Chengdu 2

For most city people, the urge of a respite from the city is often coincide with the unquenchable longing for it.

Reasons? Too many...

One can find hotpot all over China in one form or another, it has really been taken to heart by the Sichuanese and for the most striking adaptation to local taste you find here.

After a few days getting my feet wet in Chengdu night scene, it was not difficult to get a horde of youngsters together and guide me to taste the true hotpot, again, no whimpy sweat and sour, only the authentic MA and LA, tingling spicy.

The season the cooked food in oil spiced with MSG, salt and chili powder. The effect is powerful. Locals explain its use as a result of climate - chilies are warming in winter and cooling in summer and, according to Chinese medicine, dispel "wet" illnesses brought about by humid conditions. But I found MA LA hotpot is simply the best socializing dinner. When you share a big hotpot of munchies over cold beers with your warm new friends, it guarantees a MALA: tingling spicy party!

Chengdu's nightlife has to be one of the most vibrant I have seen in China, certainly starts earlier than Shanghai, ends later than Beijing, as many night street food stalls as Guangzhou.

From my new friends, these youngsters who are always on the prowl for something new, I learned about their favorite little bar, a place magnetizes loyal underground rock music fans, 5 years in a roll, quite a record for a bar of any kind.

Over the past 5 years, Ms. yang, called 鈥渟ister Yang" by her baby bands offered the little stage for free to young musicians. Many of them are college students and newly graduates who are struggling in finding themselves musically and personally. She said she was just touched by their passion for things they love, and she simply wanted to support this kind of attitude of searching and life style in progress.

Please don't tell me they sound similar with some other bands. It is just so refreshing to hear the new voices, seeing so many young faces together, here in Chengdu. The contrast of old and new in this city always amazes me. And the balance of urban scene and wonderful nature always make my trip exciting. I am going out of Chengdu next week and need find some travel companions, so many people inside, easy, right? See you next week, I am Yanling!

Editor:Chen  Source:CCTV.com