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Top 8 Historical Attractions in Chengdu

Written by Ruru Zhou Updated Apr. 30, 2021

Chengdu, aptly described as “the land of abundance”, is the capital of Sichuan Province. Boasting a long history, it features many attractions of historical interest that Travelers cannot miss.

1. Du Fu Cottage

Du Fu Cottage is on the west side of Chengdu and is known in Chinese literature as the Sacred Land.

Du Fu was a poet who lived during the Tang dynasty (618–907). During the war in 759, he transferred with his family from Gansu Province to Chengdu, where he built the historic cottage.

There, he wrote 240 poems, until he moved out four years later. Du Fu’s original cottage was demolished, but another poet rebuilt it.

The cottage was restored twice, in 1500 and 1811 respectively. During the two great restorations, its general layout was integrated with Du Fu’s original residence and his memorial museum.

Today, the cottage’s lovely and tranquil environment, along with its long history, makes it one of the greatest and best attractions in Chengdu.

2. Dujiangyan Irrigation System

In 256 BC, the prefecture chief of Shu for the State of Qin, Li Bing, and his son led the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System on the plain 56 kilometers from today’s Chengdu, destined later to make Chengdu the “Land of Abundance”.

Over the last 2,000-plus years right up until today, this project has played an important role in irrigation and flood control.

3. Qingcheng Mountain

10 kilometers southwest of Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Taoism. Surrounded by undulating peaks and lush forests, it is divided into the front mountain and the back mountain.

The front mountain, where incense flourishes, is popular among tourists and Taoist pilgrims, while the tranquil and peaceful back mountain is preferred by mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts.

4. Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum, open in 1997, is located in the northeast corner of Sanxingdui Ruins Site. The discovery of Sanxingdui Ruins pushes the history of the ancient Shu Kingdom to 5,000 years ago and is hailed as the “source of the Yangtze River civilization”. Some people believe Sanxingdui Museum should be a “top ten” in China rivaling the Terracotta Army.

The museum is divided into two exhibition halls. The first one displays gold, copper, jade, stone, pottery, etc. while the second one especially exhibits bronze. Among these mysterious ancient treasures, there are many fascinating and peculiar-looking bronze shapes, like the 2.62 meters high upright bronze figure, the 1.38 meters wide bronze mask, or the 3.95 meters high sacrificial bronze tree.

5. Qingyang Taoist Temple

Qingyang Taoist Temple (Qingyang Palace) is one of the most celebrated Taoist temples in all of China. It was built during the Tang dynasty (618-907), a flourishing period for Taoism, and since then numerous restorations have taken place.

Among buildings restored during the Qing dynasty (1636–1912) are Universe Hall, Lingzu Hall, the Eight Diagrams Pavilion, Doulao Hall, Sanqing Hall, Wuji Palace, and Hunyuan Palace.

What makes the temple stand out is its bronze single-horned ram in front of Sanqing Hall, which contains the characteristics of the twelve zodiac animals. Local people believe this strange ram can cure all diseases. You can ease your pains by touching the ram.

The grand temple fair is the Flower Festival, held in memory of Laotze, the founder of Taoism. It takes place every 15th day of the second lunar month. The festival is convened next to the temple and is something you should not miss.

You are also recommended to have lunch at one of the vegetarian restaurants nearby.

6. Wenshu Monastery

Another famous religious site in Chengdu, Wenshu Monastery, is the best-preserved monastery in all of Sichuan Province. It was originally built during 605–617 and rebuilt in 1697 by a Chan master named Cidu, an accomplished Buddhist monk who lived in the area for years.

Cidu lived an ascetic life in a simple hut. According to legend, when he was cremated, the Bodhisattva Wenshu appeared for a long time in the flames. Thus Cidu became revered as the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Wenshu. This explains why the monastery was named Wenshu.

Today, this religious site is returning to life. As home to more than 300 Buddha statues, Wenshu Monastery houses plenty of important cultural treasures and relics.

At the same time, however, the area has turned into a gathering place for Chengdu people to enjoy their teahouse and vegetarian practices, after devoutly offering incense. Many shops and stalls around here serve nice local snacks.

7. Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys)

Wide and Narrow Alleys, Kuanzhai Xiangzi in Chinese, was originally built in 1718 and renovated in 2003 as a historical block on the foundation of the site. It consists of three parallel alleys, Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley.

The centuries-old Chinese buildings and decorations here are worth a visit. In recent years, however, the area has been packed with loads of galleries, shops, and teahouses, with crowds of tourists hard on their heels. The touch of modernity somehow spoiled the authenticity of the alleys.

8. Wuhou Memorial Temple

Founded in 223, Wuhou Memorial Temple, or the Temple of Marquis Wu, is China’s most influential museum of prestigious heroes during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280).

There are 50 statues there, among which the most famous is that of Zhuge Liang, the imperial chancellor of the Shu Han period (221-263).

Zhuge Liang has long enjoyed popularity in the hearts of Chinese people and is regarded as a paragon of loyalty and wisdom, owing to his extraordinary achievements in politics, the military, and even the economy.

After Zhuge’s death in 234, he was given the title “Marquis of Loyalty and Might” (Zhong Wu Hou). People built many temples and shrines to commemorate this great hero, hence the name “Wuhou Memorial Temple”.

Whether you are a lover of China’s Three Kingdoms’ history or a fan of the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Wuhou Memorial Temple in Chengdu should be a must-see for you.

Chengdu Historical Tours with China Travel

A knowledgeable English-speaking guide will definitely enhance your travel experiences in Chengdu, not to mention also seeing the adorable giant pandas. Why not book your history and panda tour with us?

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