Chengdu

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, about 10 kilometers away from downtown Chengdu. The facility is famous for the protection and breeding of endangered wild animals that are unique to China. It simulates the natural habitat of the giant pandas, and has lakes, streams, bamboo forests and lawns. The chance to come into close contact with the giant pandas is a highlight here. Visitors can have a close-up observation of the pandas' living conditions. There is also a "Panda Villa", which is a restricted area for the pandas to rest.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located along the main branch of the Lancang River, west of Dujiangyan City. It was constructed in the Qin dynasty around 256 BC by Li Bing, Prefecture Chief of Shu County, and his son. It is one of the few ancient Chinese water conservancy projects that has remained preserved and intact. The project consists of three primary works—Yuzui Diverting Embankment, the Feishayan Spillway, and the Baopingkou Water Inlet, and two secondary works which include the Baizhangdi (the thousand-feet dam) and Renzidi (the y-shaped dam). They divide the Yongjiang River into an outer and an inner branch, the former of which is used to divert floods and the latter for irrigation. This has allowed the Western Sichuan plateau to become "the land of abundance" as we now know it.

Jinli Ancient Street is a well-known pedestrian commercial street in Chengdu. It consists of large antique buildings with architectural styles of the late Qing Dynasty, and has a large number of bars and restaurants. The famous Wuhou Temple is another well known attraction nearby. People generally visit Wuhou Temple before coming over to Jinli Ancient Street. Both sides of the street sell small ornaments with local characteristics and many old Chengdu craftmen can be seen busy blowing sugar paintings and dough figurines. The huge variety of food available on site can make you drool too - Zhang Fei beef, beancurd pudding, beef pancake, bobo chicken etc. Each of them has its own unique flavor so please go there with an empty stomach! The street also comes alive at night as red lanterns light up and visitors fill the bars and teahouses.You can fill your tummies with street food and head to the bars or teahouses after that for some alcohol or tea depending on your preferences.

Kuanzhai Alley is an ancient street in Chengdu left over from the Qing Dynasty. It is composed of three parallel lanes - a wide alleyway, a narrow alleyway and a criss-crossed alleyway, with courtyards between them. Here, you may drink tea, eat hotpot and experience the old and new way of life in Chengdu. It is one of the hotspots in Chengdu where old folks come together and carry out their activities. Kuanzhai Alley also comes alive at night due to a couple of modern bars situated there. Feel free to check it out if you are a night-life person.