Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a
must-see for animal lovers and wildlife conservationists. The
largest centre of its kind, Chengdu is part zoo, part lab, and part
habitat. The centre was founded with the aim of increasing the
population of giant pandas in captivity so that more may be
released into the wild; with this in mind, the Chengdu centre is
the best place on earth to see ridiculously cute panda cubs.
Research focuses on the advancement of wildlife conservation and,
as it is impossible not to be enchanted by these seriously
endangered creatures, visitors will leave the centre with a new
passion. The park is also a home to other endangered Chinese
animals, like the South China Tiger, red pandas and golden monkey,
though the famous giant pandas are the main attraction. The Giant
Panda Museum has interactive exhibits designed to teach visitors
about the fascinating creatures, and the work of the centre.
It takes about two hours to walk the grounds,
alternatively, visitors can ride in a tour cart. It is best to go
for feeding time (9am-10am) which is when the animals are most
active. Also, if travellers get there nice and early they are more
likely to get the chance to hold a baby panda. People have to pay
extra to cuddle a cub, although it is expensive, it is a very
special experience and the donation goes towards a worthy
cause.
Address: Xiongmao Da Dao
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research
Center
Chi King
Mount Qincheng
As a tourist attraction, Mount Qincheng really does have
something for everyone. It is located approximately 41 miles (66km)
from Chengdu. The mountain is one of the most famous Taoist
mountains in China, and is a popular destination for international
travellers and locals alike. It is usefully divided into two sides,
which provide very different experiences. The front side of Mount
Qincheng (anterior) is the more touristy side, and boasts an
impressive array of cultural and historical landmarks. A number of
temples to be visited include the Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace,
and the Tianshi Cave. However, for those who prefer to travel off
the beaten track, the back side (or posterior) is relatively quiet
and unspoiled, offering a stunning hiking route along narrow
mountain passes, past waterfalls and through wooded areas. This
trip is a must for those interested in the flora and fauna of the
area.
Whether travellers are keen on the more frequented front route,
or the adventurous trail at the back, the views from the summit are
spectacular. Although the paths are very well-maintained, the hike
is pretty demanding on both sides; nevertheless, there is a cable
car which can be taken half-way or all the way up. The mountain is
the ideal travellers escape from crowded urban sightseeing and
makes for a delightful excursion from Chengdu.
Mount Qincheng
Jason Zou
Kuanzhai Ancient Street
Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of three historic preservation
areas in the city and scores highly on most visitors' lists of
things to see and do in Chengdu. It is formed by the confluence of
three alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley. The area once
boasted 45 Qing Dynasty (18th-century) courtyards, and Kuanzhai
contains the only three which remain well-preserved.
Kuanzhai is now trendy and artistic and is an entertaining
cultural experience for visitors, with ancient Chinese architecture
contrasting with modern restaurants and art galleries in a
captivating way. It is particularly interesting to walk this street
in the evening when the ancient attractions are juxtaposed with a
lively modern nightlife and bright city lights. There are lots of
souvenir shops and craft stalls selling ceramics, silk and
embroidery. There are also a number of restaurants, pubs and food
vendors to sell you a variety of local cuisine; and places like
Starbucks to provide international staples.
Another good reason to visit Kuanzhai in the late afternoon or
evening is the entertainment provided by cultural displays, dancing
groups, and locals doing their daily aerobics. The area is intended
to be a cultural hot spot and often even the walls display photo
exhibitions. Kuanzhai is a great casual tourist attraction in
Chengdu, a place where you can wander freely and just absorb local
flavour.
Address: East of Tongren Road and West of Changshun Street,
Qingyang District.
Girl in Kuanzhai District
Mondo79
Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct
seasons: spring is short and warm, summer is long, wet, and steamy,
autumn is cool and rainy, and winter is cold and foggy. Average
minimum and maximum temperatures range from 28°F (-2°C) in the
winter (December to February) up to 86°F (30°C) at the peak of
summer (June to August). Chengdu is humid and foggy for most of the
year, which reduces sunlight hours and can exaggerate the feel of
the temperature. The rainy season is in July and August, when
occasional storms are experienced. The best time to visit Chengdu
is in the spring and autumn, March to June and September to
November.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Location: Chendgu International Airport is located about 10 miles
(16km) southwest of downtown Chengdu.
Time: Local time is GMT +8
Transfer Between Terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance, however shuttles are
available to transfer passengers.
Getting to the city:
There are buses from the airport to the city centre, the railway
staion, and century city. Passengers can also take the High-speed
train to Chengdu Nan (South) Railway Station and Chengdu Dong
(East) Railway Station.
Car Rental:
There are no car hire facilities at the airport, however rental
cars are available in downtown Chengdu and airport pickup services
are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside of of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Fascilities:
Airport services include an information centre, a currency
exchange, baggage trolleys, a smoking room, ATMs, luggage storage
and packaging, a lost and found, medical services, VIP and first
class lounges, restaurants and shops, and business services.
Parking
Parking is located in front of Terminal 1. The first half an
hour is free, after that the parking rates start at RMB 4 and
increase by RMB 2 every half an hour. It costs RMB 70 per day.
Hiring a car in Chengdu is not advised due to heavy and chaotic
traffic, especially at rush hour times. Metered taxis are
available, though difficult to find in some areas. Note that it is
necessary to have your destination written in Chinese as most
drivers don't speak English.
There are plenty of public transport options, most of which are
marked on tourist maps available from the airport, railway station,
and souvenir shops.
Public transport in Chengdu is mostly comprised of an extensive
bus network. There is a free shuttle service that links all parts
of the city centre. The other half of Chengdu's public transport is
the metro, which connects the North and South Railway Stations. A
second line, running northwest and southeast, has recently been
completed. Trains are regular and safe, if a little crowded during
rush hour. Be sure to check the operational hours as the metro does
not run late into the night.
Situated in the centre of Chengdu Plain, at the confluence of
the Min and Tuo Rivers, is the maze-like city of Chengdu.
Travellers are most commonly drawn to the area by the Chengdu Panda
Breeding and Research Centre, but once there they discover many
other interesting things to see and do in Chengdu.
Pandas are justifiably Chengdu's biggest attraction, where the
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre has popularized
conservation of these gentle giants. The centre rehabilitates and
breeds a number of animals besides the loveable Giant Pandas,
including Red Pandas, South China Tigers, and Golden Monkeys. It is
an absolute must for anybody who loves animals and is interested in
wildlife conservation. For a special donation, visitors can even
hold a panda cub.
Another popular excursion from Chengdu is a trip to Mount
Qincheng just outside the city. The mountain provides wonderful
hiking opportunities amidst many historical and cultural places of
interest.
Travellers interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations
should visit the Jinsha Site Museum, located on the site where
archaeologists unearthed an ancient village of the Shu Kingdom (220
- 280 AD) and displays some wonderful ancient relics and artefacts.
A good companion site in town is the Wuhou Memorial Temple, which
has shrines to the ministers of the Shu Kingdom.
Other attractions in Chengdu include Wenshu Temple, the city's
largest Buddhist temple complex, and People's Park, a big public
park with a number of attractions, including a rather odd
underground museum. Kuanzhai Ancient Street is also worth visiting:
it is a trendy shopping street and cultural hot spot as well as a
historic preservation area with several ancient structures.
Kuanzhai and the charming Jinli Alley are the best places for
bargain hunting and sampling local cuisine.
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research
Center
Chi King
Mount Qincheng
Jason Zou
Girl in Kuanzhai District
Mondo79
