How to Spend 1 Day in Chengdu [China]

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[{"address":"Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":30.7326630594413,"longitude":104.14606529999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Visit pandas in their natural habitat at the Panda Research Facility"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":750},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2FChengdu.Research.Base.of.Giant.Panda.Breeding.original.5071.jpg?alt=media&token=b9533d40-45eb-4a34-a057-d7788908cfe3"},{"type":"text","content":"The research facility tops the list of things to do & see in Chengdu but you'll want to arrive as soon as the gates open at 7:30am. Pandas are most active in the morning and the facility becomes more crowded in the afternoon.\n\nThe panda is a national treasure of China and this research facility deserves credit for helping to increase the indigenous population. More than 70% of pandas live in Sichuan province, and the Panda Research facility leads conservation efforts. It's one of the only places where you can see baby pandas rolling around and playing.\n\nAs with a trip to the zoo, you'll get to see many different animals in their natural habitat. While raccoons are the focus of the facility, you can also see white storks, black-necked cranes, and over 20 different species of rare animals. Vibrant native flowers, bamboo and rolling hills add to the natural setting.\n\nEven if you arrive early, you will likely face crowds as the morning rolls on. Prepare yourself for long lines if you want to see some of the special exhibits, such as baby pandas being fed.\n\nTry to leave around 11am or so if you don't want to stand shoulder to shoulder with other travelers."},{"type":"link","content":"http://www.panda.org.cn/english/"},{"metadata":{"width":576,"height":1024},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2Ft%E1%BA%A3i%20xu%E1%BB%91ng.mp4?alt=media&token=f5c063f7-e088-4255-af8c-6030061aa0f2"}]},{"address":"四川广播电视塔","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":30.662585309415014,"longitude":104.0943304},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# See the skyline from the top floors of the West Pearl Tower"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":666},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2F71372949-View-from-the-West-Pearl-Tower-television-tower-on-the-city-of-Chengdu-Sichuan-Province-China-Asia.jpg?alt=media&token=7ebbad85-0ce9-4a2d-ae0a-80a677b2a3f6"},{"type":"text","content":"After visiting the panda facility, you'll need to take a taxi to get to the Jade West Tower. It's about 25 minutes by car and a few hours by foot. With only 24 hours in Chengdu, taking a taxi whenever can give you a little more time to explore the sights.\n\nThe tower covers its own city block and is 339 meters high. This is one of the tallest structures in the city. It even has a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of the downtown area.\n\nIf you're not too afraid of heights, try standing on an outdoor viewing platform. It has a glass floor so you can look down to the ground a few hundred meters below.\n\nOf course, your viewing experience depends on the weather. On cloudy days, you may not see much.\n\nBesides a restaurant and several viewpoints, the tower also houses a small souvenir shop. Oddly enough, it sells miniatures of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Eiffel Tower but no models of the tower itself.\n\nNow, you may also need something to eat, and you have a few options. You can order a high-priced meal at the restaurant in the tower or wait until you reach your next destination."},{"metadata":{"width":576,"height":1024},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2Ft%E1%BA%A3i%20xu%E1%BB%91ng%20(5).mp4?alt=media&token=504e013f-efc8-4421-8054-c6869be31ad2"}]},{"address":"Wenshu Monastery.Xiti Road.Jinniu District.ChengDu","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":30.68130995942204,"longitude":104.06207230000003},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Immerse yourself in ancient culture at Wenshu Monastery"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":750},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2Fit-s-an-amazing-building.jpg?alt=media&token=bf141ef9-9145-4f8e-9c88-c5c9ccf08d7e"},{"type":"text","content":"When you get back to ground level, you can either walk or take a taxi to Wenshu Monastery. It’s about a 40-minute walk or a 10-minute car ride and is located at the northern border of the city centre.\n\nA trip to a temple (or, rather several!) is necessary for any first-time China trip itinerary and the Wenshu Monastery is the most visited one in Chengdu. It gives you a chance to learn more about the culture and history of the area.\n\nThe Buddhist temple faces south and features several halls and a towering pagoda. When you arrive, you'll first walk through the Wenshu Pavilion.\n\nIt's also an active Buddhist temple. Depending on when you visit, you may get to hear monks chanting. You should also keep an eye out for the monastery cats as they prowl the grounds.\n\nMake sure that you explore the area around the temple, including the well-manicured gardens and vegetarian restaurant. The temple also has its own tea house with traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.\n\nIf you plan to eat at the restaurant or take part in a tea ceremony, prepare yourself for a long wait as it becomes more crowded in the middle of the day."},{"type":"link","content":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenshu_Temple_(Chengdu)"}]},{"address":"Tianfu Square","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":30.657380009413068,"longitude":104.06589759999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Watch the busy pedestrian traffic around Tianfu Square"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":667},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2F13936440235_8085848c8e_b.jpg?alt=media&token=579aaade-5500-4260-8874-52a25dbbbdc9"},{"type":"text","content":"Now that you’ve visited a temple, it’s time to visit the modern city centre. Renmin Middle Road starts just outside the monastery and leads you directly to the core of downtown Chengdu and Tianfu Square.\n\nIt’s about a 30-minute trek on foot but it’s worth it to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. As you stroll south, check out the mix of modern developments with a scattering of historic sites.\n\nWhen you get closer to the square, the downtown area becomes an urban jungle with towering buildings, shopping malls, and department stores.\n\nThe square itself is one of the most visited spots in the city. At any time of the day, you’ll find hundreds or thousands of people wandering about, and checking out the spiral sculpture or the massive statue of Mao.\n\nIt’s a great place to watch people, shop, or eat. Below the square is a large underground mall with dozens of stores.\n\nTrying to see all of Chengdu in one day is a challenge so try not to lose track of time as you travel around the square.\n\nIf you come back for a longer trip, you could check out the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum across the street. For now, you’ll need to move on to the next stop."},{"metadata":{"width":540,"height":960},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2Ft%E1%BA%A3i%20xu%E1%BB%91ng%20(6).mp4?alt=media&token=87274e9d-4700-4978-926e-31e2c2d1a0a1"}]},{"address":"Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":30.66351805941535,"longitude":104.05244224999998},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Finish off your trip of the city at Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley"},{"metadata":{"width":750,"height":550},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FDvjDTmToeS8UmR8kBgKB%2F131112161321_0611.jpg?alt=media&token=057e179b-067d-4eb8-a08a-bb5e5748d198"},{"type":"text","content":"As evening approaches, exit the park on the west side and walk north to Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley).\n\nYou can’t explore Chengdu in 24 hours without shopping and this ancient street provides the perfect chance to find a few souvenirs.\n\nThe buildings all feature old Chinese architecture. It’s what you would expect travelling through a traditional Chinese city. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped through a time portal.\n\nWhen you arrive, the storefronts should have traditional lanterns helping to light the street. You’ll see open restaurants, cafes, markets, and stalls. While the main street includes dozens of shops, you can also check out the adjacent side alleys."},{"type":"link","content":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzMsJPjJGIM"}]}]