"Chengdu" Chengdu by al2401

Although having a history dating back four thousand years, Chengdu is one of the most important economic centres in modern China. It is situated on a plain whose Chinese name is translated into 'The land of abundance' and the name has not been changed in history.

It has had some 'nicknames' such as the Brocade City after a brocade produced in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-23 AD), which was popular in the royal classes. Also the City of Hibiscus; the king of the Later Shu Kingdom, ordered the planting of hibiscus on the fortress wall surrounding the city.

Chengdu has a large spacious public square, Tianfu Square, which is watched over by a giant statue of Mao Zedong.

The city is also known for the Giant Panda Breeding Habitat which is a 'must see'.

Electric scooters for hire

Although there were plenty of flowers and plants I didn't see any Hibiscus.

What I did see was a multitude of bicycles and scooters - more than in any other city I visited in China. The traffic lights even have a special timing for cycles.

Sichuan Opera

The Sichuan Opera, based in Chengdu, has a rtadition dating back more than 250 years. It is of course nothing like western opera and a lot of shows include a variety of performances from traditional song to acrobatics, slapstick and even fire breathing. The local tradition is that of 'Changing Faces' where performers change masks before your eyes.

• Pros:Chengdu blends history with a beautiful modern city - love the lighting.
• Cons:Traffic congestion and a level of pollution.
• In a nutshell:Have to go back to find a Hibiscus.