'''Southern Central Region of [[China]]''', largely an agricultural area but with considerable industry as well. This area is generally poorer than the coastal provinces on the east and southern coasts and is the main source of migrant laborers for those provinces. The region is classified and referred to as West China on the mainland because of its location at the extremity of China proper. Sichuan at the extreme west of the region, is also the gateway to frontier regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. Chongqing is historically part of Sichuan but is now administratively a separate municipality.
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'''Southern Central Region of [[China]]''', is largely an agricultural area but with considerable industry as well. This area is generally poorer than the coastal provinces on the east and southern coasts and is the main source of migrant laborers for those provinces. The regions of Sichuan and Chongqing are classified and referred to as West China on the mainland because of its location at the extremity of China proper even though they geographically lie in central China. West Sichuan at edge of the region, is also the gateway to the frontier/minority regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. Chongqing is historically and culturally part of Sichuan, but is now administratively a separate municipality.
==Regions==
==Regions==
Revision as of 06:00, 22 February 2010
Southern Central Region of China, is largely an agricultural area but with considerable industry as well. This area is generally poorer than the coastal provinces on the east and southern coasts and is the main source of migrant laborers for those provinces. The regions of Sichuan and Chongqing are classified and referred to as West China on the mainland because of its location at the extremity of China proper even though they geographically lie in central China. West Sichuan at edge of the region, is also the gateway to the frontier/minority regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. Chongqing is historically and culturally part of Sichuan, but is now administratively a separate municipality.
As elsewhere in China, there is an extensive rail network. Rail is the main means of inter-city travel for the Chinese themselves, and many visitors travel that way as well. The system now includes fast bullet trains on most major routes; unless your budget is very tight, these are the best way to go — fast, clean and comfortable.
All the major cities have airports with good domestic connections; some have international connections as well. See the individual city articles for details.
There is also an extensive highway network, much of it very good. Buses go almost anywhere, somewhat cheaper than the trains. See the China article for more. Driving yourself is also a possibility, but often problematic do to the dangerous driving habits and lack of law enforcement; see Driving in China.
See
The impressive Leshan Buddha rock carving in Leshan
Historic sites from the 1911 Wuchang Uprising in Wuhan
Do
Eat
No visit to Chongqing would be complete without a visit to one of the famous hot pot restaurants throughout the city. A spicy broth with seasonings most westerners have never tasted, diners boil their meats and vegetables in this heavenly stock. Try the pig brain and lotus roots or stick with the beef and potatoes - everything tastes better from a hot pot!
Drink
Stay safe
As with most mainland China your only risk is being pick pocketed provided you use common sense. Driving can be very dangerous, in particular in places with mountainous roads and during heavy down pours. Some people recommend sitting at the back of the bus in case of a crash. On occasion foreigners are banned from minority regions (Tibetan) during political sensitive times without warning and you will be sent back and fined if you are discovered. More likely you will not even be able to buy a ticket. Check out beforehand if traveling into these areas to make sure they are open! (West Sichuan)
