Discover the Ruins of Sanxingdui in China

As you touch down in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province, you will be greeted at the arrivals gate by your local guide. Your guide for the week is an experienced archaeologist who is native to the region and will be showing you around the area’s archeological gems. 

From the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city. In the afternoon, head out on foot along with your guide to check out some of the local gems in the area. Get ready to study archeology in Sichuan!

On your first full day in Chengdu, you will dive into the Jinsha Archaeological Site. Located northwest of Chengdu’s city center, this site was only recently discovered in the early 2000s. While you are here, you will be discussing the ancient objects in the museum on site with your guide. 

As the museum was built over the actual site, you will be able to peer into the ancient burial pits that were made by a city that flourished over 4,000 years ago. After you’ve completed your tour of the museum, take some time to explore the surrounding park. In the afternoon, walk to check out the cultural hubs of Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley. In these hubs, you will find great dining options and local art.

Today you will be checking out the iconic Sanxingdui Ruins. Located about an hour drive from the city of Chengdu in Guanghan, this ancient site was once the prime of its time over 4,000 years ago during the Bronze Age. Set nearby the Yazi River and undergoing over ten major excavations to date, you will explore the archeological relics alongside your expert guide. 

In addition, you will also explore the Sanxingdui Museum located on site. Within the museum, you will get to see various items that have been excavated from the archeological site over the years. From masks to statues and more dating back to the 11th century B.C., get additional details about these findings first-hand from your guide.

This morning you will visit an ancient burial site set in the center of Chengdu. Housing over 17 coffins, this large tomb is said to date back to 400 B.C. The bottom and sides of this ancient burial pit are covered by pieces of wood, which gives it a boat-like esthetic. 

Believe it or not, each of the coffins is made out of a single tree trunk and according to research is said to have belonged to the ancient Shu State royal family. In the evening, take a walk across the stunning Anshun Bridge. Make sure your camera is charged because this site is beautifully illuminated at night.

Today you will be spending a whole day connecting directly with farmers part of the Chengdu Urban Rivers Association. This NGO specializes in changing organic production methods in order to decrease water pollution levels. While you’re here, you will get a glimpse into the projects this organization has in place. You will also help to brainstorm with members of the team for potential new ideas to implement.

For your final full day in Chengdu, you will be visiting one of the only above-ground tombs that have been discovered to date in China. Wang Jian was a previous ruler of the Shu kingdom and this is where he was laid to rest. The burial site was looted shortly after the ruler’s death; however, the original artwork and etchings still remain on the walls. 

In the afternoon, you will meet with members of Roots & Shoots Chengdu. This environmental organization aims to get young locals involved and more conscious of the environment. Funded by Chinese Red Cross Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Foundation and more, Roots & Shoots Chengdu is changing the way Chengdu perceives environmental awareness. 

After a well-rounded trip of uncovering ancient archeological findings in the province of Sichuan, it’s time to pack up and head back to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. During your flight, take some time to upload all of the photos you’ve taken throughout the trip and let the experiences really sink in.