Chengdu

Chengdu (Rong for Short), capital of Sichuan Province, has been the economic and cultural center of China's most populous province since 400 BC, covering an area of 12,390 square kilometers and with a population of 9.9 million.

Chengdu is also a famous Chinese cultural city, endowed with unique natural conditions and beautiful environment. Among this famed historical and cultural city's historical sites are Marquis of Wu's Temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, prime minister of Shu of Three Kingdoms Period; Thatched Cottage, where the celebrated Tang poet, Du Fu, lived during his stay in Chengdu; famous Buddhist sanctuaries, such as Baoguang, Zhaojue, Manjusri, and Daci temples; Qingyanggong, the best preserved memorial temple for Lao Zi, father of Taoism; Tomb of Wang Jian; and Wangjiang Tower. The giant panda breeding centre of Chengdu is a must for panda-loving visitors. Chengdu's restaurants serving Sichuanese cuisine and refreshments, and teahouses hold forth the fascination of local mores. Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquerware are famous souvenirs. With its trademark grimacing skills and uncanny sense of humour, Sichuan Opera is a major branch of the Chinese theatre.

What does still exist here in abundance, is a great street life. Markets and street hawkers fill the streets dealing in everything you could possibly imagine, from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs. Many travelers here are simply killing time or passing through en route to Tibet. This is however, a very pleasant city to do just this: feast on some great food and soak up some of the mellow atmosphere in one of the thousands of tea houses dotted about the city.