Chengdu China
The city of Chengdu is located in the southwestern region of China. It is the capital of the Sichuan province and also a sub-provincial city. In the recent 2002 census, Chengdu is noted as the fifth highly populated city in China with just over 11 million people. The majority of inhabitants that live here have a reputation for knowing how to enjoy life and live very laid back. Also many important economic centers, communication and transportation areas are located here.
The weather in Chengdu is fairly relaxing with average temperatures at 49°F in January and 85° during July. Rain is frequent in small amount usually with the peaks of rain during the summer months. Since Chengdu is located just west of the Sichuan Basin, the mountains of Quing Ling protect the city from the Siberian winds in the winter. As for sunshine, Chengdu received the lowest amount of sunshine annually, even more so than London. Winter has been known as very sad season due to its very dreary and grey climate.
Chengdu's economy is full of a diverse amount of markets and industries. Companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Alcatel, Intel, Motorola, and NOKIA have their own warehouses in Chengdu's Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone. Many banking systems have been started up in the recent past due to Chengdu trying to become the financial hub for the western part of China. This city has been well known as a great financial leader for China for centuries. In 1023, "Jiao Zi", the world's first set of paper currency was created during Ancient Chinas Song Dynasty. There is much entertainment in this city, even the Los Angeles times noted in a 2006 article that Chengdu was China's "party city." Many bars and tea houses are located all across the city, even more than the nearly twice as populated city Shanghai. Known for it's spicy foods, Chengdu is home to many cuisines that offer these type of dishes. The Sichuan cruisine is one of the more famous restaurants for it's spicy taste yet only 30% of the dishes provide include chili pepper.
Due to the economic success and large increase in population, many universities and high schools have been built. Schooling has been a very important subject even going back to the 1800's when the Sichuan University was founded in 1896. Several technical schools have been built recently such as the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and others specifically for financing, computers, and medical studies.
