The ruins at Jinsha were only discovered in 2001 and so the excavations and museum are a relatively new site not yet in many guidebooks.

The site is believed to be the sacrificial centre of the Shu Kingdom - a culture that remains an enigma. This site and the related one at Sanxingdui both show evidence of an advanced civilization yet there is no written record of this having any dealings with any other Chinese state.

The first hall covers one of the most productive excavation holes and is really interesting in that you are able to see some items in situ.

The second hall offers more of an explanation about the civilization and contains excellent displays of some truly incredible aretfacts. Pictures of some of these on the website below.

One of the highlights for us, and I'm sure for all family visitors, was the 4D cinema. The 3D film may be a little over-the-top in places but that extra dimension (elephants squirting water at you etc) made for hilarious and therefore unforgettable experience. How often can you say that about a museum?

www.jinshasitemuseum.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/34v9ztw

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An irrigation project doesn't sound exciting but this excursion from Chengdu is well worth the effort; I've been twice.

The project is more than two thousand years old but still working as designed. An artificial island divides the river flow in two with clever features to ensure that the proportions remain right whatever the water level.

A man-made channel then takes some of the flow away to irrigate a huge area that was previously unable to support agriculture.

The interest stems from the worship that surrounds the site and its main architect - Li Bing. There are plenty of temples and other more recent displays to ensure you understand just how really clever things are. The island wasn't just put anywhere; it is below a bend so that more of the silt goes to the fields and less to Chengdu's water supply.

Perhaps more importantly, Dujiangyan is not yet on the main tourist trail and so a visit here shows you something of the real China. Don't expect to see many other foreigners but do expect to have an interesting day out.

hubpages.com/hub/Dujiangyan-Daoism-In-Practice
Google map: tinyurl.com/3x5t2rc

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The ancient cultural remains at Sanxingdui are world famous, being among the most spectacular in the world. Their historical, scientific, cultural and artistic value is immense and still being uncovered.

Two large sacrificial pits discovered from July to September 1986 at Sanxingdui constitute one of the most important archaeological finds of the twentieth century.

You can get there by bus from Chendu's northern bus station. It's a couple of hours and a local bus or taxi from the nearest town.

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Recently restored, the temple of mercy/compassion is little visited by tourists, despite being in the centre of Chengdu. Aside from its main purpose, this temple has a very lively yet relaxing teahouse (various teas, average price 5-8 Rb) and there’s a folklore museum. Some outstanding statues/carvings. 3 Rmb to get in. Open 9am to 6pm.

Da Ci Si Lu 23 hao (10-15 mins walk from Crowne Plaza/Holiday Inn);
www.randomstuff.biz

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If you are meeting up with people in the middle of Chengdu, meeting at the statue of Mao on TianFu GuangChang (TianFu Square) is OK. You can sit on the steps and watch the thousands of cyclists and pedestrians, and, less attractively, watch the building work on the underground system.

TianFu Square, north side - can't really miss the statue - very large. Be careful about the China Mobile clock to your left - it's often wrong.

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