Situated on the western side of the Red Basin sitting on a plateau east of the Tibetan highlands, Chengdu has always been prosperous throughout the age of times thanks to its prodigiously fertile countryside, so much so locals coined it the “storehouse of heaven”. And today, modern Chengdu is still enjoying the fruits of its soil in a decidedly relaxed and charmingly nonchalant manner, seemingly miles away from the breakneck frenzy and pace of its peers. Watching locals drink tea at teahouses and pavilions dotted across the city’s parks, and seeing more smiles on its people than any other comparable Chinese cities of its size, it seems as if the residents of Chengdu go about their lives knowing assuredly that they are blessed with God’s special favour. And, of course, no matter what anyone else can claim about their city, Chengdu is the home of the giant pandas – and that is enough said! Plan a customised Chengdu tour package with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today and visit this abundant land full of the easy good life and the ever-endearing national treasure of China.

Despite what anyone can claim about the city, or in fact, what Chengdu decides to pride itself on whether if it is the livable lifestyle or its widely acclaimed nightlife, the biggest stars on its red carpet will always be the giant pandas. Long calling this region home for some two million years, these gentle giants roamed the grounds of the research base languidly amid peaceful bamboo groves dissected by paved lanes and wooden plank paths. Other cities have zoos with a few pandas in them but can leave animal lovers saddened and alarmed with a lack of care and unpleasant conditions but Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a conservation of the highest standards and best practices. For one of the best glimpses of these giant herbivores, come early in the morning when they sit around and munch happily on bamboos seemingly without a care in the world. 

Of all China’s classical poets, Du Fu stands side by side with fellow Tang Dynasty master Li Bai as the civilisation’s best known and best beloved, and Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum and its quaint surroundings are where he created his best-known works. Offering him a sanctuary away from the upheavals in the troubled Tang capital of Chang’an (modern Xi’an), this was where he reminisced about China’s tumultuous times of war and displacement and had his thoughts and ideals transcribed in eternity through his poems. Walk through this charming site with plenty of quiet stone paths, bamboo gardens and blossoming flowers and experience poetry in motion and take in all of Du Fu’s philosophies and ideals.