5 Days Chengdu Educational Tour: Exploring Ancient Qiang Culture, Natural Wonders and Pandas

Morning: Visit to Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum: Start your day with a visit to the Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆), one of the most important archaeological sites in China. Here, you will uncover the mysterious ancient Shu civilization that flourished more than 3,000 years ago.

Key Highlights:

• Ancient Shu Artifacts: See remarkable artifacts such as bronze masks, jade objects, and golden relics that were uncovered at the Sanxingdui site. These objects are thought to belong to the Shu Kingdom, offering a glimpse into one of China’s most enigmatic ancient cultures.

• Bronze and Jade Masterpieces: Marvel at the bronze figures and golden artifacts that showcase the advanced metallurgy and artistic skills of the ancient Shu people.

• Archaeological Insights: Understand the significance of the Sanxingdui discovery, including the theory of the Shu kingdom's sudden disappearance and its mysterious connections to other ancient Chinese cultures.

Interactive Session: Join an expert in archaeology for an engaging session on the discoveries made at Sanxingdui, including the site's historical context and its implications for understanding the development of early Chinese civilization.

Afternoon: Experience the Craftsmanship of Ancient Shu

“The Craft of Ancient Shu” Workshop: Following the museum visit, participate in a hands-on experience at the “Shu Artisan Experience Center” (古蜀工匠记体验课程).

Explore Ancient Techniques:

• Archaeological Exploration Simulation: Engage in a mock excavation activity where you'll learn how to carefully unearth and analyze ancient artifacts like archaeologists do.

• Jade Carving: Discover the ancient art of jade carving, which has been practiced in China for thousands of years, and learn the traditional methods used by the Shu craftsmen to create intricate designs.

• Bronze Casting: Learn the lost-wax bronze casting technique and participate in a demonstration of the casting of bronze statues, mimicking the process used in the creation of famous Shu bronze figures.

Cultural Significance: Discuss the importance of these ancient crafts to Shu culture, which influenced neighboring cultures and left a lasting mark on the development of ancient Chinese art.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan lunch at a local restaurant, featuring handmade noodles and pickled vegetables, dishes that showcase the region's distinctive culinary heritage.

Evening: National Cultural Performance - “Floral Bloom in Jinli”

“Floral Bloom in Jinli” Drama Performance: After lunch, attend a traditional Sichuan performance at the Jinli Ancient Street. The play, “Floral Bloom in Jinli” (花重锦官城), is a national-style drama that pays tribute to the millennia-old cultural heritage of Chengdu.

Cultural Themes: This performance will introduce you to the local folklore, the immortal beauty of Chengdu, and its cultural connection to Sichuan opera (川剧), puppet shows, and traditional music.

Interactive Experience: After the performance, engage with the actors and performers, and learn about Sichuan opera and its role in preserving cultural history.

Dinner: For dinner, enjoy a Sichuan-style banquet featuring hotpot, kung pao chicken, and a variety of vegetarian dishes influenced by local, ethnic Qiang flavors.

Leisure Time: End the day with a relaxed stroll through Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街), where you can experience Chengdu’s ancient charm, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy street food such as sweet tangyuan (汤圆) and barbecued skewers.

Morning: Visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地): Start your day by visiting the world-renowned Giant Panda Research Base, located just outside Chengdu. As the home of over 80 giant pandas, this sanctuary is dedicated to the breeding, conservation, and research of these endangered species.

Key Highlights:

• Panda Viewing: Spend time observing the pandas in their natural habitat, especially during the morning when they are most active. Watch them eat bamboo, play, and engage in various activities.

• Panda Nursery: Visit the Panda Nursery, where you can see young cubs up close and learn about the conservation efforts focused on the panda population.

• Educational Exhibits: Explore the informative displays on panda biology, habitat conservation, and the efforts to prevent poaching and habitat destruction.

• Panda Education Center: Learn about the global efforts to protect pandas and their environment through a short video or exhibition.

Interactive Session: Participate in a panda-themed workshop, where you can make your own panda-themed crafts or learn about the habitat restoration efforts in Sichuan.

Lunch: Traditional Sichuan Cuisine

Enjoy a traditional Sichuan lunch, featuring mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐), spicy fish hotpot (麻辣鱼火锅), and steamed buns, at a local restaurant near the Panda Base. Experience the bold and rich flavors that Sichuan is famous for, complemented by local herbal teas.

Afternoon: Sichuan Earthquake Memorial & Reflection

Yingxiu Earthquake Memorial Site (映秀512地震遗址): After lunch, head to the Yingxiu Earthquake Memorial Site, a poignant location dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake (汶川地震), which devastated Sichuan Province and surrounding regions.

Key Highlights:

• Site of the Earthquake: Walk through the earthquake memorial park, which includes ruins of buildings, earthquake artifacts, and memorial statues, all commemorating the event that claimed thousands of lives and reshaped the landscape of Sichuan.

• Cultural Reflection: Take part in a reflection session led by local historians, who will share stories of resilience, reconstruction, and recovery following the disaster.

• Visitor Center: Explore the visitor center, which provides an in-depth look at the earthquake’s effects, the survival stories, and the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the region.

Thoughtful Reflection: This visit is an opportunity to understand the strength and unity of the Sichuan people in the face of tragedy. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the region's resilience and how the recovery has shaped local culture and community.

Evening: Qiang Cultural Experience – Shalong Guozhuang Dance

Qiang Cultural Experience: Shalong Guozhuang Dance (沙郎锅庄体验): In the evening, immerse yourself in the Qiang ethnic culture with a hands-on experience of one of their most important cultural traditions—the Shalong Guozhuang Dance (沙郎锅庄).

Key Highlights:

• Dance Performance: Witness a live Shalong Guozhuang performance, where local Qiang performers demonstrate their traditional dance steps, lively drumming rhythms, and expressive song lyrics that tell the stories of their people.

• Interactive Dance Workshop: Join the local Qiang dancers to learn the basic steps and movements of the Shalong Guozhuang dance. This interactive dance experience will connect you with the Qiang people’s rich cultural heritage.

• Cultural Insight: Gain insights into the significance of music and dance in Qiang culture, especially in their rituals, celebrations, and community bonding.

Dinner: After the cultural experience, enjoy a Qiang-style dinner, featuring local dishes such as roast lamb, millet porridge, and spicy barley bread. These hearty meals reflect the agricultural traditions and highland lifestyle of the Qiang people.

Morning: Visit to the Ancient Qiang Village

Ancient Qiang Village of Taoping (桃坪羌寨): Start your day by visiting the Taoping Qiang Village, one of the best-preserved ancient Qiang settlements. Situated in the remote Qiang Autonomous Region of Sichuan, this village offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and architecture of the Qiang people.

Key Highlights:

• Qiang Architecture: Explore the unique architectural style of the Qiang people, known for their multi-storey stone towers and defensive construction techniques. The ancient buildings are crafted with local stone and wood, designed to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides.

• The Skywalk and Fortified Villages: Walk along the ancient skywalk, which connects the houses of the village and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Learn about the village's defensive system, designed to protect the inhabitants from invaders.

• Qiang Culture and Traditions: Visit the Qiang Cultural Center to see artifacts, handicrafts, and traditional clothing. You’ll also have the opportunity to witness the making of Qiang embroidery, which is a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage.

• Meet the Locals: Interact with the local Qiang villagers, who are happy to share their daily life, traditions, and customs. You can learn about their agricultural practices, family structures, and rituals that have been passed down through generations.

Lunch: Traditional Qiang Cuisine

Enjoy a traditional Qiang lunch at a local restaurant within the village. Sample dishes such as roast lamb, millet soup, and pork cooked in bamboo. These dishes highlight the Qiang people's reliance on mountain agriculture, with ingredients sourced from their local environment.

Afternoon: Visit to Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰水利工程): In the afternoon, visit the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most successful water management systems in the world. Built over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty (秦朝), the system is still in use today and plays a crucial role in controlling the Min River and irrigating the Chengdu Plain.

Key Highlights:

• Wangjiang Pavilion: Start with a visit to Wangjiang Pavilion, which overlooks the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. From here, you can appreciate the historical significance of this ancient project and its continuing role in agriculture and flood prevention.

• Lidui Park: Explore the Lidui Park, home to the Lidui Bridge and several ancient water management tools, to gain insight into the engineering feats of ancient China.

• Irrigation Channels and Dams: Walk along the irrigation channels and dams, which show how the system diverts water to the fields and has sustained the region's agricultural prosperity for centuries.

• Sichuan's Water Legacy: Learn about the importance of water management in Sichuan’s history and how it has contributed to the region's agricultural dominance. Discover the long-term impacts of the system on local ecology, economy, and sustainability.

Evening: Experience Traditional Qiang Customs and Folk Dance

Qiang Cultural Experience: “The Messenger of the Qiang” (寻羌使者记): In the evening, immerse yourself further in the Qiang culture with an interactive performance that brings to life the ancient traditions and rituals of the Qiang people.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Ceremony: Watch the traditional Qiang opening ceremony, which includes the ritual of opening the city gates, symbolizing the welcoming of guests and spirits.

• Cultural Dance: Participate in a Shalong Guozhuang (沙郎锅庄) dance, a lively and dynamic traditional dance accompanied by Qiang-style music and drumming.

• Music and Crafts: Learn how to play the Qiang flute (羌笛) and see the intricate process of Qiang embroidery, one of the region’s most important handicrafts.

Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Qiang feast, featuring specialties such as roast goat, wild herbs, and bamboo shoots. These dishes are cooked using ancient techniques, passed down through generations of Qiang families.

Morning: Sichuan Cuisine Museum and Cooking Experience

Sichuan Cuisine Museum (川菜博物馆)

Start your final day with a visit to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, the first museum in China dedicated to the art and history of Sichuan’s unique culinary heritage. Located in Qingbaijiang District, it offers a deep dive into the evolution and cultural significance of Sichuan cuisine, one of the most famous and influential culinary traditions in the world.

Key Highlights:

• History of Sichuan Cuisine: Explore exhibits that trace the origins of Sichuan cuisine, from its early roots in the Zhou Dynasty to its development through the Qing Dynasty and beyond.

• Sichuan Ingredients: Learn about the essential ingredients that define Sichuan cooking, including the iconic Sichuan peppercorn and chili peppers, both of which give the cuisine its signature mala (麻辣) flavor.

• Cooking Tools and Techniques: See the traditional cooking tools used in Sichuan kitchens, such as woks, clay pots, and wooden spoons, and learn about cooking techniques such as stir-frying, steaming, and pickling.

Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Experience: "Transform into a Sichuan Chef" (川厨变身记)

Following the museum visit, participate in a hands-on cooking class at the museum, where you’ll learn how to prepare some of the most famous Sichuan dishes. Under the guidance of local chefs, you will master the techniques to cook authentic Sichuan dishes, such as:

Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)

Mapo Tofu (麻辣豆腐)

Fish-flavored Eggplant (鱼香茄子)

Dan Dan Noodles (担担面)

Sichuan Hot Pot (四川火锅) (if time permits)

Key Highlights:

• Step-by-Step Instruction: The cooking class is designed for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. You will learn the secrets of Sichuan spices, how to balance flavors and seasonings, and how to master the wok.

• Cultural Significance: While cooking, the instructor will share insights into how food plays a crucial role in Sichuanese culture and daily life, highlighting the family-oriented nature of meals and the rituals associated with food preparation.

After the class, enjoy your cooked dishes in a relaxed lunch setting, with everyone getting to savor the delicious Sichuan flavors you have prepared.

Afternoon: Visit to Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street

Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠)

After lunch, make your way to the Wuhou Shrine, one of Chengdu's most famous historical sites. The shrine is dedicated to Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮), the renowned strategist and prime minister of the Three Kingdoms period. This site not only offers a glimpse into the military history of China but also celebrates the rich culture and intellectual heritage of the Three Kingdoms.

Key Highlights:

• Zhuge Liang's Legacy: Visit the main temple where you can learn about Zhuge Liang’s strategies and contributions to the Kingdom of Shu. See statues, inscriptions, and paintings that commemorate his wisdom and leadership.

• Historical Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the shrine, which provide a peaceful retreat filled with ancient trees, pavilions, and ponds, offering a serene environment to reflect on China’s past.

Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街)

Right next to Wuhou Shrine is Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant pedestrian street that transports visitors back to the Qin and Han dynasties. The street is filled with traditional architecture, shops, food stalls, and artisan crafts, offering the perfect opportunity to take in the local Sichuanese atmosphere.

Key Highlights:

• Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs: Wander the street and visit local artisan shops selling handicrafts, such as hand-painted fans, embroidered clothing, and carved wooden figurines. You can purchase unique souvenirs that showcase the regional craftsmanship.

• Street Food and Snacks: Taste the famous Sichuan snacks, such as mapo tofu, sweet and sour fish, candied fruit, and Sichuan-style skewers. The street is a paradise for food lovers, especially those eager to sample local specialties in a traditional setting.

Evening: Closing Ceremony and Farewell Dinner

Closing Ceremony: "From Learning to Legacy" (从研学到传承)

The evening concludes with a closing ceremony where participants gather to reflect on the experiences of the past five days. A short presentation will summarize the cultural, culinary, and historical lessons learned during the trip. The ceremony will also feature certificates of participation to honor everyone’s commitment to the exploration of Sichuan’s rich heritage.

Farewell Dinner

Sichuan Banquet: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan banquet to cap off your study tour. This multi-course meal will feature a wide array of dishes from the Sichuan cuisine you learned about throughout the week, including favorites like hot pot, dumplings, and spicy skewers.

Key Highlights:

• A Celebration of Flavors: The banquet is not just a meal but a celebration of Sichuanese culture, showcasing the bold flavors and diverse textures that make this cuisine so distinctive.

• Toasts and Thanks: Raise a toast to the journey you’ve taken and the memories you’ve created with fellow participants.