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Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan and is
the cultural and industrial center for the agricultural Chengdu
Plain. Chengdu was one of the first centers of printing in China
and has been famous for its luxurious satins, brocades, and lacquer
ware since the 13th century.
What to see
Mt. EmeishanMt.
Emeishan is one of the four most sacred Buddhist Mountains in China.
Local legend has it that the mountain derived its name from two
peaks that face each other and resemble eyebrows. The undulating
peaks, covered with lush forests and green bamboo occupy an area
of more than 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) in southwest
Sichuan Province.
Mt. Emeishan draws many types of visitors, from pilgrims making
sacred journeys to climbers attempting to scale the magnificent
heights. Most of the monasteries and temples on Mt. Emeishan were
built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD), while others were
added later. As a well-known Buddhist sanctuary, Mt. Emeishan once
had more than 100 monasteries. The mountain is known for its steep
cliffs, lofty peaks, roaring waterfalls, gurgling springs, towering
trees and fragrant flowers.
Mt. Qingcheng
Qingcheng Mountain is located just southwest of Dujiangyan. Mt.
Qingcheng is also known as Green City Mountain because the towering
peaks covered with a dense forest of ancient trees are thought to
resemble city battlements. Nestled among the lofty trees are 108
monasteries, temples and pavilions with the highest peak, Laoxiaoding
(Old Heaven Top), rising 1,600 meters (5,250ft) above sea level.
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
Jiuzhaigou is a deep valley of stunning natural beauty, approximately
620 square kilometers (240 square miles) and is located in north
Sichuan. It is a national park and has also been declared a UNESCO
World Heritage site. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the 9 Tibetan
villages that are situated in the valley. The valley has a variety
of natural scenery - lakes, waterfalls, snowy mountains and lush
green forests. There are also more than 100 lakes of various sizes
and shapes that sparkle with color in the flickering sunlight.
Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley)
Huang Long Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in the
world. In 1992 it entered "China World Cultural and Natural
Heritage List". It covers an area of about 700 square kilometers
(270 square miles) and has two parts: Huang Long and Muni Gorge.
Huang Long has unique scenery, rich natural resources and a primeval
forest. The majestic and unrivalled emerald lakes, layered waterfalls,
colorful forests, snow peaks and Tibetan folk villages blend harmoniously
into the mountains and sparkle like jewels. Huang Long is known
as a "mountain fairyland."
Dujiangyan Irrigation Project of China
The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project was completed around 250 BC during
the Warring States Period. Prior to its construction, the Chengdu
plain was prone to flooding in the winter and drought in the summer.
Libing, a governor of Shu in the Qin state, created the system.
Libing employed a method of channeling and dividing the water to
harness the Minjiang Rivers. This was accomplished by separating
the project into two main parts; the headwork and the irrigation
system. The project effectively controls flooding and provides a
method of irrigation.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha is an enormous statue carved into the side of
Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 meters (230 feet) tall and
is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet.
The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and
was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of
the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest
carved stone Buddha in the world. A local saying says, "The
Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain".
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