Chengdu is situated in the middle of Sichuan Province, high on the Sichuan Plain. Visitors can easily bicycle across this enchanting, tree-lined city and visit the River View Pavilion, the Sichuan Provincial Museum, and numerous shops selling Chendu's justly famous silk embroidery and bamboo goods. Of course, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine. For those interested in religion we recommend a visit to Baoguangsi Monastery an ancient but still active monastery.

Sichuan province is Giant Panda country and you can visit the panda breeding centre near Chengdu, or walk through the mountain forests of Wolong reserve in search of the pandas. Both sites have conservation and breeding centres, where you can learn about and view this rare mammal.

Travelling by road south west of Chengdu is Mt Emishan one of China's four Holy Buddhist Mountains. Mt Emei is famous the world over for its deep forests, dancing waterfalls, and snow-capped Golden Summit, reaching more than 10,000 feet into the sky. On route to Emishan you can take a boat trip to see the Grand Buddha, carved into the hillside and standing proudly 229 feet.