Chengdu is in the western part of the Sichuan Basin in central Sichuan Province of China, serves as the capital city of Sichuan. It is not only the economic, technological, and cultural hub of the southwestern region but also a national comprehensive transportation hub and a key city on the "Belt and Road" initiative. Leisurely lifestyle and rich culinary culture is its famous characteristic.Long time ago, Chengdu has earned the moniker "Land of Abundance" .Furthermore, Chengdu is attracting numerous visitors with famous attractions such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
History of Chengdu: Chengdu is the birthplace of ancient Shu civilization. As early as 4,500 to 3,700 years ago, it was the settlement center of the "Baodun Culture" of ancient Shu people. Chengdu boasts a continuous urban history spanning over 2,300 years, making it one of the cities with the longest urban histories among China's famous historical and cultural cities. In 316 BC, after the Qin Dynasty conquered Shu, it established the Shu Prefecture and Chengdu County, thus giving Chengdu its name. During the Han Dynasties, Chengdu was one of the "Five Great Capitals," becoming the second largest commercial metropolis in the country after Chang'an, and it was also the starting point and an important port on the "Southern Silk Road," earning it the title "City of Brocade." During the Tang Dynasty, Chengdu reached unprecedented prosperity and became one of the wealthiest regions in the country. After undergoing the changes of multiple dynasties, from the Baodun Culture, Sanxingdui Culture, Jinsha Culture to modern urban culture, Chengdu has maintained its important position in the southwestern region of China, gradually becoming the economic, political, and cultural center of the region.
Chengdu, a historic and culturally rich city, has always been a bright pearl of Bashu culture. It boasts a profound cultural heritage and distinctive local characteristics. Intangible cultural heritage such as Sichuan embroidery, Sichuan Opera, and teahouse culture is abundant, showcasing unique folk customs and artistic charm. Folk crafts like sugar painting, paper cutting, and traditional douban sauce production techniques embody the wisdom and creativity of Chengdu people. In teahouses, a cup of covered tea brings leisure and ease; in Sichuan Opera, face-changing and fire-spouting demonstrate the agility and magic of art. These features collectively constitute the unique cultural charm of Chengdu, attracting countless tourists to explore and experience.
Sichuan Opera: Sichuan Opera is the local theater of Chengdu and is hailed as a "national treasure." It is one of China's four major operatic genres and one of the most representative artistic forms in Chengdu. It integrates various performance techniques such as face-changing, fire-spouting, and water sleeve dancing, attracting countless audiences with its unique artistic charm.
Sichuan Embroidery: Chengdu is the birthplace of Sichuan Embroidery, which ranks alongside Su Embroidery, Xiang Embroidery, and Yue Embroidery as one of China's four famous embroideries. Sichuan Embroidery is renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique style.
Paper Cutting: Chengdu is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese paper cutting art. The paper cutting works are skillfully crafted with smooth lines and vivid images, covering a wide range of themes, vividly displaying folk customs and daily life.
Sugar Painting: Chengdu's sugar painting art is a national intangible cultural heritage. It is a folk art that combines sculpture and painting. Using molten sugar as the raw material, artists use a copper spoon to scoop sugar syrup and draw exquisite patterns of birds, fish, insects, animals, and dramatic figures on a stone plate. These sugar painting works are not only colorful and vivid but also sweet in taste. They are both delicious candies and artistic works for viewing, deeply loved by people.
Teahouses: Chengdu people love drinking tea, and teahouse culture is prevalent. Teahouses are ubiquitous in streets and alleys, serving as important venues for leisure and socializing among citizens. Bamboo chairs and wooden tables, covered tea with a pleasant aroma, and lively conversations all embody leisure.
Mahjong: Chengdu people have a special fondness for mahjong. Mahjong tables can be seen everywhere in teahouses, communities, and even homes. The rules of mahjong are flexible and varied, testing players' wisdom and strategy. It not only provides opportunities for leisure and entertainment but also becomes a bridge for enhancing friendships among friends and deepening family bonds.
Huanglongxi Fire Dragon Festival: From the second day of the Lunar New Year to the fifteenth day, Huanglongxi Ancient Town in Shuangliu County hosts the Fire Dragon Festival, featuring activities such as burning fire dragons, color dragon performances, and South Lion dances.
Dujiangyan Water Release Festival: Originally held on Tomb-Sweeping Day, it is now held before spring planting. The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the lifeblood of the Chengdu Plain. The Water Release Festival celebrates the completion of the water conservancy project and the beginning of spring planting.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding → Wuhou Temple → Jinli Ancient Street
Leshan Giant Buddha → Sichuan Opera Face-Changing
Dujiangyan Irrigation System → Kuanzhai Alley
Jinsha Site Museum → Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Covered Tea: Chengdu's tea culture has a long history, with teahouses scattered throughout the streets and alleys. People sit leisurely on bamboo chairs, sipping covered tea, chatting, and enjoying the slow life. Tea has become an integral part of Chengdu people's lives, representing the city's leisure and comfort. Chengdu's covered tea is characterized by its unique tea set, the "covered bowl," which includes a tea lid, tea bowl, and tea tray, embodying the philosophy of "covered by heaven, carried by earth, and nurtured by people." When tasting tea, one holds the tea tray with the left hand and lifts the tea lid with the right hand to stir the tea, allowing the aroma to spread. This demonstrates Chengdu people's leisurely and contented attitude towards life and their profound tea culture heritage. In teahouses, covered tea is accompanied by chatting, playing mahjong, and chess, becoming a unique scene on Chengdu's streets and alleys.
Recommended Locations:
1. Heming Teahouse (People`s Park Branch)
2. Daci Temple Teahouse
Sichuan Opera Face-Changing: Sichuan Opera Face-Changing is one of Sichuan's traditional cultural treasures, astonishing audiences with its unique performance techniques and mysterious skills. During performances, actors swiftly change their facial masks from colors such as red, white, black, and blue through agile movements and exquisite techniques, creating a magical effect that captivates the audience. Each facial mask conveys different emotions and stories, transmitting the unique artistic charm of Sichuan Opera.
Recommended Locations:
1. Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera Theater
2. Jinjiang Theater
3. Liyuan Guild Hall
Aviation: Chengdu boasts two international airports, Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport, forming a "dual-airport" operation layout. Both airports have opened multiple domestic and international routes, providing convenient air travel services for citizens and tourists.
Railway: Chengdu has multiple railway stations, including Chengdu East Railway Station, Chengdu South Railway Station, Chengdu West Railway Station, etc. These railway stations connect major cities across the country and are important hubs for Chengdu's external transportation.
Subway: Chengdu's subway network is increasingly improving, with multiple lines opened, covering the city's main areas and transportation hubs.
Bus: Chengdu's bus system is well developed, bus routes spreading throughout the city.
Tram: Some areas in Chengdu have also opened trams, such as Tram Line 2 at Chengdu West Railway Station, providing another convenient travel option.
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