South-central China

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. Regions Anhui Province Chongqing Municipality Hubei Province Hunan Province Jiangxi Province Sichuan Province Cities Changsha, Hunan Chengdu, Sichuan Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, one of China's largest cities Hefei, Anhui Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, a center of pottery Leshan, Sichuan Nanchang, Jiangxi Wuhan, Hubei Yichang, Hubei Other destinations Mount Emei, Sichuan Province (3099 meters) Wudang Mountains The birthplace of Tai chi Understand Talk Get in Get around 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 The beautiful Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan Visit the Panda Research Base in Chengdu 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) Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!