Sichuan

This province in southwest China stretches from the Tibetan plateau to the fertile basin surrounded by several mountain ranges. The landscape includes dense bamboo forests, flat valleys with rice paddies, rivers cutting through steep gorges, and high plateaus near the western border.

Archeological discoveries in the 1980s revealed traces of an advanced bronze culture dating back to the second millennium before the Common Era. Over the centuries the region developed into an important center for trade and agriculture during various dynasties.

Tea culture forms part of daily life and you see people gathering in open teahouses to chat, play mahjong or simply relax. Many locals still practice traditional opera forms and crafts that you can experience in markets and smaller neighborhoods.

The capital Chengdu serves as a central starting point for travelers exploring the rest of the province, with several airports and rail connections. Climate varies greatly depending on elevation, so plan your gear according to your specific destination.

The Mosuo community near a remote lake lives in a society where women lead households and inheritance passes through the maternal line. This social structure differs fundamentally from most other cultures in the region.

Location: People's Republic of China

Inception: August 7, 1952

Capital city: Chengdu

Shares border with: Chongqing, Tibet Autonomous Region, Gansu, Yunnan, Qinghai, Guizhou, Shaanxi

Website: http://sc.gov.cn

GPS coordinates: 30.00000,103.00000

Latest update: December 3, 2025 07:10