In China, the division of the country into provinces and regions is not just administrative convention, but rather a cultural and historical pattern. Due to the huge size of the state and the heterogeneity of the population from its very education, China was divided into several regions, and the modern boundaries of the provinces were determined almost a thousand years ago and have not changed since then. In fact, each Chinese province is a separate state with its own characteristics, culture, traditions and sometimes even their own language. Supernome Hong Kong, tropical junnan, imperial Beijing-all of them are interesting and completely unlike each other in their own way. One of the most attractive to the tourism of the provinces of China can be called Sichuan (on the map),
Which is known to Europeans, first of all, like a gate to Tibet, and the Chinese – like the homeland of the Chinese opera and the habitat of Big Panda. But the main thing that attracts travelers here from around the world is, of course, an amazing nature.
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Sychuan is a large province even by Chinese standards, about 80 million people live here in almost 5,000 square kilometers. Due to the specific geographical location-most of the province is located in a deep basin surrounded by mountains-the Sichuan landscapes are striking diversity. Wet subtropics and bamboo forests of the south and the center of the province in the West are replaced by the fields of the Tibetan foothills, and in the northeast-picturesque alpine meadows. There are more than ten national parks and environmental zones in Sichuan; Two of them, Zyuzhaigou and Juanlun, are recognized by UNESCO by natural objects of outstanding value.
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Located in the north of the province of Zyuyagou is known for its transparent lakes, relict forests and multi -level waterfalls. The park is open for tourists year -round, but October is considered the best time for visiting – snowy mountains and bright lakes look especially impressive against the background of autumn foliage. Today it is one of the few environmental zones of China where Hyking with tents is allowed (only with an authorized guide, of course). The park is equipped with convenient tourist paths, so a long trip will not be a problem even for people with a low level of physical training. But if you are not ready to wander for a few days – it doesn’t matter, buses regularly run on the territory of Zyuyagou along several routes. The most beautiful places, including the hallmark of the park – a lake, the bottom of which is covered with crossed trees trunks, are in the Zhice Valley. To inspect the valley, it is most convenient to take a bus at the entrance to the park and get to the end of the route in the northeast, and from there to go down on foot.
120 kilometers from Zyuyagou is another attraction of world significance – the environmental zone of the Juanlun. The travertine terraces and bright blue Lakes of the Juanlun are an even more unusual sight than the picturesque landscapes of Juzyagou. This park occupies a much smaller area and is enough for its inspection and half a day. From one park to another you can get on a regular bus (or by taxi) in two to three hours.
It is easiest to get to both parks from the capital of the province, Chendu, by bus (the road will take ten hours) or by plane to the airport of Juzyagou in Songpan. Keep in mind that in the area of the Zjuigou Park the choice of hotels is much richer and they themselves are higher than the class than the guesthouses next to the Huangloon.
Unfortunately, the capital of Sichuani was badly damaged during the 2008 earthquake. Thousands of houses and hundreds of old quarters of Chendu were destroyed, and in their place skyscrapers and modern shopping centers grew, which made the Sichuan capital similar to the rest of the Chinese cities. But still, green parks, excellent restaurants that serve the most sharp dishes in China, and relaxed tea houses still store the atmosphere of a cozy old city, which Cunde has always been.
The main attraction of the Sichuan capital (not counting its outstanding kitchen) is a panda reserve located 18 kilometers from the city center. Here, in conditions as close as possible to natural ones, about 50 giant and red pands are contained.
But real fans of black and white bears are better to go to the Bifenusi National Park. On its territory there is a center for studying pandas, where there are about 100 animals. Get ready for the fact that you will have to walk a lot – aviaries with pandas are located a few kilometers from ticket offices. You can get from Bifensy from Cunde by bus.
There are a lot of Buddhist monasteries and shrines in Sichuan. Here is one of the main sacred mountains of China, Emeishan. It is believed that the first monastery on its slope was built more than 20 centuries ago, in the first century. But, alas, most of the original buildings on the mountain were destroyed during the cultural revolution.
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The oldest of the surviving buildings on Mount Emay – the brick hall of the Vanyan temple, dates back to the ninth century. You can get to the top of the Holy Mountain in several ways – by bus, on foot, or combining these options for movement. In some sections of the track, you can use the cable car. Both at the top and halfway to it are numerous hotels and guesthouses, but if you want to truly imbue the energy of this place, try to agree on an overnight stay in one of the many monasteries in the way.
The oldest Buddhist monument in Sichuan is a statue of Buddha in a Leshan Statue. Work on the statue began in 713 and lasted almost 100 years. The height of the figure is 71 meters, which makes it the highest image of the Buddha in the world. The face of the Buddha is facing the sacred grief of Eme, and their legs rest against the river. For many centuries, the Big Leshan Buddha has been serving the pilgrimage for Chinese and Tibetan Buddhists.
After all, you remember that traveling is most profitable to buy “package”
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