Dhanada K Mishra, Hong Kong, 8 January 2024
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and the fourth largest city in North West of China, with a population of over 20 million. The giant panda, a Chinese national treasure, is one of the most popular animals in the world. The total number is estimated to be 1,500, including those living in the wild, 80 per cent of whom are in Sichuan Province. A breeding centre for giant pandas called Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was founded in the north suburbs of Chengdu. It is the only one of its kind in the world in a metropolitan area. It would so happen that I missed visiting this most popular attraction for tourists as I was told the waiting in lines often could take hours!! But you could see them everywhere, from soft toys to giant sculptures and billboards dominating the city.
I landed in Chengdu in November on a flight from Hong Kong to attend an international conference at Chengdu University. It was my first visit to this part of China. Luckily, the conference was coupled with International Week, during which the university invites world-renowned experts and academics to lecture at the university in different colleges and departments. I was fortunate to be selected for the same.
The airport was impressive – vast, technologically at the cutting edge, smooth processing – mostly automated. I was out of the airport in no time, and a student was waiting with a Chinese-made, relatively brand-new electric car. The drive from the airport to the university campus took almost an hour but almost entirely on an American-style freeway. The infrastructure was simply breathtaking.
Nestled in the heart of China’s Sichuan province, Chengdu is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful culinary scene. With a week to spend on my hand, I looked forward to making the best of the opportunity – both academically and as a visitor.
My visit to Chengdu University was not only an opportunity to attend a conference but also a chance to witness the academic prowess of this institution. Having hosted the prestigious World University Games the past summer, the university is a testament to Chengdu’s commitment to education and intellectual growth. The vibrant campus atmosphere and the exchange of knowledge among scholars from across the globe foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and collaboration.
We landed at the campus hotel, a brand new facility – perhaps built to cater for the World University Games VIP guests hosted on the campus. Two young students – Jasmine (studying English) and Christy (student of exhibition management) were waiting for me at the hotel. Students use English nicknames to make it easy to communicate with foreigners. They were to be my helpers throughout my stay. This was a great blessing because to get around in China, one has to face specific challenges, such as not being able to use familiar apps like WhatsApp, Google, etc. Instead, one must use WeChat, a super App that lets you do almost everything. Of course, the students showed me how to use a VPN to access the internet without any problem. I learned a lot from the students about their life on campus, academics, family, and social situations in China.
Naturally, the sports facilities were world-class and brand new as well. It was a joy for me to go on long walks through the campus and enjoy jogging on the tracks where famous young student-athletes had competed for global honours on the world stage!
Chengdu is famous for its fiery and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, and exploring the city’s culinary scene was an adventure. From mouth-watering hotpot meals to the iconic Mapo Tofu, each dish was a burst of bold flavours and aromatic spices. The local street food stalls and bustling night markets offered diverse culinary delights, catering to every palate.
Chengdu is steeped in history, showcasing a wealth of cultural treasures. The city’s monasteries, such as the Wenshu Yuan Monastery, offer a serene escape from the bustling city life. The intricate architecture, tranquil gardens, and the opportunity to witness Buddhist rituals provided a spiritual and reflective experience.
Another fascinating aspect of my Chengdu visit was the opportunity to see its ancient irrigation system. The ingenious Dujiangyan Irrigation System, dating back over 2,000 years, showcases the brilliance of ancient engineering – a UNESCO-declared World Heritage site. This marvel of human ingenuity, designed to control flooding and provide water for irrigation, is a testament to Chengdu’s rich agricultural heritage. I was particularly keen to visit this site, which was 64.5 km from Chengdu. It was initially constructed around 256 BC by the State of Qin as an irrigation and flood control project, but it is still used today. The system’s infrastructure develops on the Min River (Minjiang), the longest tributary of the Yangtze. The area is in the west part of the Chengdu Plain, between the Sichuan Basin and the Tibetan Plateau. King Zhao of the Qin Dynasty commissioned the project, and the construction of the Dujiangyan harnessed the river using a new method of channelling and dividing the water rather than simply damming it. The water management scheme is still used today to irrigate over 5,300 km² (2,000 sq mi) of land in the region. It has produced comprehensive benefits in flood control, irrigation, water transport and general water consumption.
Chengdu seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern technological advancements. The city boasts impressive infrastructure, including efficient transportation systems and modern amenities. The Chinese government’s commitment to development is evident in the sleek skyscrapers, shopping malls, and well-maintained parks. Despite the language barrier, the locals were amiable and cooperative, utilising internet resources and translation apps to bridge communication gaps.
Chengdu is a bustling urban hub and a place of natural beauty. The city is adorned with picturesque parks and serene water bodies, providing tranquil escapes from the hectic city life. I often took long walks and cycled along the scenic Lake Rongtian adjoining the Chengdu campus, immersing myself in the city’s natural wonders. The campus was quite picturesque, spread over 2300 hectares with over 27000 students. The current development model of Chengdu is to build a city ‘within parks’ rather than ‘parks within the city’.
During my visit, I enjoyed exploring Chengdu’s renowned Sanxingdui Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. This relatively new Museum opened in 1997 near an ancient excavation site in Guanghan, almost 38 km from Chengdu. It was a fantastic experience with more than 1,500 pieces or sets of relics showcased, including pottery, bronze, jade and gold wares. It provides a deeper understanding of the region’s rich past.
Additionally, Chengdu’s shopping malls cater to every shopper’s delight. We visited the brand-new Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Mall, a well-known brand from Hong Kong. From high-end luxury brands to local boutiques, the malls offer diverse shopping experiences, allowing visitors to indulge in retail therapy while immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
My week-long visit to Chengdu was filled with awe, discovery, and delightful experiences. From the adorable giant pandas to the cultural marvels, mouth-watering cuisine, and modern infrastructure, Chengdu offers a unique blend of tradition and progress. This captivating city has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in China. As I left Chengdu after a fantastic week spent there, I carried cherished memories, newfound knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.