Cultural Places to Visit in Chengdu: A Perfect Summer Itinerary for a Foreign Family of Four
Chengdu, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. If you're a foreign family of four planning a one - day trip in Chengdu, these three cultural places - Wuhou Memorial Temple, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and Kuanzhai Alleys - are must - visits.
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1. Wuhou Memorial Temple: A Gateway to the Three Kingdoms Era
Wuhou Memorial Temple is a unique place that commemorates the heroes of the Shu Han regime during the Three Kingdoms period. This era, full of political intrigue, military strategies, and heroic deeds, has left an indelible mark on Chinese history. The temple pays homage to figures like Liu Bei, the king, and Zhuge Liang, his brilliant prime minister. Their stories of loyalty, wisdom, and leadership have been passed down through generations, captivating the imagination of people around the world.
What to See
● The Main Hall: As you enter, the main hall greets you with a solemn statue of Liu Bei. His regal presence, captured in the detailed craftsmanship, gives children a sense of the grandeur of ancient kings. Explain to them how Liu Bei strived to build a just kingdom.
● Zhuge Liang Hall: Next is the hall dedicated to Zhuge Liang, known for his unparalleled wisdom. The calm and sagacious expression on his statue can be a great conversation starter about intelligence and strategy. You can tell the kids about some of Zhuge Liang's famous military tactics, like the empty - city stratagem.
● The "Gongxin Lian": This couplet, written in the late Qing Dynasty, contains profound wisdom about governance and human relations. Although it's in Chinese, you can translate its meaning for the family. It says, "能攻心则反侧自消，从古知兵非好战；不审势即宽严皆误，后来治蜀要深思", which means that winning people's hearts can quell rebellions, and understanding the situation is crucial for making the right decisions. This can be a great opportunity to teach older children about the importance of empathy and analysis.
Tips for the Family
● Opening Hours: Usually from 8:00 - 18:00. Check the official website for any seasonal changes. It's best to visit it about 1.5 hours in the morning when it's less crowded, giving your family more space to explore and absorb the atmosphere.
● Ticket Price: Around 50 yuan per person. Students can enjoy a half-price discount.
● Family - Friendly Activities: Look for guided tours that are available in English. These tours can bring the history to life for the kids with interesting stories and anecdotes. You can also play a little game where the kids try to find the different elements of traditional Chinese architecture in the temple, like the upturned eaves or the decorative carvings.
2. Du Fu Thatched Cottage: A Poetic Haven
Du Fu, one of the greatest poets in Chinese history, lived in this thatched cottage during his exile in Chengdu. His four - year stay here was incredibly productive, with over 240 poems created. His works, filled with deep concern for the country and its people, reflect the social and political climate of the Tang Dynasty. This cottage is not just a physical space but a symbol of the flourishing of Chinese poetry.
What to See
● The Thatched Cottage Replica: The simple thatched cottage, surrounded by bamboo groves and blooming flowers, gives the family a feel of the poet's humble living conditions. Let the kids imagine what it would be like to live in such a peaceful place, writing poems inspired by nature.
● Poetry Steles: Scattered throughout the cottage are steles inscribed with Du Fu's poems. The beautiful calligraphy on these steles is a form of art in itself. You can introduce your children to the beauty of Chinese calligraphy while reading the translated poems together.
● The Memorial Hall: Here, you can find exhibits about Du Fu's life, his literary achievements, and the cultural background of the Tang Dynasty. There are paintings, manuscripts, and historical relics that can help your family understand the context in which Du Fu wrote his poems.
Tips for the Family
● Opening Hours: Generally from 9:00 - 18:00. Plan your visit about 2 hours accordingly to make the most of the day.
● Ticket Price: Approximately 50 yuan per person, with 25 yuan for children.
● Family - Friendly Activities: Participate in a poetry - reciting activity if available. It can be a fun way for the kids to engage with Chinese Literature. You can also encourage them to write their own short poems inspired by the scenery around the cottage.
3. Kuanzhai Alleys: Experiencing Old Chengdu
Kuanzhai Alleys, composed of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley, are a living testament to the traditional lifestyle of old Chengdu. These alleys have witnessed generations of local people going about their daily lives, preserving the unique customs, architecture, and values of the region.
What to See
● Kuan Alley: The wider of the three alleys, Kuan Alley is a food lover's paradise. Here, your family can savor authentic Sichuan cuisine. Let the kids try the famous Mapo Tofu, with its spicy and numbing flavors. There are also traditional teahouses where you can all sit down, enjoy a cup of fragrant tea, and watch the traditional tea - making process. It's a great opportunity to experience the slow - paced life of Chengdu.
● Zhai Alley: Lined with artisanal shops and cafes, Zhai Alley offers a chance to explore traditional handicrafts. Your children can watch in awe as artisans create paper - cuttings, sugar - paintings, and embroideries. You can even buy some of these handicrafts as souvenirs. The cafes here provide a cozy space for a family break, with a blend of modern and traditional decor.
● Jing Alley: This alley is like an open - air museum, with reliefs and sculptures that depict the historical and cultural scenes of old Chengdu. Walk along with your family, and explain the stories behind the scenes of street vendors, traditional festivals, and old - fashioned workshops.
Tips for the Family
● Opening Hours: Open all day, but the evening is particularly charming when the red lanterns are lit. However, for a family with young children, an afternoon visit might be more suitable as it can get crowded at night.
● Ticket Price: Free to enter. Just be prepared to spend on food, drinks, and souvenirs.
● Family - Friendly Activities: Try some traditional Sichuan snacks together, like egg - filled pancakes or spicy cold noodles. You can also participate in a traditional Chinese game like shuttlecock kicking if you find a suitable spot in the alleys.
By visiting these three cultural places - Wuhou Memorial Temple, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and Kuanzhai Alleys - your foreign family of four will have a rich and fulfilling one - day trip in Chengdu, filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
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