Slow down your pace and sip a cup of aromatic green tea in Chengdu. When the swirling tea leaves sink to the bottom of the cup and the bitter taste is mellowed into a light sweetness, let your mind wander from the hustle and bustle of downtown and retreat to a private castle of nothing but inner tranquility.

The city of Chengdu can provide much for your spiritual seclusion.

The historical reminiscence and natural beauty you find in the great national poet Dufu's Thatched Cottage, in the research base of Giant Panda breeding,under the spectacular Dujiangyan Dam or under the gigantic Grand Buddha in Leshan create ripples of satisfaction and joy.

Yes, it is complicated to express the atmosphere of Chengdu, a city more than 2,600 years old, when you think of all the countless ups and downs and encounterthe numerous twists and turns. But today, Chengdu remains one of the busiest tourist and business hubs in China's southwestern region.

Here are the attractions recommended to the visitors:

Dufu's Thatched Cottage: The well-preserved Thatched Cottage is a replica that was built during the Five Dynasties (roughly 907-960) of Dufu's original makeshift accommodation, when he fled from the war-torn capital Chang'an (today's Xi'an, Shaanxi Province) to Sichuan. He built the cottage along the scenic bank of Huanhuaxi Brook in western suburban Chengdu and lived there for about four years. The replicated cottage was overhauled in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties as well as modern times. It is now a national 4A level scenic spot.

Dujiangyan Dam: Spanning the Minjiang River and flowing on the western Chengdu Plain, the Dujiangyan irrigation project has protected the land from floods and droughts for more than 2,000 years, making the plain “a heaven on the earth.” Built by water experts Li Bin and his son, the Dam is the oldest, well-preserved irrigation system in the world. The dam is a national 5A level scenic spot.

Mt. E'mei: Known as one of the four biggest Buddhist mountains in the country, Mt. E'mei is home to a total of 26 temples. It is also a botanic land with more than 3,000 plants, representing different seasons simultaneously within the local scenery. It is a national 5A level scenic spot.

Grand Buddha of Leshan: The 71-meter-high stone Buddha, located at Mt. Leshan on the eastern Bank of Minjiang River, took90 years to buildfrom 713 to 803, signaling the booming Buddhist culture duringthe Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is now a national 5A scenic spot.

Wide and Narrow Alleys: These alleys are a couple of well-preserved communities built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Chunxi Rd and Jinli: For those who seek Sichuan cuisine and handcrafts, thesetwo roads are good visiting spots.