Wuhou district in Chengdu popular among global athletes

Wangjianglou Park on the south bank of the Jinjiang River in Chengdu, Sichuan province is famous for its ancient buildings and rare varieties of bamboo. [Photo by Wang Qin/For China Daily]

The 31st FISU World University Games recently held in Chengdu, Sichuan province not only allowed student athletes from across the globe to showcase their skills and forge friendships, but also allowed them to experience the unique charm of the host city.

Wuhou district in Chengdu, which is home to the venues for the basketball, taekwondo and rhythmic gymnastics competitions and judo training, is also one of the most popular destinations for student athletes looking to experience Chengdu's culture.

The most visited spots in Wuhou district include the Temple of Marquis Wu, Jinli Street, Wangjianglou Park, and the Chengdu City Concert Hall.

Wangjianglou Park is located on the south bank of the Jinjiang River, near the Wangjiang Campus Gymnasium of Sichuan University, the venue for the taekwondo events of the Chengdu FISU Games.

The Wangjiang Campus Gymnasium of Sichuan University is the venue for the taekwondo events of the Chengdu FISU Games. [Photo by Jia Nan/For China Daily]

It is a heritage theme park of Xue Tao, a famous poetess from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and is known for its ancient buildings and rare varieties of bamboo.

During the Chengdu FISU Games, delegation members from countries such as Estonia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Australia visited cultural relics in the park, tried out traditional Chinese cultural activities such as shuttlecock kicking and Pitch-pot, and experienced the laid-back lifestyle of the locals.

Zvijezdan MIKIĆ, an official in the Slovenian delegation, said he was impressed that the park has 500 varieties of bamboo. "I hope to learn more about the city, and I agreed to visit Chengdu with my family next time," he said.

The Temple of Marquis Wu in Chengdu, Sichuan province is a memorial hall to Zhuge Liang, prime minister of the Shu Kingdom (222-263) and now China's personification of loyalty and wisdom. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Judy Liu, a martial art athlete from the United States and a fan of Chinese kung fu fiction, paid a visit to the Temple of Marquis Wu during the Chengdu FISU Games. She was photographed wearing Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) and holding a sword.

The Temple of Marquis Wu, which commemorates the heroes in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), is located near the Chengdu Sport University Gymnasium, the venue for the rhythmic gymnastics competitions of the Chengdu FISU Games.

With a history of 1,800 years, the temple was built as a memorial hall to Zhuge Liang (181-234), prime minister of the Shu Kingdom (222-263) and now China's personification of loyalty and wisdom. He was awarded the title of Marquis Wu.

Jinli Street next to the Temple of Marquis Wu is one of the most famous commercial pedestrian streets in Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo by Deng Xianjie/For China Daily]

Jinli Street, located next to the Temple of Marquis Wu, once the home of silk weavers, is now one of the most famous commercial pedestrian streets in Chengdu. It features traditional Sichuan-style architecture, Sichuan folk culture and Chengdu delicacies.

During the Chengdu FISU Games, athletes from around the world enjoyed food and snacks, tried ear-cleaning, and watched Sichuan Opera on the street.

Wuhou officials said the district will use major sporting events to promote its history and culture and stimulate its development.