Moments in Chengdu, China

Photos taken by Jalen Walker (Washington University in St. Louis), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Spring 2024

Introductions

Our travel seminar to Chengdu would not have been possible without the collaboration between the CET Beijing team and a team of professors and graduate students at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJU). Weeks before the trip, we selected small groups based on areas of interest (such as transportation, poetry, and the environment) and met with our SWJU language partners over the phone. Upon arrival to SWJU, we had the chance to finally meet in person and begin our experience in Chengdu with another set of introductions.

---

Sanxingdui

On day two of the trip, we took a visit to 三星堆 (Sānxīngduī) and had the opportunity to take in the significance of the archeological site and its material culture. The artifacts date as far back as the 12th century BC and offer insight into life in the ancient Shu kingdom, which was located in what is now Sichuan Province. 

---

Du Fu Cao Tang

Day three began with us boarding the bus and heading to 杜甫草堂 (Dùfǔ Cǎotáng, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage) to tour the place where one of Ancient China’s most prolific and influential poets spent his time and composed some of his most famous works. This site has been designated as a National Heritage site by the Chinese government. It has become a popular attraction, not only for its historical significance but also for its idyllic environment. In this photo, I captured the moment a grandmother finally managed to divert her grandson’s attention away from the koi fish swimming below. 

---

Daoming Bamboo Village

After visiting 杜甫草堂, we made our way to the countryside to explore 道明竹艺村 (Dàomíng zhú yì cūn, Daoming Bamboo Art Village). In the village’s main studio, we had the opportunity to take part in a bamboo handcraft activity and personally weave bamboo to create our own souvenirs.

---

Chengdu Panda Base

To begin day four, we embarked on a trip to the Chengdu Panda Base. We spent the morning strolling leisurely through the park, joining other visitors in the shared pursuit to get the best possible view of each panda. 

---

Dujiangyan Canal

Without a doubt, one of the sites we visited that far surpassed my expectations was 都江堰 (Dūjiāngyàn). Originally constructed around 256 BC for the purpose of irrigation and flood control purposes, 都江堰 is still functional today and plays a crucial role in water supply, agricultural irrigation, and flood prevention. In the photo shown here, one of the distinctive features of the project is the 鱼嘴 (Yú zuǐ, fish mouth), which separates the water into the inner and outer streams of the canal.

---

Blind Date Corner

On our final day in Chengdu, we took some time to walk in 人民公园(Rénmín gōngyuán, People’s Park) to gain more perspective on the activities that characterize the daily life of locals. In the park, we came across 相亲角 (Xiāngqīn jiǎo, Blind Date Corner), at which people can post information about themselves and their ideal partner in hopes of capturing the attention of that special someone. 

I utilized our time in 人民公园 to stroll freely with my camera in hand in search of captivating scenes. I was fortunate enough to achieve that goal. While taking photos, I was drawn in by the sound of assorted voices coming together in song to break the stillness of the morning air. From this, I came upon what seemed to be a few hundred people of all ages, genders, and abilities united by the harmony that characterized their singing.  

---

Yulin from Above

To conclude our travel seminar, we paid a visit to 玉林社区 (Yùlín shèqū, Yulin Community) for a final meal and group session, where we shared our impressions of Chengdu. While there, we had free time to walk around and take in the environment that makes 玉林 unique as a 全龄友好社区 (Quán líng yǒuhǎo shèqū, age-friendly community). The open and easy-going atmosphere is aided in no small part by the countless groups of people playing Chinese chess and Mahjong outdoors.