China, a popular country among travelers, is indeed a place of diversity. Some tourist destinations present the culture of ancient dynasties; others show us radiant sights of the modern city. However, there are also places with yet another different set of amazing sights. Chengdu(成都) and Jiuzhaigou(九寨沟) are the perfect examples: each with the interesting lifestyle of townspeople and with the breathtaking beauty of nature, they are both must-see places for anybody with a chance to visit China. Especially, Jiuzhaigou Valley was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

Chengdu is located in the middle of Sichuan(四川) Province. Being the capital of Sichuan, Chengdu is also the biggest city there. Paved roads and buildings welcome people, but before long, a different view captivates the tourists: narrow brick roads, murals with illustrations carved out of rock, and traditional houses. Yes, it is the streets that introduce the true faces of Sichuan. On display (and for sale) are traditional foods such as meat skewers, fried shrimps and rice in pineapples. (And guess what is in the second picture!) We can also buy various kinds of fresh juice as well as fruits like cherries and figs, which are all very sweet due to the appropriate weather. Looking at the cooks make all kinds of delectable dishes adds taste and fun to the experience of trying the food. In addition, various teas make perfect souvenirs to take home and share with family and friends. Aside from food, accessories and toys are also interesting to look at. Scarves and small bags contain colorful, intricate, and unique tapestry, and puppets depict famous admirals from the past.

In the evening, iridescent colors light up all around. People file into a small opera house with no walls but only pillars, where red Chinese lanterns cover the ceiling. Tea and simple snacks are cordially prepared for every guest, and when the seats are full, the stage is ready for performance. Traditional Chinese instruments such as erhu, pipa and suona make rhythmic, exciting music, and actors act out Beijing Opera plays using interesting voices and motions. One performer uses her hands to tell a story out of life-like shadow animals, another using a puppet, and another plays with fire in unimaginable ways. A group of men dance wearing colorful traditional masks and clothes, only to magically change their attire in a blink of an eye! Visitors clap and cheer in awe, and the show ends in an atmosphere full of joy.

Like this, one can experience numerous interesting aspects of Chinese culture in Chengdu, and certainly enjoy everything that one sees, hears, and feels. Then, for a change of mood, an avid traveler could move on to Jiuzhaigou, which is about 411km north of Chengdu. Also in Sichuan, this place presents all visitors with the overwhelming beauty of Mother Nature.

Mountains and lakes high above ground level--this is what Jiuzhaigou basically is. However, they are much more than just ordinary mountains. A nationally protected area, Jiuzhaigou is full of big, beautiful landscapes. 2000-4000m above ground, the area is often dangerous to people susceptible to altitude sickness, but nevertheless very beautiful. Seen from far away, the mountaintops meet with clouds, and some are even covered with snow. Many species of animals such as pandas, goats and yaks live there in the wilderness, making the beautiful scenery even more picturesque. Famous spots include Penjingtan(盆景滩), Luweihai(芦苇海), Huohuahai(火花海), Wuhuahai(五花海), Changhai(长海), Zhenzhutan Waterfall(珍珠滩瀑布) and many more. The emerald-colored waters are very clear and sparkly, and the huge waterfalls pour down with such power that it is leads to every tourist’s exclamation. People simply cannot pass by without taking pictures, for the view there is not something easily seen elsewhere. On the way down, we can see local towns in which houses are painted by the ethnic group of Zang(藏族). The styles are unique and beautiful.

While on the mountains, visitors should be cautious of two things: temperature and altitude sickness. Because of the high altitude, the temperature falls sharply with elevation. Thus, it is safe to bring a jacket to the mountain. In addition, it is advisable to bring some medicine, or at least buy canned oxygen to breathe in case you feel dizzy or out of breath. There is also an oxygen-filled cabin that tourists pay to stay in for a few minutes, but the people in charge say that it is much better to walk on and get used to the mountain air. It is introduced that the local people there have no problems living there with so little oxygen, but instead feel uncomfortable in low-altitude areas because of too much oxygen.

Despite such inconveniences, Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou are such memorable places that the trip is worth all the tiring effort of hiking and enduring long, turbulent bus rides up and down the mountains. If ever with a chance to visit China, the unique sights there are something you should never miss!