Sichuan Province
Chengdu, in the heart of the Chengdu Plain, is Sichuan's provincial capital and has a population of over 10 million.
It is one of China's most famous and ancient cultural cities, steeped in over 2000 years of history.
One of its most popular attractions is the ‘Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding', situated only 10 kilometres from the city centre and reached via Panda Road.
Leshan is world famous for its Giant Buddha. Standing an impressive 71 metres tall it was dug during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and took 90 years to complete. It was added to the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 1996.
Mt.Emei is located approx. 140 kilometres from Chengdu City and is considered one of the four mountains in China held holy by Buddhists. Jinding or 'The Golden Summit' is the main peak from which you can see fantastic scenery, such as: the Sunrise, the Sea of Clouds, the Buddhist Lantern and the Buddha's Halo.
Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve is one of the 3 largest nature reserves for Giant Panda's, of which there are 18, in China. It is situated a fair distance from Chendgu City, but is well worth a visit.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is approx. 400 kilometres away from Chengdu City and is one of China's national parks. Known by some as 'The Dreamland' or 'The Fairyland', Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its beautiful alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, forests, waterfalls and Tibetan folklore. Its name in fact means 'valley of nine villages', because there are 9 Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley.
In 1992 UNESCO added Jiuzhaighou to the World Heritage List and in 1997 put it in the Man and the Biosphere Programme.
Mt.Qingcheng is located 60 kilometres from Chengdu City. It is one of four mountains held sacred for Taoists. It is a popular destination for visitors to Sichuan Province, with over 100 places of interest to visit. Lush green forests and serene valleys have earned the mountain the reputation of being the 'quietest mountain on earth.'
