Chengdu Ancient Temples and Jinli Street
Chengdu Ancient
Temples and Jinli Street
Experience the cultural heart of Chengdu at three of the city’s most well-known sites.
Watch monks at work in Wenshu Monastery; see Emperor Liu Bei’s tomb in Wuhou
Temple; and wander past street food stalls and entertainers on ancient Jinli Street.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Chengdu is a city unlike any other. It is famed for being the home of adorable giant pandas. Aside from wildlife, this modern city is renowned for its teahouse culture and as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy which was awarded in recognition of the city’s outstanding cuisine.
This city is also brimming with history dating back to at least the 4th century B.C, when it served as the capital for the Shu Kingdom. It has deep historical roots in both Taoism and Buddhism. With thousands of years of a distinctive religious history, it is no wonder that Chengdu has some spectacular temples and venerated places of worship.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:00 - 13:00
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14:00 - 18:00
The guide and driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the ancient Wenshu Monastery. Located in a lovely garden in the heart of the city, this monastery is still an active religious site. You can watch monks go about their daily lives and see the typical traditions and customs that take place. You will discover many different structures such as halls, pavilions, pagodas and statues, as well as the original temple which dates back to the Sui dynasty. There will also be time to explore the adjoining bazaar.
The religious exploration continues at the Wuhou Temple. This temple honours several famous historical figures, namely legendary military strategist, Zhuge Liang, and Emperor Liu Bei, whose tomb is located next to the temple. The entire complex is framed by cypress trees and a museum was set up in 1984 to house cultural relics.
Next, you will take a walk down adjoining Jinli Street, Chengdu’s oldest shopping street. It can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, over 1,800 years ago. A stroll along the historic lanes passing by old official residences, inns and shops will take you back to the days of ancient China. The elegant style of the architecture gives you an idea of what Sichuan looked like during the Qing Dynasty.
You can get a taste of authentic Chengdu flavours by trying local snacks and specialties from street food stalls while watching talented street entertainers.
At the end of the tour, the driver will take you back to the hotel.