From October 21 to 26, a delegation of British Travel Agents embarked on an immersive tour of Sichuan, organized by the China National Tourist Office London and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. This tour, part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Hundreds of European Travel Agents’ Visit to China” initiative, brought together 16 prominent UK-based travel companies, including Wendy Wu Tours, one of the largest inbound travel operators for China. With strong support from Air China, this tour laid a solid foundation for strengthening Sino-British tourism cooperation and boosting Sichuan’s inbound tourism.
01 Sanxingdui Museum | Experience the Magic of Ancient Shu Civilization
“History sweeps across this land, revealing the mysteries of Shu culture!” Stepping into Sanxingdui Museum, the British Travel Agents was amazed by the ancient bronze artifacts, mysterious masks, and distinctive relics. Members expressed that the profound and unique charm of Sanxingdui offered an incredible window into Sichuan’s ancient civilization.
02 Sichuan Opera | Face-Changing Artistry in the Heart of Sichuan
To truly immerse in the essence of Sichuan culture, catching a performance of the iconic face-changing in Sichuan Opera is unmissable. The delegation of British Travel Agents attended an authentic opera performance, where they were captivated by the fluid gestures and swift mask changes of the performers, embodying the elegance and vibrancy of Sichuan’s artistic spirit. The delegation was so intrigued that they eagerly captured the moment on their phones, exclaiming, “Sichuan Opera is so fascinating! We must share this unique culture with more people in the UK.”
03 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding | Up-Close Encounters with China’s Treasured Pandas
“Words can’t capture how adorable they are!” A visit to Sichuan wouldn’t be complete without a panda experience. The British Travel Agents visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they observed these charming creatures up close in their natural surroundings. Pandas’ cute antics blended perfectly with Sichuan’s natural landscapes, quickly filling the delegation’s social media feeds with panda photos, often captioned with the local phrase “Bashidehen!” (meaning “very satisfying!”).
04 Heming Tea House | A Glimpse into Chengdu’s Leisurely Lifestyle
“Time seems to slow down here.” The British Travel Agents visited the famous Heming Tea House in Chengdu to experience the locals’ leisurely “Bashidehen” way of life. Sipping tea in the shade and chatting with friends, they said, “This relaxed lifestyle is beautiful and embodies our idea of Chengdu.” Chengdu’s tea house culture and relaxed atmosphere offered the delegation a unique insight into Sichuan’s way of life.
05 Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei | Ancient Buddhist Culture and Emei Martial Arts
No journey through Sichuan is complete without a pilgrimage to the sacred Buddhist sites of the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. The British Travel Agents marveled at the grandeur of the Leshan Buddha, a testament to Sichuan’s rich Buddhist heritage. On Mount Emei, they experienced traditional Emei martial arts and savored local delicacies, which left them praising Sichuan’s cultural richness.
06 Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong | Stunning Natural Scenery Like a Fairyland
“This must be one of the most beautiful places on earth!” The delegation of British Travel Agents visited Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, marveling at nature’s wonders: turquoise lakes, vibrant hillsides, and pristine forests that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. They expressed deep admiration for Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong’s unparalleled ecological beauty and vowed to promote these must-visit destinations upon returning home.
07 Taikoo Li | A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
At Taikoo Li in Chengdu, the delegation experienced the striking blend of tradition and modernity. The area’s streets, shops, and architecture brim with Sichuan flavor while exuding a cosmopolitan flair, leaving the British visitors thoroughly impressed.
Sino-British Tourism Industry Exchange: Expanding Partnerships to Bring Sichuan to the World
As the trip drew to a close, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism hosted a China-UK tourism industry exchange session. Sichuan’s inbound tour operators and the British Travel Agents met face-to-face, discussing future collaboration opportunities. Sichuan representatives highlighted the province’s rich cultural and tourism resources, along with convenient entry measures. The British Travel Agents expressed that this visit revealed a Sichuan beyond their imagination: pandas, hot pot, ancient Shu civilization, and a vibrant modern cityscape, all sparking their enthusiasm for Sichuan tourism.
Sichuan’s Inbound Tourism Heats Up! Drawing the Global Traveler’s Eye
Sichuan has already become a must-see destination for travelers worldwide. This year, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has amplified international promotions, inviting nearly 200 travel professionals and media from France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Russia, and other countries to explore Sichuan. These initiatives have invigorated Sichuan’s inbound tourism, attracting global visitors eager to discover its historical, cultural, and scenic wonders. With its storied ancient Shu civilization, dynamic modern cities, and leisurely lifestyle, Sichuan is poised to continue captivating the world.
Sichuan’s charm continues to capture the world’s attention.
From rich history and stunning landscapes to a blend of relaxation and energy, this land promises a captivating experience for all. If your friends are curious about China, be sure to recommend Sichuan, where pandas, hot pot, and Jiuzhaigou await with surprises at every turn!
