Jinjiang River, Chengdu

National GeographicOct 20

The capital of Sichuan Province combines archaeological marvels, giant pandas, and fiery hotpot within a megacity hurtling headlong into the future.

take night cruise on a lantern-lit boat

10 things in this story

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSightvisit native species, least crowded when it opens
JinshaMuseumreopening after renovation, displays Sun and Immortal Birds ornament
Heming Tea HouseRestaurantcentury-old, open-air tea house inside People’s Park
Jinjiang RiverSighttake night cruise on a lantern-lit boat
Little BarRestauranthosts city's rock bands since the 1990s
Chengdu Tianfu International AirportPlace
Shuangliu AirportPlace
Elsewhere
Sanxingdui museumMuseumGuanghan, Chinagazes up at 13-foot bronze sacred tree
Leshan Giant BuddhaSightLeshan, Chinaworld's largest stone Buddha
Mount QingchengSightDujiangyan, Chinabirthplace of Taoism

Jinjiang River