On to Chengdu

The flight from Lijiang to Chengdu is only 360 miles: just a hop compared to the other plane rides they have had!

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan 四川 province, in the heart of China, and has been inhabited for over 4000 years. In the summer the climate is humid but relatively mild (temps in the high 70s). People speak the Chengdu dialect of Sichuanese, and the food is delicious and spicy. Although it is a large and bustling city, it also is home to many historical attractions, and, of course, Pandas!

Film director Zhang Yimou made this short promotional film for the city:


Another film director visited Chengdu for inspiration:

 Some of the places the group will visit on their first day include the Sichuan University and the  Jinsha Museum. This museum is actually an archeological park, with excavations as well as displays of relics. The site was only discovered very recently, but the site shows layers of history going back 3000 years.

In the afternoon, they will have the chance to see a part of the city that has been preserved called "The Wide and Narrow Lanes," combining architectural preservation with shops and restaurants. Maybe they will see one of the sugar candy blowers make a dragon, as in this video: