Located in the Sichuan province of China, Chengdu holds a vital role in the history of China for economic reasons, as it was one of the main regions for rice and wheat growing, as well as a hub for silkworm breeding. In addition, the Chengdu Panda Base is a breeding facility for panda bears, and it currently holds 83 pandas that can be visited and observed in their natural habitat. Another notable site is the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddha in the world at 71 meters high (it was carved out of the surrounding rock). There are several temples and monasteries in the area worth visiting.