It was hot summer morning and we were waking up in the last destination of our trip around China. Back then, we had no idea that we will stay there the longest from all the visited Chinese cities. And we didn’t know that we will enjoy the traditional Chinese culture the most. However, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, wasn’t only the city of traditional atmosphere and happy pandas. For us, it became also city where we  first encountered serious problems on our trip. Our permits to enter Tibet were refused. Luckily, everything bad is good for something. We had more time to explore this beautiful city. Plus I could prepare for you the following list of 4 reasons to visit Chengdu.

Five days in Chengdu prepared for us rich program. The very first day we went to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Although, they were kept in fenced areas and we didn’t have direct access to them, they were so close we could see their glowing eyes and cheerful smiles. When we saw them lying and chewing on bamboo shoots, we wanted to lie in the grass and relax too. Red pandas were resting high on the tree branches with their tails hanging and wiggling.

Relaxed and in a good mood after seeing those amazing animals, we enjoyed a little exercise – walk around Leshan Buddha. This statue carved into the cliff is approximately 70-meter tall. It is the tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world. From its right shoulder, we started descending narrow stairs full of local tourists to get to its feet. From there, we had to climb up, now to its left shoulder. As it was way too hot, we felt incredibly thankful for little beverage stand at the top of the cliff.

The hardest climb was still ahead of us. We visited the Taoist Temple situated at 1,260 meters above sea level. We could choose to walk all the way up or take a cable car. Based on a promise that it is an easy one hour walk, we decided to climb. Only after 90 minutes of brisk walk on stairs of various sizes, I spotted the Taoist temple. I took a picture, enjoyed the hazy view, said “never again” and went back. 😀 When I was finally down again holding a cold beer in my hand, I felt much better. And as me and my friend were the only females among all the men who decided to walk, we were considered heroines in our group 🙂

Wandering around the city itself made even deeper impact on me. It took only 20-minute walk to the Tienfu Square and the main shopping street. It took even less to reach district that was newly built in a traditional Chinese style. There were cafes, shops and a street paintings exhibition. Also strolls around the three parks we had in our neighborhood were unforgettable. Except for well-kept trees, colorful flowerbeds and picturesque corners, I was most surprised by the “life” in the park.

Always something happening there. At the entrance, approximately twenty couples danced on a pleasant Chinese music. Young couples were paddling on the lake, families played various desk games. Lonely lady was sitting in a quieter corner singing. There were also dance competitions, balloon stalls, and a kite rag. A giant aquarium in public toilets was little shocking, and “No photoing” sign was funny, yet nice.

If it wasn’t for the permit refusal and unexpected prolonged stay in Chengdu, we would miss many adventures and experience. We wouldn’t be collecting tea on tea plantation wearing straw hat and a basket over the shoulder. We would miss the opportunity to visit local village family, see how to produce tofu and prepare the traditional Sichuan dish “Mapo tofu.”

you wish to read about more adventures from my Chinese road trip, you can visit The Best of Beijing: 6 Attractions You Want to Visit

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below.