The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas, located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, China. Founded in 1987 with an initial focus on rescuing and rehabilitating sick and injured wild giant pandas, the base has evolved into a comprehensive hub integrating captive breeding, scientific research, conservation education, and ecotourism. Covering an area of over 1,000 mu (approximately 165 acres), it features lush bamboo forests, clear lakes, and well-designed enclosures that replicate the natural habitat of giant pandas, providing a comfortable living environment for these precious animals. The base contributes to global biodiversity efforts, housing over 200 pandas and successfully reintroducing several into the wild. Its blend of scientific research, conservation, and visitor engagement makes it a model for wildlife tourism.
Daily Opening Hours: 07:30-18:00
Notes: Tickets must be booked online 7 days in advance.
Sanxingdui is a world-renowned archaeological site located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, approximately 40 kilometers north of Chengdu. It represents the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom, a civilization that flourished over 3,000 years ago (c. 1600–1046 BCE) in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Basin. Covering an area of about 12 square kilometers (with the city site spanning 3.6 square kilometers), Sanxingdui is recognized as the largest, longest-lasting, and most culturally rich archaeological site of the ancient Shu civilization.
The Sanxingdui Museum, built in 1992 and opened to the public in October 1997, is a modern thematic museum situated by the Yazi River, northeast of the protected archaeological site. It houses over 1,000 precious artifacts unearthed from the site, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into this enigmatic civilization that remained unknown to the world until the 20th century.
Daily Opening Hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (with the last entry at 17:00)
Notes: Tickets must be booked online 7 days in advance.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a world-renowned ancient water conservancy project, located on the upper reaches of the Minjiang River in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, about 50 kilometers northwest of Chengdu. Constructed around 256 BCE during the Warring States Period by Li Bing—the governor of Shu County under the Qin State—and his son, it stands as the world’s oldest and only surviving irrigation project that operates without a single dam.
Daily Opening Hours: 8:00 to 18:00
Notes: Tickets must be booked online 1-7 days in advance.
Chongqing, the dynamic "Mountain City" just 1–1.5 hours southeast of Chengdu , dazzles with its unique 8D urban landscape—where skyscrapers cling to hillsides, and the Liziba Light Rail Station passes directly through a residential building . Don’t miss the fairy-tale night views of Hongya Cave, a traditional stilt-house complex illuminated by red lanterns along the Jialing River , or a cruise on the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers to soak in the city’s layered neon glow . Indulge in its world-famous spicy hot pot, a numbing and fiery culinary icon that defines the city’s bold flavors .
Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties roughly 3.5–4 hours north of Chengdu , is a living museum of Chinese civilization—home to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Army, an army of over 8,000 life-sized sculptures guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb . Wander the well-preserved 600-year-old Ancient City Wall at sunset, explore the Tang Dynasty-era Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (a key Silk Road heritage site) , and savor local delicacies like Rougamo (Chinese hamburger) and chewy biangbiang noodles.
