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Chengdu
Sichuan Province , China
Chengdu is the provincial capital of southwest China's Sichuan
province, the largest of all provinces in China. The province has a
population of more than 100 million and a territory the size of Brazil. The
City has a population of about 10 Millions people. There are four distinctly
marked seasons with summer temperatures usually in the 90’sF with afternoon
rains and high humidity..
Sichuan
is also known as the “Heavenly
Kingdom” because of its
many natural resources and long history.
It is also known as “Four Rivers”. Chengdu
has seven districts under its jurisdiction; Jinjiang, Qingyang, Chenghua,
Jinniu, Wuhou, Qingbaijiang, Longquanyi; four sub-cities (Dujiangyan, Pengzhou,
Qonglai an Chongzhou) and eight counties. In 1983, the ginkgo was designated as
the municipal tree and the hibiscus as the municipal flower.
The city is rich in
arts, culture, temples, history and parks. At the center of the city is Tianfu Square. The
People's Department Store, downtown shopping and the underground mall are new
and exciting places to gather. Chengdu is a city of
ancient tree lined streets and alleys and new high rise apartments and western
establishments (Holiday Inn, KFC, Pizza Hut and McDonalds). Sichuan
is also famous for its wonderful hot and spicy food. Friends enjoy eating out
and a tradition dish is known as ‘Hot Pot’ where various ingredients are tossed
into a large pot of hot chili oil broth.
Grandma’s Kitchen is a well know spot where American home cooked meals
are served in a friendly atmosphere. Peter’s Mexican Grill is also a new
addition for those seeking alternatives to the traditional local options of
noodles or dumplings.
Chengdu also has a large number of colleges
and universities. On weekends or warm nights you will find many people outside
enjoying tea with friends or playing a game of chess or the popular game of
Mahjong. Recently, internet café’s and ‘chatting’ have become popular with the
youth. Bicycles, people and cars exist together in this city. You can get
around using the city bus (City Boat) or by taxi where you can get just about
anywhere for around $5 US dollars. As the city has grown, the have added ‘Ring’
rounds around the city. Many of the street signs are in English and Chinese.
However, You will want to have the
address of where you want to go written in Chinese so you can show your taxi
driver.
Chengdu is also a jumping off place for many
other historic and cultural adventures. A new highway has been completed that
makes travel to other destinations much more convenient. The airport is about
30 minutes from downtown. The Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu was opened in 1995 for the study and
preservation of the Panda of Sichuan.
The Dujiangyan irrigation project, Mt Emei’s Golden Summit and natural
beauty, and the Giant Buddha of Leshan are other popular tourist destinations.
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