Local itinerary · Water, history and urban transformation
River Route — Tracing the Land of Abundance
Understand why Chengdu became the Land of Abundance by following water from the ancient Dujiangyan system into the living Jin River—then onward through temples, bridges, parks, greenways and the city’s modern south.
Duration2 daysPaceDay trip + city routeBest forHistory, architecture and landscape
13 route stops · Designed by ChengduMemo
Day 1
Tracing the source
Begin with the engineering system that made the Chengdu Plain fertile, then move from ancient water intelligence to striking contemporary architecture in western Chengdu.
01
Dujiangyan Irrigation System都江堰水利工程
Explore the 2,000-year-old, dam-free system associated with Li Bing that continues to regulate water across the Chengdu Plain.
02
Zhongshuge Bookstore都江堰钟书阁
Step into a theatrical contemporary interior of arches, mirrors and books—a modern architectural counterpoint to the ancient system.
03
Chengdu Science Fiction Museum成都科幻馆
Finish at Jingrong Lake with Zaha Hadid Architects’ fluid, futuristic landmark, created for Worldcon 2023.
Day 2
The river of Chengdu life
Follow the Jin River through spiritual, residential and recreational Chengdu, moving from the historic north toward the parks and global-facing architecture of the south.
01
Wenshu Monastery文殊院
Start in one of Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist complexes, where temple courtyards and tea culture introduce the city’s historic north.
02
Chengdu 339成都339
Use the television tower as an urban marker above the river corridor and, when open, a broad view across the city.
03
Wangping Street望平街
Walk a lively riverfront where old neighborhood fabric meets cafés, small shops and evening light.
04
Hejiang Pavilion合江亭
Pause where waterways meet at a pavilion associated with poetry, travel and Chengdu’s historic relationship with the river.
05
Anshun Bridge安顺桥
Cross one of Chengdu’s most recognizable river landmarks and see traditional form reflected against the modern skyline.
06
Wangjiang Pavilion Park望江楼公园
Continue through bamboo, literary memory and riverside parkland linked to the Tang poet Xue Tao.
07
Donghu Park东湖公园
Observe everyday recreation beside water—walking, tai chi, lotus ponds and the slower pulse of a residential park.
08
Jiaozi Park交子公园
Enter the Financial City landscape, named for the world’s earliest paper currency and framed by contemporary towers.
09
Jiangtan Park江滩公园
Follow wide riverside paths used for cycling, sport, picnics and public events.
10
China–Europe Center中国—欧洲中心
Close with Chengdu’s global-facing present: international exchange, business and new architecture along the southern river corridor.
