A 6-day relaxing discovery of Sichuan

Day 2 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Even though you'll have to be up early, you can't miss Chengdu's most famous attraction -- the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You can get there by an express bus from Wuhou Shrine in 50 minutes with a 10 yuan ticket. Breakfast time for the panda cubs is usually around 9am, which is a golden opportunity for you to meet the giant pandas in person.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-famous base for giant panda relocation protection, research and breeding, public education and tourism. It is famous for protecting and breeding giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wild animals in China.

After playing with the cute pandas and learning more about giant panda breeding, you can take the express bus back to urban Chengdu to prepare for the next day.

Day 3 Mt Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Mt Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System are other two must-go spots in Chengdu. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in 2000, you can get to Dujiangyan Scenic Spot by direct bus from Wuhou Shrine in 2 hours. The ticket is 29 yuan.

Located on the northwest edge of Chengdu Plain, Dujiangyan was built in the 3rd century BC, and is the world's only existing ancient irrigation system which diverts water without a dam, controlling and distributing the waters of the Minjiang River towards fertile farmland. For more than two thousand years, it has been playing a role in flood control and irrigation. Up to now, the irrigation area has reached more than 30 counties and cities across an area of nearly 10 million mu (666,666.67 hectares). The scenic spot also has several temples and parks.

After lunch, you can take a direct bus to Mt Qingcheng in half an hour. The ticket is only 5 yuan.

Mount Qingcheng is regarded as one of the cradles of Taoism. Its name is taken from the verdant peaks that resemble a city wall dotted with numerous temples.

If you're fed up with the hustle and bustle of cities, you'll love Mt Qingcheng. This forest-crowned mountain range is 35 miles away from the city center and is one of the most sacred mountains in Taoism. To reach the summit, you need to climb for four hours but you will pass many ancient temples and caves, and that's why this route is the most popular among local people. Or, if you don't want to climb, the Jianfu Temple at the foot of the mountain is open to you and then you can take the cable car to the summit.