Joanna James
Chengdu home of the giant panda was the capital city of West Shu during the vibrant Three Kingdoms period. Listed below are gorgeous environs and fascinating experiences that are free enjoyed.
If you want to experience local life in Chengdu head over to the People's Park; the largest in the city and favourite hangout for locals. Stunning surroundings greet you there with allures of a plum garden, huge rookeries in hidden corners and a delicate bonsai garden to reflect on. Look forward to an afternoon on the lake where boat rides for two promises a relaxing and enjoyable journey. Mornings are best to indulge in people watching at the park as it is a hive of activity with folks practising Tai Chi, dancing, singing and even some impressive sword work. By the way, entrance is free and you are most welcome to join a game of mah-jong with some chatty elders.
Just half an hour for guests at Citadines South Chengdu, Chunxi Road is a where you should head for a day of shopping, dining and simply hanging out. The place is a great social meet up point and draws a huge throng of shoppers and onlookers who seem to enjoy the precinct located within close proximity to some of the best serviced apartments Chengdu has to offer. Shopaholics are found in galore hitting the branded stores, fashion boutiques and huge malls of Chunxi Road while foodies will find this place to be an oasis of irresistible goodies with the likes of Haagen-Dazs, KFC and Pizza Hut vying for space with delectable Chinese tea shops, dumpling houses and local restaurants. Their promises of Korean steamed buns, rice balls with sesame sauce and lung slices are up for grabs. A relief wall located on the northern corner of the street is a delight for culture buffs where displays of Chengdu's eight highlights of the Tang Dynasty are portrayed.
Jinli is the oldest commercial street in the city and is 550 metres long. The area belongs to the Wuhu Temple Museum and is highly recommended for experiencing the culture of West Shu during the era of Three Kingdoms. Here one is treated to cultural shows such as folk musical performances, traditional weddings, Sichuan operas and fashion shows that take place on the streets at regular intervals. During the festival season, the area comes alive with plenty of festivities taking place especially during the Chinese Valentines Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Lantern Festival.
This alley craftily amalgamates the vintage laid back vibes of old Chengdu with the fashionable and savvy side of cosmopolitan Chengdu. The place is made up of three matching alleys; Zhai, Kuan and Jing; quadrangle residences are located between these alleys and date back to the Qing Dynasty.
Wangjiang Lou Park as it is better known was established to honour China's greatest female poet Xue Tao. Belonging to the Tang Dynasty the poet in existence from 768 to 832 is honoured with the setting up of beautiful bamboo forests, aesthetic pagodas, shimmering ponds and tea houses within this park. There are plenty of scenic sites which named in relation to Xue Tao promises to please mind body and soul.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
