Chengdu 2

cctv.com 02-04-2005 15:15

Hi, welcome to travelogue. I am Yanling, still in Chengdu. This capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom, is one of the fastest growing city in china today. It promises travelers "once you have been, you will be reluctant to leave", of course under the condition that you take your time to truly savor all it has to offer, shall we start with a cup of tea?

Most Chinese metropolis today baffles with the balance of galloping towards modernization and preserving traditional way of living.

Few cities in China today like Chengdu that is so fond of memories from the past, and manage to actually living in it.

Even growing in rocket speed, Chengdu, the city of more than 8 million, somehow feels like a rare city oasis where the bustle slows down and the original spirit stays intact. And what is it? Where to feel it?

Once you are in Chengdu, you have to learn one word, and truly understand the spirit of it 鈥xiuxian -- allow yourself to relax as long as you need, so idling around in one of teahouses for 5 hours doesn't make you a slacker in Chengdu.

Chengdu teahouses are everywhere. Scattered at every corner of the streets, in every park and even in every office compound...

Pensioners or pillars of the society? People of all kinds patronize teahouses more often than their grocery shop.

So what do you see in a teahouse in an afternoon? Small society, as Chengdu people call it. It is the perfect spot to relax, to socialize; to people-watch.

Once you are in teahouses, enjoy the timeless quality of your teatime. Even the waiters and waitress on duty often take it slow since there is no such demand as for fast and efficient service.