Once isolated from the outside world by mountains, Sichuan (四川) is now one of China’s wealthiest provinces. It is also the country’s most heavily populated, with some 110 million people. At the center is Sichuan’s capital city, Chengdu (成都). About 9 million people live in its metropolitan area.
The city bustles with activity. Soaring skyscrapers rise above its beautiful tree-lined streets. Glitzy department stores sell everything from DVD players to the latest in fashion. Chengdu has quickly become a business and transportation center for central China.
Despite its rapid development, the city still preserves much of “old China.” Many old neighborhoods remain. Mazes of small streets and shops seem to go in all directions. Restaurants offer Sichuan-style dishes famous for their “numb-spicy flavor.”
Throughout the city, many outdoor teahouses bring locals together. People play Chinese games like mahjong as they sit on bamboo chairs. Others just read the newspaper, relax and sip tea. These “old-style” teahouses offer visitors an excellent view of traditional Chinese social life.
A walk through history
Chengdu offers rich Chinese culture and history. Just west of the city center lies its most famous cultural relic, Du Fu’s cottage (杜甫草堂). The poet Du Fu lived during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). He lived in this cottage and composed about 240 poems.
Many of the places mentioned in his poems still remain on the beautiful grounds surrounding his cottage. His poetry reflects a lifetime of suffering. But it also includes a deep sense of appreciation for life and people. Many consider him to be China’s most famous poet.
South of the People’s Park lies the Wuhou Temple (武侯祠). It honors beloved personalities of the Three Kingdoms period. The most famous is the King of Shu Han, Liu Bei. The site also honors his GREat counselor and military advisor, Zhuge Liang. More than 40 sculptures represent them and other historical figures. Numerous memorial stones and scrolls also remind visitors of China’s long and rich history. It’s a must-see destination for history buffs, especially those familiar with Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Nearby natural wonders
Chengdu also provides a GREat starting point for seeing some of China’s natural wonders. About six miles north of downtown lies the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Scientists at the research base are working to ensure the survival of China’s beloved panda. Here, more than a dozen pandas live in a controlled area of bamboo forest. Visitors can catch a glimpse of them from forest pathways.
The research base also houses a museum. Visitors to the museum can learn more about pandas and their protection.
Much of Sichuan’s beautiful mountain scenery is easily accessible from Chengdu. To the north lies Jiuzhaigou Nature Preserve, with its mountains, lakes and waterfalls. To the south lies Mount Emei. Here, visitors can look down on a sea of clouds. Sometimes they can see their shadows on the clouds below, surrounded by a rainbow of colors. This natural phenomenon occurs in only a few other places on Earth.
In Chengdu, travelers will find GREat food, culture, history and natural beauty. And they will discover the heart of China.
