Traditional building along Qintai Road

A Chengdu local celebrates his birthday on Qintai Road.

Named for the renowned ancient love story of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun who eloped against the wishes of their families and lived happily ever after in the area, Qintai Road is today a restored historic district full of teahouses, restaurants and Sichuan Opera Theaters.

One of the highlights of the city's tourism stops, it also has a great number of stone, wood and copper carvings that showcase the customs in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 221).

With its long history of Buddhism and Taoism, temples from both religions dot the historic area.

Qingyang Palace, the largest and oldest Taoist Temple in the city, takes its name from two gray goats in the main hall.

Daci Monastery is the largest monastery in Chengdu and plays an important role in Buddhist exchanges with Korea and Japan.

As a traditional city, Chengdu continues the ancient custom of temple fairs during Spring Festival.

Both Taoist and Buddhist temples hold fairs at the same time, making it the height of the holiday and the busiest time in Chengdu.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn