Chengdu

Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is a 720 km² network of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in China’s Sichuan Province. Renowned for its kaleidoscopic “sea of trees” and Tibetan cultural heritage, the valley’s 114 lakes—each shimmering in electric blues and greens—are fed by calcium-rich glacial waters. After a 2017 earthquake, 85% of the park reopened in 2021, showcasing nature’s resilience.

The Chengdu Panda Base, a global hub for giant panda conservation, is home to over 200 rare pandas and 80 red pandas. Founded in 1987, this 357-acre sanctuary 10 km northeast of Chengdu combines breeding research with eco-tourism, playing a pivotal role in doubling wild panda populations since 2003. Recognized by UNESCO as a “World Network of Biosphere Reserve,” it offers visitors unparalleled access to these iconic creatures in lush bamboo habitats.

Kuanzhai Alley, a historic enclave in Chengdu’s Qingyang District, offers a vibrant blend of Qing Dynasty architecture and modern culture. Originally built in 1718 to house Manchu soldiers, the three parallel lanes—Kuan Xiangzi (Wide Alley), Zhai Xiangzi (Narrow Alley), and Jing Xiangzi (Well Alley)—were revived in the 2000s as a bustling hub for food, art, and Sichuanese traditions. Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, it’s a living museum of Chengdu’s past and present.

Dujiangyan, a 2,300-year-old marvel of ancient engineering, channels the Minjiang River to irrigate Chengdu Plain and prevent floods. Built in 256 BCE by Qin Dynasty governor Li Bing and his son, it’s the world’s oldest operational water-control system, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Without dams, it harmoniously divides water into irrigation canals using natural topography, feeding 668,700 hectares of farmland and inspiring modern hydrology. A testament to sustainable innovation, it’s equally revered for its serene riverside temples and pagodas.

The Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a serene oasis in bustling Chengdu, honors China’s “Poet Saint” Du Fu, who lived here during the Tang Dynasty (8th century). Once a humble cottage, it evolved into a museum blending poetry, history, and gardens. Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, the site preserves over 1,000 poems by Du Fu and showcases Tang Dynasty architecture, making it a must-visit for literature lovers and history enthusiasts.