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       Chengdu, the capital of Shichuan Province, serves as the communications hub and transit center for travel through the southern part of China. Chengdu is a modern metropolis with the Funan River dissecting the heart of the City. The Province is one of the most beautiful, natural, and picturesque parts of China as well as home to the Giant Panda. The breathtaking vistas of magnificent mountains with emerald and azure lakes and rivers with splashes of historical China inserted here and there among the natural vistas of Sichuan are something, which very few global destinations offer to the modern day tourist. In Chengdu, the visitor has much to see. One key attraction is the thatched cottage of Du Fu, which is the preserved abode of the famous poet, of the Tang Dynsty, Du Fu. 

      One of the most popular tourist destinations along a river cruise is Chongqing. Chonqing, the "Mountain City," overlooks the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Chongqing is the largest economic and commercial city in southwestern China. The City was established 3000 years ago. Traveling east along the Changliang River, the visitor can enjoy the natural grandeur of the Three Gorges.

      The Leshan Giant Buddha, an immense stone statue of the seated Buddha, stands 71 meters in height. The statue is carved out of the solid rock face of a cliff on the Qixia Peak of Mount Linyun. The work started in 713AD, the first year of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty, and was completed 90 years later. The Buddha is the largest stone carving in the world. Visitors can scale the side of the statue by ascending the "nine-turn plank road." The Buddha is nestled on the right chest of what appears to be a natural formation of a reclining Buddha formed by Mt. Wulong, Mr. Linyun, and Mt. Dongyan. The reclining Buddha is famous throughout China, and legend states that "Buddha was born from the armpit," therefore, the Leshan Buddha embraces the reclining Buddha. The sight is incredibly breathtaking.

      168 kilometers from downtown Chongqing, one can see the Dazu Grottoes. 100 cliff carvings with 60,000 sculptures of incredible grace, elegance and detail are found in rock formations surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The rock sculptures demonstrate the masterful workmanship of the Tang and Song Dynasties. The Dazu Grottoes were started in 892AD. 

      Mount Emei lies 140 kilometers southwest of Chengdu and 33 kilometers west of Leshan. Mount Emei in the Taoist belief is "The Seventh Blessed Realm," while the Buddhists consider Mr. Emei to be the sacred shrine of Puxian, one of the four cardinal Bodhisattvas, and therefore, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Ancient temples , pavilions, and monasteries of exquisite architecture can be found dotting the mountain side. On the very pinnacle of the mountain, "Golden Summit", sits the magnificent Huazang Temple of crimson tiled roofs and walls against the emerald foliage of the mountain. The Thousand-Year Temple and Clear Sound Pavilion are the most visited because of their stunning beauty. The air resonates with the natural sound of birds and the chanting of monks at prayer. The breathtaking beauty of the mountain with its serenity elevates the visitor to a heavenly scene.

Along the Yangtze River is a spectacular wooden pagoda, Shibaozhi, which stands eleven stories high. The pagoda is perched atop a massive rock, which is surrounded by sheer cliffs. The lower six stories of the temple are constructed perpendicular to the rock walls. When the pagoda is viewed from down below, the structure appears to be a phenomenal outgrowth of the sheer rock cliffs. The amazing pagoda was constructed 300 years ago during the reign of Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty.

      Baidicheng (White Emperor Town) has a long history dating from the Eastern Han Dyansty, 1700 years ago. The town is situated on the northern banks of the Qutang Gorge along the Yangtze River. Many renowned poets, Li Bai, Du Fu, Liu Yuxi, and others were attracted to this area because of the profound cultural relevance and the breathtaking landscape of the town. As a result, Baidcheng is known as "The Land of Poetry." The Temple of the White Emperor is located in the town. The Temple is a work of art with its detailed carved walls and its beautifully painted facades, which are masterfully executed with delicacy.

      Shennong Stream originates form the main peak, Jigong, in the Shennongjia Natural Reserve. The stream flows though the hills and deep canyons unitl it reaches the Yangstze River at Xirangkou. A ride down the stream includes rapids, caves, fantastic peaks and mountains, and the remains of ancient plank roads and cliff coffins. The scenery is spectacular. 

      If time permits, every visitor should include Jiuzhigou, one of the most scenic spots in Sichuan. Jiuzhaigou, is known the world over for its crystal clear emerald lakes, misty waterfalls, woods, and snow-capped peaks, which are framed against a backdrop of blue skies. Lakes mirror the picture perfect landscape for which Jiuzhaigou is famous.

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