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Sichuan Province Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Anlan Bridge at Dujiangyan Lucas Schoen Sichuan city is a located in the city of China, bordering a Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi, Chongqing, Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces. The Yangtze river goes through the south east region of Sichuan Province. Both the capital Chengdu in Sichuan and neighbouring municipality Chongqing are well worth a visit. For Chengdu alone, you need at least four days to see the sights and a few more days to make excursions to Mount Emei, Leshan, and Jiuzhaigou. Allow an extra ten days or so to journey and stay in the Tibetan Prefecture (Dege County) at the Dzongsa Buddhist Monastery. Chongqing has not actually been a part of Sichuan Province since the early 1990's, when it became a special municipality of its own. The city of Chongqing is located between the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. It is the starting point for Yangtze River cruises. Review by Warren Rodwell Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.baidu.com _______Sights Edit This Soaring Cliffs of Emei Soaring Cliffs of Emei Lucas Schoen fuente osmeña at night Contributors May 02, 2004 change by lschoen [Add Sight] Mount Qincheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System Edit This Anlan Bridge at Dujiangyan Anlan Bridge at Dujiangyan photo by: Lucas Schoen An official World Heritage Site, the temples of Mount Qincheng are closely linked with the birth of Daoism, historically one of the most influential religions of East Asia. The irrigation system at Dujiangyan was constructed in the 3rd century BC and continues to function to this day, delivering water from the Minjiang river to the fertile farmland of the Chengdu plains. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Mount Emei and Giant Buddha at Leshan Edit This Soaring Cliffs of Emei Soaring Cliffs of Emei photo by: Lucas Schoen The first Buddhist temple in China was constructed on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century A.D. The addition of numerous other temples later promoted the mountain to rank as one of the Sacred Mountains of Buddhism. The mountain protrudes from lush sub-tropical forest and emerges often above the clouds at 3,099 meters (10,167 feet). The giant stone Buddha carved out of a hillside at nearby Leshan is the largest seated Buddha in the world at 71m tall. Today, visitors may pay a small park usage fee of 40RMB to hike to the summit on foot, a journey which takes more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Getting There Edit This As a key traffic hinge in southwest China , the provincial capital city Chengdu is an easy place to enter Sichuan and neighbouring Tibet . The Sichuan-Tibet highway acts as a shortcut in and out. It had been the lifeline of material supply for Tibet prior to the construction of the Qinghai - Tibet railway. With a well-developed traffic network on land and in the air, Chengdu has long been an important inland transfer station. Shuangliu International Airport is seated in the central section of Shuanxi Plain; sixteen kilometres southwest of downtown Chengdu . Located at 30°34’47” N and 103°57’02’’E, the airport caters not only for domestic movement. The ever-increasing international flight destinations include Cambodia , Japan , Singapore , The Netherlands, and Thailand . Review by Warren Rodwell :::::::::Chengdu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bar upclose at the Shamrock Bar upclose at the Shamrock Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com Chengdu2 , a modern international city of more than twelve million, has a long history dating back to 4500 BC, when the social and cultural exchange centre of the ancient Shu Kingdom was established. The discovery last century of the lost Sanxingdui site at Guanghan, about forty kilometres north of Chengdu , is recognized as the most important archaeological find of Sichuan relics. The Sanxingdui Museum is regarded as one of the major historical museums in China . More recently than this, a major capital of the Shu culture was discovered within metropolitan Chengdu just in 2001. A wonderful new muesum housing both the excavationand the finds was opened in 2006 and the golden "Birds and sun" disk found in 2001 has already been adopted as the symbol of Chinese heritage As a key traffic hinge in southwest China , the provincial capital city Chengdu is an easy place to enter Sichuan and neighbouring Tibet . The Sichuan-Tibet highway acts as a shortcut in and out. Chengdu has long been an important inland transfer station. Shuangliu International Airport caters not only for domestic movement. The ever-increasing international flight destinations include Cambodia , Japan , Singapore , The Netherlands, and Thailand . An often quoted Chinese saying is, “Once you come to Chengdu , you will not want to leave”. This can be attributed a lot to the enviable, relaxed lifestyle enjoyed by locals and foreigners in a recreational and unhurried tourist city, surrounded by many rivers such as the Funan and the Sha. Famous scenic spots such as Wuhou Temple and Du Fu Thatched Cottage enrich the cultural background of Chengdu . Not far away, Qingcheng Mountain and Snowy Mount Xiling act as summer resorts for the urbanites. World mixed cultural and natural sites, such as Jiuzhaigou Gullies, Leshan and Mount Emei, have been acknowledged by UNESCO as being of great heritage value and significance in relating miracles of the native people’s past and present. For those wishing to see up-close the most loved and recognizable indigenous animal in the People’s Republic of China , the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding and Wolong Panda Reserve are easy enough to get to. Chengdu ’s food cultures are very famous at home and abroad. There is a statement that “All good foods are found in Chengdu ". In addition to the Mapo Toufu, Han Steamed Bun, Dragon Dumpling with Meat Stuffing and other famous snacks, more popular dishes are being derived from the hot pot such as boiled kebabs, hot boiled dishes, and lengdanbei. Sichuan cuisine is one of the four famous local cuisines in China ; the other 3 being Guangdong cuisine, Shandong cuisine, and Jiangshu cuisine. In preparing ingredients, Sichuan cooks will try to balance strong spicy flavour with light flavour to suit accordingly. Chinese distilled liquor (rice wine), French brandy, Russian vodka and Scottish whiskey are called the four main distillate spirits in the world. Distilled liquor (also called Rack) was invented by the Chinese, and is regarded as the fifth primary invention of the “Four Great Inventions” in China by experts and scholars. Chinese winemaking history spans four or five thousand years. Sichuan wines are of long standing significance as part of national wine production and wine culture development. Wine production in Sichuan developed in ancient times, and is still unfading nowadays. Spirits such as Luzhou Laojiao, Yibing Wuliangye, Mianzhu Jiannanchun, Chengdu Quanxing, and Swellfun enjoy high reputations around the globe. Visit Jingli Street, a reconstructed road of wooden shops housing all forms of food,drink, crafts, puppet shows and music. A high point of any visit and perfect for good souvenirs. If westerners prefer to indulge in more familiar activities, they should check out the areas close by Sichuan University and the American consulate. Well-patronized expat haunts on RenMin NanLu are - the Shamrock Bar, Carol’s Too, the Bookworm, and the Paulaner Bar at the Kempinski Hotel. Over along KeHua BeiLu, there is - Sabrina’s Country Store, Peter’s Tex-Mex Grill, and Grandma’s Kitchen; to name a few. At least ten hostels around town accommodate travellers just passing through. These places tend to change name and owners over time, so it is probably wise for anyone interested to browse the web for current details. Review & update by: Warren Rodwell 2008 Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.chinaexpat.com/city/chengdu-city __________Sights Edit This Qingyanggong Temple Qingyanggong Temple Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com An often quoted Chinese saying is, “Once you come to Chengdu , you will not want to leave”. This can be attributed a lot to the enviable, relaxed lifestyle enjoyed by locals and foreigners in a recreational and unhurried tourist city, surrounded by many rivers such as the Funan and the Sha. Famous scenic spots such as Wuhou Temple and Du Fu Thatched Cottage enrich the cultural background of Chengdu . Not far away, Qingcheng Mountain and Snowy Mount Xiling act as summer resorts for the urbanites. World mixed cultural and natural sites, such as Jiuzhaigou Gullies, Leshan and Mount Emei, have been acknowledged by UNESCO as being of great heritage value and significance in relating miracles of the native people’s past and present. Since moist subtropical Chengdu is located in a basin, high mountains can be seen just outside of the Chengdu Plain. There are lots of high mountains such as Qingcheng and Snowy Mountain Xiling, with many undeveloped primitive jungles. An interesting phenomenon presents itself here in that high mountains are less than 100 kilometres away from large cities. It has changed the common perception that high mountains and primitive jungle would be restricted to wild and uninhabited areas. As the capital city, Chengdu occupies an important position in Sichuan containing most of the people. In 2004, the population in Chengdu totalled 10,596,900, next only to ChongQing , Shanghai and Beijing . The population comprised of 5,381,700 males and 5,215,200 females. According to the result of the fifth national census, the Han Nationality made up 99.46 % of the total population and the minority groups (including Tibetan, Yi and Qiang Nationality) accounted for 0.54 % . The pace of life is slower than that in other cities. Chengdu women reputedly walk slowly to go shopping, while the men are known to live leisurely. They like to drink tea, play mahjong, or spend time chatting rather than worrying about any troubles. Review by Warren Rodwell Contributors December 23, 2006 change by wocca (2 points) [Add Sight] Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan) Edit This Dating back to the Tang Dynasty but largely reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty, this monastery was originally known as the Xinxiang temple. It was renamed after a Buddhist monk who resided here in the 17th century. The largest Buddhist temple in Chengdu, Wenshu Yuan is the gathering point for crowds of worshippers who after their prayers while away a lazy afternoon eating, drinking and chatting. A beautiful pagoda-cum-teahouse makes an excellent place to read and relax, while a small self-service restaurant within the temple compound serves good vegetarian dishes which you buy more.. type: Landmarks & Monuments World66 rating: [rate it] address: Wenshu Yuan Jie, off Renmin Zhong Lu. openinghours: 8 am - 5 pm, daily. Qingyanggong (Green Goat) Temple Edit This Qingyanggong Temple Qingyanggong Temple photo by: Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com This delightful temple in a relatively peaceful district to the northwest of the city is the oldest and largest in the Chengdu area. Qingyanggong is dedicated to Taoism's greatest figure, Laozi, author of Daodejing - The Way and its Power. A clean little restaurant serving excellent Mala Dofu (Hot and spicy Tofu) stands opposite the temple entrance, across the main road. Entrance fee : 5 RMB ($US0.62 cents) type: Monasteries World66 rating: [rate it] Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Edit This Another breed is the red panda Another breed is the red panda photo by: Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com You can catch a taxi or local bus to the home to the endangered giant panda in the northern suburb of Chengdu. Admission fee is 30 RMB ($US3.75) to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, or otherwise known as "Panda Adventure". It is best to arrive at about 8am in the morning as the pandas like to sleep after lunch. Allow two hours to walk around at a leisurely pace. This world-renowned ecological conservation base occupies 105 hectares, and is already embroidered with rolling green hills, colourful birds, and a sparkling lake. It is dedicated to the more.. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Panda Road, Northern Suburb, Chengdu tel: 86+28+83516748 url: www.panda.org.cn email: www.pandaphoto.com.cn Wuhou Shrine Edit This Wuhou might be translated as "Minister of War", and was the title given to Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist of the Three Kingdom Period (220-280AD) immortalized in one of the classics of Chinese literature, the Tale of the Three Kingdom. Entry fee is 15 yuan. type: Landmarks & Monuments World66 rating: [rate it] River Viewing Pavilion Park Edit This The pavilion is a four-story Qing wooden structure overlooking the Jinjiang River. The park is famous for its lush forests of bamboo, and boasts over 150 varieties of bamboo from China, Japan and Southeast Asia. The pavilion was built to the memory of Xue Tao, a female Tang Dynasty poet with a great love for bamboo. Entry fee is 5 yuan. type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: 6 am - 9 pm, daily Zhaojue Temple Edit This Zhaojue temple is a Tang Dynasty building dating back to the 7th century. It underwent extensive reconstruction under the supervision of Po Shan, a famous Buddhist monk, during the early Qing Dynasty, with waterways and groves of trees being established around the temple. The temple itself has served as a model for many Japanese and South-East Asian Buddhist temples. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Chengdu Cultural Park Edit This Chengdu Cultural Park is next door to the Green Goat Temple. Admission: 5 yuan. type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Yihuan Lu (Chengdu's ring road) openinghours: 6 am - 8 pm, daily. __________Museums Edit This [Add Museum] Du Fu Thatched Cottage Edit This Near Qingyang Gong stands the cottage of Du Fu (712-770AD), a famous Tang Dynasty poet born in Henan who lived here for four years after serving as a government official in the Chinese capital Chang'an (now called Xi'an) for ten years. The house is surrounded by 20 hectares of peaceful garden. Admission: 15 yuan type: general World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: Open daily 7am. - 11pm. __________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Entrance to Carol's Too Bar Chengdu Entrance to Carol's Too Bar Chengdu Warren Rodwell [Add Entertainment place] Carol's Too Bar & Restaurant Edit This Entrance to Carol's Too Bar Chengdu Entrance to Carol's Too Bar Chengdu photo by: Warren Rodwell BAR HOURS: 3pm - 12am or until late ... Great music & parties every night. Well-patronised & known party place amongst expats & locals especially on Friday nights when the dance floor is packed & buzzing with energetic movement . Check website for more information ... RESTAURANT: 9am - 3pm (Breakfast/Lunch) ... 5.00pm – 9.00pm (Dinner) SPECIALTY: Mexican favourites, Italian pizza & hamburgers. Review by: Warren Rodwell more.. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: About 3am on weekends tel: 86 + 28 + 8522243 url: www.carolsbytheriver.com address: No. 11 Ren Min Nan Lu Shamrock Bar and Restaurant Edit This Guinness On Tap at Shamrock Guinness On Tap at Shamrock photo by: Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com Good place for a quiet coffee or beer during the day, with a free pool table and discos at the weekends. Open every day: 10.00am – 3.00am REGULAR EVENTS: Thursday - Solo singer / Friday - DJ dance / Saturday - Live bands / Sunday - Solo singer Relaxed atmosphere - good service, nice western toilets! Well worth a visit. They had a few international newspapers and loads of books. EMAIL ADDRESS: more.. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] email: shamrockinchengdu@gmail.com address: No.15 Renmin Nan Lu, Section 4, tel: 86+28+85236158 ClosingTime: Every Day: 10.00am – 3.00am url: www.shamrockinchengdu.com accessibility: Around corner from USA Consulate ***********chongqing Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see ::::::::Chongqing Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see chongqing night view chongqing night view Standing at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers, Chongqing is known as "the City of Fog", "the Mountain City", and "the River Town" as well. Surrounded by mountains, the city is hot and rainy in summer, so it is sometimes called "the Furnaces". In history, Chongqing was originally the capital of the State of Ba three thousand years ago, and the place was renamed for many times till it got the name Chongqing (Double Celebration)eventually. In 1997,Chongqing became the fourth municipality directly under the Central Government, together with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. As the largest city of China, Chongqing covers an area of 82,400 sq kilometers with a population of 30 million. There are many famous spots in the city, including the Beiwenquan, Nanwenquan, the Longevity Lake and other places. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Kuomintang moved from Nanjing to Chongqing and made it a war-time capital, which results in many commemorative sites such as the Red Crag Village, the Chongqing Office of the Eighth Route Army, and so on. But to enjoy the dim shadows of the boats and steamers will be most attractive. Meanwhile, Chongqing is also the starting point for a cruise on the Yangtze River with many historical and scenic spots along its bank. _________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Red Crag Village Edit This During the Kuomintang-Communist alliance against the Japanese during the WWII, the Red Crag Village outside Chongqing was used as the offices and living quarters of the Communist representatives to the Kuomintang. Many famous leaders, such as Zhou Enlai, Ye Jianying, Deng Yingchao once stayed here. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Luohan Temple Edit This The Luohan Temple was built in Song Dynasty, destroyed twice and rebuilt, once in 1752 and again in 1945. Some 70 monks were once housed here, though today less than 20 are in residence. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Port Edit This Chongqing's port reflects its importance as a major industrial and transport center. Although considerably less busy than 60 years ago, Chaotianmen is nonetheless an interesting place to see a typically busy dock as vessels moored mid-river are loaded and unloaded. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Hotsprings Edit This Lying 55km northeast of the city, the Northern Hot Springs are in a large park which is the site of a 5th century Buddhist temple. The springs have an Olympic-size swimming pool where you can breathe to an audience. There are also private rooms with hot baths where you can enjoy the 32C water coming up to your neck or waist. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _________Getting Around Edit This [Add Local transport mode] Bus Edit This Chongqing has a good network, though buses tend to be rather slow. The timetable can also be a little confusing for newcomers. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Bicycle Edit This Chongqing is very hilly, which means few bicycles. Best to wait for the next city for that relaxing bike ride. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Taxi Edit This Available everywhere and relatively cheap. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Car rental Edit This You can't drive your own rental car in Chongqing, but both cars and drivers can be arranged through CITS local offices. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Air Edit This There are flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Nagora in Japan. Also there are daily flights to major cities across the country. There are also plenty of domestic flights into Chongqing. Jiangbei International Airport is linked to the city by expressway, and is 21km from the city center. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] Boat Edit This There are 107 cruisers plying on the Yangtze River, and also boats from Chongqing to Leshan. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Train Edit This Chongqing is linked to Chengdu (11 hours) by rail, with direct links also to Kunming, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Beijing and Shanghai (which takes two days), Guiyang, Nanjing and Kunming. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Bus Edit This There are direct bus routes between Chongqing and Chengdu, Yibin, Zigong and Dazu. Some companies are now also running air-conditioned buses. type: general :::::::::Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nuorilang Waterfall Nuorilang Waterfall Krissi Jiuzhaigou lies in the north of Sichuan Province. It is in the midst of picturesque scenery with lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forests and plant reserves. The area itself was admitted into the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list in 1992. Originally, the name of the valley (Nine-valley village) comes from nine Tibetan villages scattered around it. The two day entrance fee is 220 RMB, passes can be purchased at the front gate, but you have to make sure that you get your picture taken in the room next to the ticket booth to be able to re-enter the park on the second day. :::::::: Leshan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Stone Face Leshan Stone Face Leshan Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com Leshan is a small city in south east Sichuan only a couple of hours inexpensive yet comfortable bus ride down the freeway from the provincial capital. Depart from Xinnanmen bus station in Chengdu every half hour or so. Leshan is also accessible by bus from Mount Emei and Zigong. River steamships travel from Yibing, Luzhou and Chongqing to Leshan. The main attraction is the Leshan Giant Buddha, which is listed as a world heritage site. The Giant Buddha is a popular domestic tourist spot. It is located in the joint of Mingjiang River, Qingyi River and Dadu River in the east of Leshan city. The seventy one metre high statue was firstly chiselled out of the cliff face of Lingyun Mountain during the Tang Dynasty (713 AD). The construction period is recorded as lasting more than ninety years. As the largest lapidarian Buddha in the world, there is an interesting saying ... " Mountain is a Buddha while Buddha is a mountain". More than one hundred people can sit around this Buddha. Reviewed by Warren Rodwell :::::::::Mount Emei Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Emei Golden Statue Emei Golden Statue Warren Rodwell www.wocca.zoomshare.com Mount Emei is located south of Chengdu, and covers a scenic area of one hundred & fifty four square kilometres. The highest peak, Ten Thousand Buddha Peak at an altitude of 3099 metres, is a popular tourist attraction in southwest China. Emei Mountain was listed in the Directory of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1996. The lofty, graceful and ancient natural landscape is famous for its long-term Buddhist culture, abundant resources of plants & animals, in addition to unique geology and physiognomy. It has been awarded many titles, such as Celestial Mountain & Buddhist Kingdom; Plant Kingdom, Animal Paradise, Geological Museum, and The top graceful mountain in the world. At present, there are about three hundred Buddhist monks and nuns in the mountain, & nearly thirty temples including Baoguo Temple , Fuhu Temple , Heaven Toon Ground, Celestial Peak Temple , Elephant Bathing Pool, Hua Tibetan Temple in Golden Summit, and Ten Thousand Year Temple. The Buddha Statues in these temples are made of mud, wood, jade, copper, iron, and porcelain. The Buddhist music of Mt Emei is rich and varied with its unique style. Being one of the three main genres of Chinese martial arts, the martial arts of Mt. Emei is famous throughout the world. Review by Warren Rodwell ::::::::Panzhihua Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see City Flower- kapok City Flower- kapok Panzhihua Xinhua Net Travel to Panzhihua Geographic Location Panzhihua is situated in the southwest of Sichuan, where the Yalung River merges with the Jinsha River. It is 749km from Chengdu in the north, 351km from Kunming in the south, 213km from Lugu Lake in the west and 302km from Lijiang. It borders Huili County of Liangshan Prefecture in the west; Yongren County of Yunnan Province in the south; Huaping County and Linlang Yi Autonomous County in the west; the counties of Dechang and Yanyuan in the north. Supported with traffic infrastructures such as the Chengdu–Kunming Railway, Panzhihua Airport and Chengdu-Panzhihua Expressway, the city serves as a communication hub on the ‘Southern Silk Road’, a shortcut linking Sichuan to the coastal cities and ports in South China and Southeast Asia, and a doorway to the tourist attractions in the southwest of Sichuan and Northwest of Yunnan. Historical Background On February 5th, 1965, a written 'Reply regarding the Establishment of the People's Committee of Panzhihua Special Region' was issued jointly by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. On March 20th, the People's Committee of Panzhihua Special Region was officially inaugurated. In April, the State Council replied to the Sichuan provincial People's Committee, approving the request to change Panzhihua Special Region to Dukou Municipality, which covered a total area of 1,411.96km2 including both banks of the Jinsha River. In October 1974, approved by the State Council, the towns of Pingdi and Dalongtan of the Yongren County in Yunnan Province were allocated to the jurisdiction of Dukou Municipality. In July 1978, by decision of the Sichuan provincial government, the towns of Hongge, Xingjiu, Mengxing and four production brigades of Heai Town of Huili County became part of Dukou. In October of the same year, approved by the State Council and decided by the Sichuan provincial government, the counties of Miyi and Yanbian of Xichang Prefecture came under the jurisdiction of Dukou. By then, the area covered by the Municipality had increased to 7,434.4km2. In January 1987, with approval of the State Council, the Municipality was renamed Panzhihua. Tourism There are "Four Major Touring Routes" in the city. --Demystification of Industrial History in West China Industrial tourism is widely talked about today. The New York Mint and Haier Production base in Qingdao receive tens of thousands of visitors every day. The Ertan Hydro-power project, which 'makes high gorges into a lake', boasts a dam ranking highest in Asia and third highest in the world, and an underground powerhouse, the largest one in Asia. Pangang—a steel works elaborately arranged in the same fashion like an 'ivory miniature' is the largest supplier of vanadium, titanium products and heavy rails, where tourists are offered the opportunity to witness power of high technology and demystify the story behind sparkling iron droplets. The 503 powerhouse, a colossal underground structure erected in 1960's -1970's is all arranged inside a mountain, which is peculiarly appealing to tourists. The Lianjian mine is the largest open pit of V-bearing titaniferous magnetite, which will be dressed into a highlighted scenic spot. According to the 'National Standards for Agricultural Tourism Demonstration and Industrial Tourism Demonstration', infrastructures for the Ertan project--a 'World Class Dam', Pangang--a steel works elaborately arranged in the same fashion like an 'ivory miniature' and 503 Powerhouse--a gigantic underground complex, will be optimized to offer tourists an opportunity to experience spectacular modern civilization. -- Sunshine Hot Spring for Holiday Spending The Hongge Hot Spring Scenic Zone intended for holiday spending covers an area of 4.3km2. Listed among the 'Major Three Landscapes' by the municipal government, this project has been designed and planned according to high standards by the Japanese hot spring experts. Additionally there is a vast land for fruit production in the vicinity of the spring area, where eco-agriculture is booming. This route offers you the opportunity to enjoy hot spring bath room, outdoor swimming pool, health care villa as well as guest rooms, tasteful dishes and folk recreations. The third expansion project with an estimated total investment of 1.936 billion yuan consists of Panzhihua Mingji Sunshine Hot Spring International Club(First phase), Panzhihua National Shooting and Archery Training Center(first phase), a tourist street, a hotel, a health care center, a park, a holiday villa, three golf courses and national small ball games training base. Hongge will soon develop into a national hot spring landscape specially designated for holiday spending. -- Fascinating Landscape of the Great Rift Valley The Ertan National Woodland Park covers a planned area of 732km2, of which 101 km2 is occupied by water. It boasts a forest coverage of 70% with many species of plants and animals. The Asia first dam, symbol of industrial civilization, stands against the background of natural scenic combination of mountains, lakes, springs, woods and caverns. The park has been filed under the 2002-2010 Woodland Park Development Program proposed by the State Forest Administration. To develop sight-seeing, holiday-spending and special tourist resorts and boost eco-travel, a total of 2 billion yuan will be invested into this project. The Changjiang Rafting Festival as the image speaker of the city has been successfully held in Panzhihua for consecutive three years. During the Labor Day period 2005, the festival entitled 'First Rafting Station on the Changjiang River—a Leisure Seeking Destination' was launched which attracted hundreds of participators within 7 days. --Folk Customs in the Borderland Panzhihua is an emerging city of immigrants with 42 ethnic minority groups, including the Yi, Lisu and Hui, which contribute to various folk customs such as the 'Torch Festival', the 'Skirt-exchange Ceremony' and 'Dongjing Ceremonial Music of the Yi people; the 'Water-splashing Festival' and 'Having a Date with Girls' of the Dai; 'Paperless Love Letters' of the Lisu; 'Zouhun (Moving Marriage)' and the 'Chengding (Coming of Age) Festival of the Mosuo. Colorful cultures as well as diversified folk songs, dances and costumes, regional special tastes are all appealing to visitors. Listed among the key attractions on the China Great Shangrila Touring Route and proposed under the Sichuan Shangrila Travel Industry Program, Gesala Eco-tourism Project was officially appraised in March 2005. With a total investment estimated at 448 million yuan, the proposed project covers an area of 100 km2 including a central scenic area of 20km2. Scenic spots include the Yi Village Tourist Reception Center, the Horse-racing Field , the 'Natural Ported Landscape', the Suomageze Wetland, the Ridunixi Highland Pasture for Horse-riding and Shepherding, the Jiudaozulin Virgin Forest and the Lishihuopu Camping Area. In response to the state Great Shangrila tourism development program, a Management Committee has been established to intensify investment promotion for this project. By 2006 this project is scheduled to come into initial operation. Additional projects proposed are: the Ashuda Agricultural New Village for suburb holiday spending; the Yishala Yi Village in Renhe District to be the first Lipu Yi demonstration village in China and the Xinshan Lisu Folk Custom Town. By promoting regional eco-resources, folk customs and cultures, a 50-km-long tourism corridor extending over Hongge-Ertan-Gesala will soon be formed. In combination with other well-known tourism resorts in the borderland, such as Chuxiong, Lijiang, Dali, etc, an eco-culture oriented touring route covering both Sichuan and Yunnan will come with a promising future. Warmly welcome you to my hometown, I will be your best guide when you come!