Recommended Special Activities for Chengdu Tourism
Chengdu, the tourist city located in the center of Sichuan Province, China, is a combination of ancient traditions and modern vitality. Although its famous attractions attract a lot of tourists in, there are more exciting activities to do in this city that you need to explore. The article below will acquaint you with some special activities for Chengdu tourism so you can experience the beauty of Chengdu in many ways and leave behind unforgettable memories.
I. Cultural Experience: Sichuan Opera
Sichuan Opera, as a treasure of Chinese performing arts, has more than 300 years of history, and a not-to-be-missed local culture experience when visiting Chengdu. The star for its unique face makeup, entrancing acrobatics and internationally famous “face-changing” performances, it offers you an authentic local culture experience.
Sichuan Opera and other theaters in Chengdu have dazzling Sichuan Opera performances regularly. The rapid face-changing ability of the actors, which changes colors in the blink of an eye, will astonish you during the performance. Gorgeous garments and passionate performance against the sweet sounds generated by traditional Sichuan music instruments such as gongs and erhu will bring eternal Chinese legends to life. These stories are based on history, legend and moral teachings, so you learn more about China’s cultural heritage and value system. You can also socialize with these artists, thus making your Chengdu tourism unforgettable.
II. Food
Chengdu is well-known as the “Chinese Hotpot Capital”. There, a feast of food is waiting for you. The hot and delicious Sichuan hotpot is the highlight. Taking a hotpot cooking class can enable you to know the story of the hotpot.
In the course, you will first learn about the key ingredients of hot pot: chili peppers, peppercorns, and spices. The teacher will guide you to mix the perfect spicy soup base and blend these ingredients skillfully. Next, you can pick what you love from a rich selection of ingredients, including fresh slices of beef and mutton, vegetables, duck blood, crispy pig intestines and other specialties. After cooking the ingredients in the boiling water, you will also learn how to prepare a delicious dipping sauce, which is mixed with mashed garlic, coriander, chopped green onion and special soy sauce and vinegar. You can adjust the special seasoning according to your own taste. Make your Chengdu tourism worthwhile.
Besides hotpot, there are a lot to discover if you learn Sichuan cooking class. You can master making classic Sichuan dish mapo tofu and kung pao chicken. At the end of the class, not only will you have an amazing meal, but you will also be a master in making these delicious foods at home.
III. Art Immersion: Shu Embroidery Experience
Shu Embroidery, one of the four famous Chinese embroidery branches, has a long history in Chengdu. It is famous for its dainty needlework, bright colors and exquisite patterns, and typically embroiders landscapes, flowers and birds, figures and other patterns.
You can experience Shu embroidery by hand with the help of skilled embroiderers at the local embroidery shop. Start by choosing the right silk thread and gaining some preliminary needlework, then gradually try to make your own small embroidery pieces, either a simple flower or a complex pattern. This direct experience not only allows you to appreciate the exquisite work of Shu embroidery, but also allows you to take an exclusive souvenir home.
IV. Spiritual and Cultural Pilgrimage: Taoist Cult of Qingcheng Mountain
Qingcheng Mountain, as one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China, can provide you with the experience of a spiritual and cultural nature. You can start your trip from Chengdu, and within a short time, you can reach this mountain range famous for its old Taoist temples and rich Taoist traditions.
As you hike along the mountain trail, you would pass Taoist temples such as Shangqing Palace and Tianshi Cave. The temples are designed in the traditional Chinese manner, complete with Taoist statues, inscriptions and cultural relics inside. You could take Taoist meditation courses taught by Taoist priests to learn the Taoist philosophy of living in harmony with nature and inner peace. You may also participate in Taoist rituals such as burning incense and making prayers for heavenly blessings, and be immersed in the strong religious atmosphere. In addition, Qingcheng Mountain’s dense forests and fresh air can relieve your stress and wash away your worries.
V. Traditional Craft Experience: Chengdu lacquerware Production
There is more than 3,000 years’ history of Chengdu lacquerware that demonstrates the city’s strong traditional craftsmanship. In the local workshop, you can follow along with the lacquerware master and learn the techniques of crafting lacquerware.
The production process starts with the choice of a base, which is typically wood, bamboo or even cloth. Then lacquer that is extracted from lacquer trees is applied over it layer by layer, and each coat of lacquer must be properly dried and polished before putting the next coat. As you become more advanced, you may also practice techniques of inlay, planting material such as mother-of-pearl, silver or gold into the lacquer coating to produce exquisite patterns. Finally, after finishing procedures such as grinding and polishing, a smooth finish, gleaming color and durable lacquerware is finally complete. Making Chengdu lacquerware by hand will not only give you a personal understanding of this ancient method, but also harvest a one-of-a-kind keepsake and behold the grandeur of traditional Chinese art.
VI. Archaeological Adventure: Sanxingdui Museum
Located about an hour’s drive from Chengdu, Sanxingdui Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Shu civilization. Discovered in the 1920s, this archaeological site has unearthed a large number of mysterious and unique artifacts dating back more than 3,000 years.
There you can see colossal bronze masks with exaggerated facial features, bronze statues with exquisite craftsmanship, and exquisite jade carvings. These artifacts are very different from those found elsewhere in China, and have led to infinite speculations on the origins and culture of ancient Shu people. The museum has guided tours that inform you in great detail about the historical significance and archaeological discoveries of the above items and leave you feeling as if time had returned back to ancient days.
Conclusion
Chengdu is a tourist paradise. From its rich cultural heritage such as Sichuan opera and Shu embroidery to Sichuan cuisine; from Taoist culture investigation in Qingcheng Mountain to traditional craftsmanship investigation in Chengdu lacquerware; to following an archaeological track at Sanxingdui Museum, each activity shows you a different side of the city. Such distinctive activities not only enrich your Chengdu trip, but also let you thoroughly enjoy the humanities and history and cultural heritage of Chengdu. So when you plan to travel to Chengdu, be sure to include these recommended activities in your travel plan and take a memorable journey to Chengdu!
Chengdu Travel Agency possesses rich experience of domestic and foreign tour guides and can provide you customized Chengdu travel itineraries. Looking forward to your contact.
