: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/yellowdragon.htm http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/jiuzhaigou/page1.htm/
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Chengdu
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Chengdu University of Technology: http://www.cdut.edu.cn/cdut/english/Introducion.html
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine: http://cdutcmwsc.h23.ttrr.com/
- Sichuan University: http://www.scu.org.cn/