About Chengdu of Sichuan Province China
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province which is located in western China, bordering with Tibet. It’s location actually makes it a great place to get started from, or base yourself in, if you are planing to visit Tibet, or the southwest region of China including such places as Leshan or Emei.
Chengdu is also home to the Giant Panda Bear Research Centre, but more about that in a coming post.
The city has a population of about 11million but strangely it doesnt feel crowded, actually it almost has a relaxed feel. Apparently Chengdu is rated as one of the countrys most liveable cities.
Touring around the city you can see vast contrasts between ultra modern areas such as the shopping district surrounding the center of town at Tianfu Square through to old delapadated hi-rises, right out to traditional old chinese houses on dirt roads that can be found on the outskirts of the city.
In between all that is a mass of construction, it’s hard to go to far without seeing cranes at work on new development. The new developments seem somewhat plain with bland architecture thats going to date quickly, interestingly many of the devleopments are themed after western countries and have a mix of residential and shopping.
Chengdu also features many temples, which I’ll cover in coming posts, along with parks that line the rivers running through the city. Just walking along the river is an experience as its dotted with old traditional style chinese architecture and some beautiful bridges.
In most of the parks there are tea houses filled with people just relaxing, talking (dont ask me what about), playing cards or the local game Mahjong and of course drinking tea. These people are pretty laid back and as I’ll find out, they love drinking tea!
My impression of Chengdu is that I really like the place, the people are freindly, good spirited and many are quite kind. The food is fantastic and cheap. Chengdu really does have a big country town type feel…
Other posts that may interest:
For more stories and info see all the posts about Chengdu China
Chengdu Map
