Asia Overview
China
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China - Chengdu, Sichuan Province 
Why study in China?
- World’s oldest continuous civilization
- Ancient traditions
- 23 World Heritage sites showcasing age-old
history
- Up-to-the-minute modern cities
- Environmental, social, and political challenges
emerging as a result of unbridled economic
growth
- Wonder and promise of China’s future and its
impact on the world
History, Culture and National Heritage
China is a country with an ancient history, a brilliant civilization, and beautiful
landscapes. China is often touted as having the world’s oldest surviving
civilization whose people have shared a common culture longer than any other
group on earth. Philosophers, emperors, foreign conquerors, political leaders,
and civil war have all left their marks on China’s colorful history, but the people’s
culture has endured and remained constant.
As their civilization developed, the people excelled in science and artistic
expression. Many examples have endured the test of time and are revered
today as national treasures and historical sites. Twenty three sites in China are
now World Heritage listed and protected. They include ancient architectural
complexes and a number of historical relics, forming an important basis for the
study of China’s ancient culture and history.
 The 2Oth century marked the end of Dynastic rule in China and the emergence of two political forces, the Koumintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China suffered from an invasion and occupation by Japan that lasted until the end of WWII. Communism emerged as the leading party and the KMT fled to Taiwan.
Mao Zedong established The People’s Republic China and embarked on a rapid plan of reconstruction and economic recovery in isolation from the rest of the world. Strict social and ideological controls were put in place and those that voiced opposition were dealt with harshly. Failed economic experiments like the Great Leap Forward created further hardship for the people of China as did The Cultural Revolution that resulted in the birth of The Red Guard and the end of scientific, artistic, literary and cultural publication. At the end of the 20th Century and under new leadership, China began to increase contact with capitalist economies of the West and open up to foreign visitors. The new ideology under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping was called ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’, but the ideology failed to bridge gaps between political and social contradictions. The one child policy was implemented to stem population growth which created other social challenges with an aging population and an out of balance gender ratio. Growing frustrations among the Chinese people over a host of issues led to demonstrations in 1989 that turned tragic in Tiananmen Square.
 At the dawn of the 21st century, Hong Kong and Macau returned to China as Special Administrative Regions, Beijing won the bid for the 2008 Olympics and China joined the World Trade Organization. Hu Jintao became president in 2003 and China placed its first man in space the same year. In recent years, China has emerged from isolation and captured the attention of
the world by accomplishing astonishing technical achievements and driving their
economy at a dazzling pace. The blending of ancient traditions, technological
advancement, economic reform, and government control is creating a new
China that is dynamic and cannot be defined in conventional ways. There is no
argument that China will continue to make a significant impact on world affairs,
but just how and to what extent is the topic of much debate.
Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan Province and home to approximately 10 million people. Chengdu is known as one of the most important economic centers and transportation and communication hubs in China. Chengdu is regarded as the starting point of the Southern Silk Road and has historically played an important role in the political, economical, cultural and military development of southwest China. Chengdu is famous for its three unique characteristics: beautiful scenery, Bashu Culture and home of the Giant Pandas. Chengdu is also the gateway to the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chengdu was once the capital of ancient kingdoms and literaly translates as “become a capital”. During the Tang Dynasty it was home to some of China's most famous poets and during the Song Dynasty Chengdu became the birthplace of paper money. Chengdu was also the last city to fall under communist leadership when the Kuomintang government fled to Taiwan. Chengdu is home to Sichuan cuisine, known for its spice and touted as being among the most outstanding fare in China. The people of Chengdu are often described as having a laidback attitude and a joy for life.
 Climate and location
Chengdu is located in southwest China at the western edge of the Sichuan Basin. The subtropical monsoon climate is characterized by a mild winter, early spring, hot summer and cool autumn. The best times to visit are from March-June and September-November. January is the coldest month with temperatures ranging from 3 C (37 F) to 10 C (50 F). Rainfall is persists year round, but peaks in summer during the hottest months of July and August when temperatures range from 20 C (72 F) to 30 C (86 F). With the combination of high humidity and surrounding mountains, Chengdu is generally overcast and hazy with less sunshine annually than London, England.
Quick facts
China population: 1.3 billion
Capital: Beijing
Currency: The unit of currency in China is the Renminbi, indicated as RMB or Yuan. USD $1 is roughly equivalent to RMB $7.50
Distance to Chengdu: New York to Beijing: 6830 miles (11000 km);
Los Angeles to Beijing: 6250 miles (10100 km);
Beijing to Chengdu: 943 miles (1520 km)
Language: Mandarin with Chengdu dialect
Economic profile: The Sichuan Province boasts one of the most diversified industrial bases in the country and Chengdu is a key manufacturing center for the electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metallurgy and food processing.
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