Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (大熊猫繁育研究基地)

The giant panda is a rare and beloved animal, with a population of less than 2000, the species is included on the endangered list by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and is protected by China’s Wildlife Protective Law as the special-class protected animal.

Because of its prominent scientific research value, endangered status, and delightful viewing value, the giant panda is considered a national treasure of China. Though small in number, giant pandas have visited many countries and served as envoys of friendship from China to the world.

Wuhou Temple (武侯祠)

Wuhou Temple (Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu) (Figure 2) is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Marquis Wu (Wuhou) of Kingdom of Shu in the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280). Located in the south suburb of Chengdu, the temple covers 37,000 square meters (398,277 square feet). The date of its establishment is unclear, only that it was built next to the temple of Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu. It was combined with the Temple of Liu Bei at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty; consequently, the entrance plaque reads 'Zhaolie Temple of Han Dynasty' (Zhaolie is the posthumous title of Liu Bei). The current temple was rebuilt in 1672. Surrounded by old cypresses and classical red walls, it evokes nostalgia.

Kuanzhai Ancient Street of Qing Dynasty (宽窄巷子)

The Kuanzhai Alley (Figure 3) is often praised as the name card of Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province. Composed of three ancient streets of Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), Kuanzhai Alley showcases the original local lifestyle. It has been one of the most popular tourist sites in Chengdu. Consisting of Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi), Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi), Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi) three parallel ancient city alleys and 45 courtyards along them, Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of Chengdu’s historical and cultural reserves, together with Daci Temple reserve and Wenshu Monastery reserve. It is a microcosm of the city’s history as well as a deep mark in local people’s memory.