Tianfu Square

Tianfu Square is the official zero-point of Chengdu — every address measures distance from here. The 30m Chairman Mao statue (1969) faces south down Renmin Road; behind it sits the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum (free entry with passport). The square is largely a transit hub (Metro Lines 1, 2 interchange) but its underground passage on the north side is a sprawling 4-level mall worth a quick walk. Best visit window: drive past during a metro transfer, or evening when the fountain music light show runs 8-9 PM in summer. Don't go out of the way; combine with adjacent People's Park (5 min walk west) or Chunxi Road (10 min walk east).