Culture Travel in Sichuan 2024

Glorious but Lost Civilizations

Before the discoveries of Sanxingdui and Jinsha Site, most people believed Sichuan played more as a constituent part in China history than an independent local civilization. But after research on the cultivated relics, archaeologist has found that the cultural existence of Sanxingdui and Jinsha was quite different from those typical civilization in northern or center ancient China, such as Xia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty.

• Sanxingdui Museum - previously unknown prosperous culture, but lost in the mysterious history with thousands of standing human statues, masks, jades and many bronze artifacts;
• Jinsha Site Musuem - confirmed to be another important arisen center of culture, economy and politics in Chengdu Plain after the decline of Sanxingdui civilization.

2 Days Chengdu & Sanxingdui Museum Tour

Shu Han Kingdom – Three Kingdoms Period

Three Kingdoms Culture is one of the most exciting parts of China history which is full of stories. Sichuan, known as the key part of Yi State in ancient time, is the stronghold or the base of Shu Han Bloc of which the leaders are Liu Bei, Zhu Geliang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, etc. Chengdu was the capital city of Shu Han. At present, many streets in Chengdu are named according to stories of Shu Han Kingdom. To explore ancient Shu Han culture, you must take a trip to northeastern Sichuan where Shu Han used to fight against other two kingdoms – Wei and Wu.

• Wuhou Temple - an ancestral temple in memory of Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei and other heroes in Shu of the Three Kingdom;
• Langzhong Ancient City - Zhangfei, general of Shu Han, used to garrison here. The city is also one of the best preserved ancient city in China, also known for geomantic omen culture;
• Jianmenguan Pass - Shu Han relied on this pass to fight against Wei, another kingdom during that period.

4 Days Ancient Three Kingdom History Tour

Sichuan Opera – local custom

When talking about local arts and custom in Sichuan, it usually comes up with Sichuan Opera, one of China's oldest and most popular opera forms. Sichuan Opera features in vivid and humorous narration, singing, and acrobatics. It also boasts a system of stylized movements and its acting is both exquisite and lively. Most operas are adapted from the Chinese classical novels, mythologies, legends, and folk tales. There are several places you can watch an opera show in Chengdu usually in the night, including Qintai Road, Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley.

• Sichuan Opera - the artistic expression of Sichuan's history, tales, custom, brilliant performance of face-changing, fire-spiting, hand shadow playing...
• Shu Feng Ya Yun - the best place to watch a Sichuan Opera show
• Jinli Ancient Street - a street of ancient architecture, local foods, artifacts, also has several opera houses.

2 Days Chengdu & Leshan Tour with Sichuan Opera Night Show

Tea culture – drinking and plucking fresh tea

The moist climate plus fertile mountain earth makes Sichuan an ideal place for tea planting. And local people here have already drunk tea for more than thousands years. You will unexpectedly find as many tea houses as the restaurants in Chengdu and other places in Sichuan. The most relaxing way is to have a cup of tea in an old tea house in a local park, such as Renmin Park, Huanhuaxi Park, etc.

If you think drinking tea is not enough, just get out of town to a beautiful tea farm on the mountains of Mengdingshan to experience the exciting whole process of plucking fresh leaves and making. Last, bring the tea you made back home.

• Mengdingshan - producing base of famous Mengding Tea, two hours' driving from Chengdu;
• Renmin Park - great place to experience local leisure living pace while sipping a cup of tea.

2 Days Classic Tea Culture Tour(Chengdu/Mengdingshan)

Feast of Sichuan Gourmet

There is no doubt that Sichuan Cuisine is the most popular Chinese cuisine in the world. Its great reputation has been spread around the world as more and more Sichuan cuisine restaurants have open in America, Europe, Asia, etc. But to taste the most authentic Sichuan cuisine, you must come to its homeland – Sichuan.

As the popular saying goes “all tastes can be tried in Sichuan”, you will be satisfied no matter what kinds of flavors you prefer - Hotpot, Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Mao Cai, Liang Fen…there are so many appealing foods. It is more exciting to learn to cook some of the most classic Sichuan cuisines from a cooking class in Chengdu.

• Sichuan Cuisine Museum - an "eatable museum" introduces the features, varieties, recipe;
• Cooking Class - learn to make some classic Sichuan cuisines under the construction of professional chief.

1 Day Chengdu Tour with Giant Panda & Cooking Experience