The Temple of the Marquis of Wu (Wuhou Ci) is located in the outskirts of Chengdu, at the edge of the pleasant Nanjiao park.
The site consists of a restored Tang dynasty temple, dedicated to the Shu dynasty prime minister and war strategist Zhu Ge Liang. Zhu Ge (181-234 AD) lived during the Three Kingdom's period and this character features largely in the famous historical novel, The Three Kingdom's written in the late Ming Dynasty.
Today, there is a large temple here containing a statue of Zhu Ge and an impressive Three Wonders Tablet, so called because it contains exquisite examples of calligraphy, carving and poetry. The tomb of the founder of the Shu dynasty, Liu Bei, is also here. This is an interesting place for those
knowledgeable in Chinese history and legend. Other travelers however, may find the site less engaging.
Address: Wuhou Ci Dajie
How to get there: Bus No.11 from Renmin Nan Lu.
Opening hours: Daily 9-12am and 2.30-5pm.
Cost: RMB15.
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The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the best place to see Chengdu's most famous residents. The city zoo is very depressing and best avoided but the institute 18km from the town center, houses 12 bears in good conditions.
The panda has long been associated with China, and although they are no longer given as gifts to visiting officials, China's pandas still face the huge problem of extinction. The Museum here graphically details the bears reproductive problems and there is also a large Breeding ground at the site. Researchers here recently announced that they plan to give the pandas the drug Viagra in an attempt to raise numbers. These creatures are notoriously reluctant to breed and scientists hope that by giving the pandas Viagra, they will boost the bear's sex drive and improve the chances of reproduction.
The center is located on the mountain of Futoushan in the northern suburbs of the city. Staff recommend that the best time to visit is in the morning, between 8.30 and 10am, during feeding time. Outside these hours it's likely the bears will be indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping!
Address: Jiefang Lu
How to get there: There are three options for transport to the institute:
a) Cycle from the city. This is a nice bike ride but the 18km may be too much for the unfit!
b) A taxi should cost approximately RMB85 from Chengdu center.
c) Take a tour from the Traffic Hotel. This is a convenient option and at RMB80 (including the entrance charge) is a pretty good deal. Enquire at the hotel for more information.
Opening hours: 8am-6pm.
Cost: RMB30 to enter the complex.
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Wenhua Park (Wenhua gongyuan) is home to the biggest Taoist temple in Chengdu, the Green goat Temple (Qingyang gong).
This is an active temple and it is VERY colorful, the result of numerous "renovations"
which have turned the temple into a brightly colored collection of paintings and statues.
Real and mythical animals and dragons adorn the walls and a HUGE statue of two bronze goats
(symbolizing fortune) also stands here.
Opening hours: 6am-8pm.
Cost: RMB2
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Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan) is Chengdu's oldest and largest temple and is usually bursting with life and atmosphere.
A temple was originally built at this site in the north of the city during the Tang Dynasty. The building today however is a Qing Dynasty construction consisting of an impressive collection of buildings containing some intricate and beautiful art and architecture. There are five halls at the complex, all with pretty tiled roofs, carved eaves and beautifully painted ceilings. There is also a Museum here detailing the history of the temple and displaying some wonderful examples of traditional calligraphy and painting.
Chengdu has a sizeable Buddhist congregation who visit the temple to worship the God of Wisdom, filling the temple halls with noise and incense! The surrounding streets are fascinating too, and hawkers selling joss sticks, paper money and statues abound.
There is a HUGE tea house at the back of the complex which is a great place to do some people watching and a good vegetarian restaurant.
Address: The temple is just off Renmin Zhong Lu on Wenshu Yuan Jie.
How to get there: Bus No.16 passes through the center of town to Renmin Zhong Lu.
Opening hours: Daily 8.30am-8.30pm.
Cost: RMB5.
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Sightseeing
Index
