Chinese Studies
Chengdu and Sichuan Province
China is in rapid evolution with the construction of high-rise office and apartment buildings visible everywhere. In 2005, this new construction was responsible for 50% of the concrete poured in the world. With a population of 1.2 billion, China has an enormous consumer base which has caught the attention of businesses from around the world. The transformation of its social, political and economic dimensions has also brought a new openness and interest in foreigners. Since English is a required course in schools for children over 12 years old, you will find that many Chinese are interested in practicing their English and showing you their city and country. This is particularly true in Chengdu where westerners, while not entirely uncommon, are still somewhat of a novelty.
Historically, Sichuan has always been known as the first province to rebel and the last province to be subjugated. It has produced many independent thinkers such as Deng Xiao Ping, the recently deceased premier of China who was one of the architects of China's movement toward a free-market economy. Sichuan was the first province where there were entrepreneurial farmers, and the first province to have private schools.
Sichuan is famous for poets such as Du Fu, Xue Tao, and Su Shi. There are several important Buddhist and Daoist mountains in the region, and the province is noted as a research center for Daoism. The province contains many minorities, including the Yi, the Miao, the Qiang, and also Tibetans. There are many ancient and unique villages in Sichuan, including Lugu Lake, home of the Mosuo people, a traditional matriarchal society, and one of the 55 Chinese minorities.
Sichuan is endowed with some of the most dramatic natural scenery to be found in China. To the west lies the Land of Great Corrugations, wild mountainous terrain that eventually becomes the massive Tibetan-Qinghai plateau. With an 11,000-foot base out of which the Himalayas rise, this is truly the "Roof of the World." The train ride from Chengdu south to Kunming in Yunnan Province is considered one of the most scenic in all of China. At the north lies Jiuzaigou, an interlinked system of beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Sichuan is also home to the Panda, the international symbol of Chinese friendship and good will. The Woolong Nature Reserve, just 40 km to the northwest of Chengdu, is the largest of the 10 reserves set aside by the Chinese Government for the preservation of these endangered animals. Hua Mei, the first giant panda born in the Western Hemisphere since 1990, recently returned to Woolong Reserve where she will live with over 60 other pandas.
Chengdu "the city in heaven" is the capital of Sichuan Province, the economic, culture and political center in Southwest China. It has a population of approximately six million in the city proper, some 10 million in the greater area, and 89 million in the province. Its irrigation system, which was built over 2000 years ago, still works today and other historical sites give the city its spirit.
Famous food and tea culture make Chengdu very attractive to travelers from all around the world. Many teahouses can be found where one can relax in a bamboo chair, have a fine cup of tea, and exchange ideas while watching the bustle outside. Chengdu is also known for its fine cuisine, particularly snacks and spicy foods, and is one of the few places in China where fresh vegetables are available year-round.
High rises and fashionable shops give the city a modern feel; the street markets and teahouses add a taste from the past. Whatever you are looking for, you can find here. Chengdu is a great place to live, the people here are friendly and welcoming and they like to help "friends from the other side of the ocean".