http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34683 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34683 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32762 The main attractions are the crystal clear lakes which, because of a high mineral content, appear blue and green, and the waterfalls which separate the series of lakes down through the valley.
Actually, it would be more correct to say two valleys as the main area of the park is y-shaped. A shuttle bus service operates within the park for those who buy the relevant ticket; otherwise, there is a lot of walking.
A third valley, the Zharu Valley, is not open to the general public but it is possible to viist if booked on one of the eco-tourism options with the park authorities. A write-up of my 3-day trek is linked below. This also includes other eco-options that we were shown during the trip.
A related site, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) is nearby and easily combined in a short break from Chengdu.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32762 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28022
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?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28022 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27936
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27936 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27079
Here are some place you must not miss:

Visit the Wenshu temple and spend time in its teahouse to experience a bit of real Chengdu life.
Go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or Wolong Nature Reserve and see China's living treasures.
Travel to the Leshan Giant Buddha and see the largest stone Buddhist carving in the world.
Visit the Sanxingdui Museum and see the bronze artifacts that shocked the world.
Walk along the Jinli Old Street to experience what life was like in Chengdu's ancient past.
Go to Qing Yang Gong Temple and visit the birthplace of Taoism.
Taste the wonderful spiciness of Chengdu's local Chuan food.
Visit the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong said to be a fairyland due to their beauty.
Walk through Wangjian Tower Park, one of the three famous cultural relics of Chengdu.
Climb Mt. Emei, the highest of China's four holy Buddhist mountains.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27079 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26653
The cafe has a great atmosphere, wonderful owners, traditional Swedish food (and inspired vegetarian food), whisky, Wi-Fi, and is a great spot to find out local information. The owners stock English language magazines, and they appear to have lived there long enough that they know where to go and what to do.

Most information in the cafe is available in English, Korean, Swedish, and Chinese.

The food is fantastic and worth the few extra RMB. The chef is a former vegan and makes wonderful vegetarian dishes. The coffee is also fabulous, if a bit slow as it is hand dripped, and apparently carefully selected by the owner's wife.

Unfortunately, the cafe doesn't open until 11am, but it is open until at least 10pm.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26653 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24223
For purveyors of Chinese cuisine this restaurant fits into the "dirty delicious" category. For those who don't know, dirty delicious is a category of local restaurant that would not meet Western standards of hygiene, but whose food is outstanding. Notable dishes on the menu include tie ban qie zi, and tie ban tu dou si.

Price: average
English menu: yes
English speaking staff: no]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24223 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19074
Recent events in the north of the province mean those areas are out of bounds for leisure, but contact them for recommendations for other areas.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19074 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18012
Chill out on the sofa, natter at the bar, sup in the barbershop chairs. Excellent Brit memorabilia, from footy programmes to classic photos of celebs, and the staggeringly artistic screwdriver on the wall.

Also check out the quote of the day on the blackboard. Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Tiger, German lagers, a tasty range of cocktails. Occasional dancing ensues.

Open afternoon until as early as necessary.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18012 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15312
Two large sacrificial pits discovered from July to September 1986 at Sanxingdui constitute one of the most important archaeological finds of the twentieth century.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15312 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10459 Chef Liao He Yi & his team in the five-star German-run Kempinski Hotel.

No visit to Chengdu and Sichuan would be complete without a visit to Shuxiangge. Try some of the very famous local dishes: Mapo Toufu, Lai Dumpling, and Han Steamed Bun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10459 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10457
Open every day: 7.30am – 11.00pm

Stop in to get a few (covered in frosting) home baked cinnamon rolls wrapped up for a few days' supply at only 6RMB each (0.60 Euro).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10457 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10456
Every Day: 10.00am – 3.00am

BAR FOOD SPECIALTY:
Pub grub includes the popular Shamrock burger and chips. Add lettuce, tomato, cheese, egg and / or bacon to your own liking. There is no shortage of ketchup (tomato sauce) to otherwise smother hot potato chips, wedges or onion rings. This can be washed down with a variety of local and imported beverages including Irish draught Guinness beer.

REGULAR EVENTS:
Thursday Solo singer
Friday DJ dance
Saturday Live bands
Sunday Solo singer]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10456 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10398
Delightful indoor and outdoor areas with attentive English-speaking staff. Customers are welcome to add to the already international menu (e.g. American, Australian, British, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10398 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9105 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9105 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9018
They provide free wireless internet service, you can check your mail or web, and f you have a notebook you can use wireless easily, if your notebook doesn't support WiFi, don't worry about it, they can provide you with a wireless card to use free.
Enjoy your cafe travel in chengdu....]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9018 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7947
If you go to a hairdresser's that actually does cut your hair, chances are you will get your hair washed, your scalp massaged very nicely and a decent haircut. If it's 30 rmb for a bloke's haircut and wash, all in, then that's pricy. It's a bit of luxury, but allow about an hour. Otherwise, pay 3 to 5 rmb at a cheap (genuine barber) place on the street, and it will be much quicker.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7947 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7919
For public loos (plenty of these on streets, by the river) you normally pay 2 jiao (0.2 rmb) to use them. Some are good, many are less than fragrant. Be prepared for them to be more public than you might be used to. Mens' and womens' are usually marked with picture symbols.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7919 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7910 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7910