Youth Quest : Chengdu

Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital city of China's most populated province, Sichuan. Chengdu is a new-borned city, bursting with energy.

It is famous for its world famous Sichuan cuisines, which are never short of pepper and spices.

Sichuan only houses the world famous China pandas. One of the most famous mountain in China, Mt Emei is a drive away from Chengdu city.

Attractions | Shopping | Food

Attractions

With a history of more than 2000 years, Chengdu is full of cultural and historical remains. DuFu Thatched Cottage, Wuhou Shrine, Tomb of Wang Jian, and Wangjiang Tower are must-see for tourists.

Du Fu is a famous Tang poet, whose 240 poems were written in the Thatched Cottage. You can find serenity while you can read poems and appreciate fine tea.

In the Thatched Cottage, you are able to find a world-renowned Chinese poet. He is able to write a full Chinese poem using your name in less than a minute!

You can also visit one of China's most successful and famous irrigation systems, Du Jiang Yan. It is about a 1-2 hour drive away from the city.

Du Jiang Yan was built over 2000 years ago by Li Bin and his son. The system that he planned out still works now much like its orginal form.

It was also due to this irrigation system that Sichuan is able to maintain its agrarian population, which is said to be the densest in the world. Sichuan is therefore also known as "Tian Fu Zhi Guo" (Heaven's country).

Mt Emei is the most ideal destination for phototaking outside the city. Readers of martial arts novels will not be unfamiliar with this mountain. Mt Emei is known to be house many martial arts experts.

When you walk up along the way, do not be surprised to see groups of monkeys. Keep your valuables (food, drinks) as these monkeys go all out to 'search' your bags when they are hungry.

Spend the effort to wake up early in the morning to go the top of the mountain, Jing Ding. You will find beautiful sunrise amongst clouds in faraway mountains. It will be a sight you will not forget.

Go to the top of Mt Emei for a breath-taking sight of the sky and clouds amongst the cool weather.

Shopping

Cycling is also a convenient way to travel around the streets of Chengdu when you want to shop.

The city of Chengdu is filled with shopping centers and small shops. Goods range from brand name items to little handmade souvenirs and accessories.

As Chengdu was their first stop in China, the youths were really amazed to find big shopping centers, fast food restaurants and supermarkets like Carrefour.

As Chengdu is near Lhasa, you are able to find very interesting and exotic accessories and clothes in some small stalls. However, you must always learn to bargain.

Food

Chengdu is famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan food. A must-try is their Mapo Dou Fu (Mapo Beancurd), beancurd with fermented beans and minced pork fried with hot and spicy sauce.

Dan Dan noodles, handmade noodles in similar hot and spicy sauce. Steamboat, best taken in cold weather, is the most spicy out of the three.

For those who cannot take spicy food, do not worry. You can try Lai Tang Yuan (dumplings with sesame filling), ba bao zhou (sweet porridge with 8 different ingredients), and Zhong Shui Jiao (Dumplings in soup).

A recommendation is Shun Xing Teahouse where you can sample the most famous 15 dishes of Sichuan, while watching native Sichuan performances.

Feast on the great variety of food in Chengdu.

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