Pandas, hotpot and more in Chengdu

A glance at the Dujiangyan scenery area. Dujiangyan is world's oldest water control project. Provided to China Daily

Chengdu's rich culture and abundant history makes it a tourism magnet in Southwest China.

A trip to the city allows foreign visitors to learn about Chinese culture, history and philosophy through its many cultural resources.

Since the start of the 72-hour visa-free policy last year Chengdu has attracted even more visitors and investors.

The city is best known for the panda as it is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Many pandas born and raised at the base are sent to foreign countries as national gifts so the city is also known for its hospitality and diplomatic culture.

The city's food is an attraction in itself and was praised by UNESCO as "a city of gastronomy".

Sichuan cuisine is a must-taste for any food lover and the China Cuisine Cultural Museum is a hotspot in the city.

Pandas and food are just some of the highlights that attract visitors to Chengdu.

Ancient city

Chengdu's history goes back 2,300 years and the city was approved asone of the 24 historical and ancient cultural cities in the early 1980s.

The city's prevailing culture for hard work and visionary strategies makeseveral ancient areas of the city must-sees.

Dujiang Weir in Dujiangyan is the oldest functioning water-control project in the world and isabout 59 kilometers west of Chengdu.

The weir has stood for nearly 2,300 years and diverts water to irrigate nearly 70,000 hectares offarmland, which contributes almost one-third of the province's total grain output.

The weir survived the Wenchuan Earthquake unscathed in 2008.

The old dam's longevity can mainly be attributed to a schedule of annual repairs, which date backto the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and tell the story of the hard work and foresight of localpeople.

Another popular place to explore the area's history is the Temple of Marquis Wu Museum, alsoknown as the Wuhou Shrine.

The landmark honors Zhuge Liang (AD181 - 234),who is recognized as the greatest and mostaccomplished strategist of his era - the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-280).