Travel Inspiration: Sights and Sounds of Chengdu, China

The sound of China will remain forever in my mind as the cacophony of pounding hammers and shovels scraping rock as men build skyscrapers with crude hand tools. What is so astonishing is that the same act in America would be accompanied to the roaring of teams of excavators and electric saws. In China, you hear the determined sound of progress being made on the backs of cheap labor and the low, persistent roar of mass humanity buzzing about daily tasks.

China to me is a land of dichotomy. Building modern buildings with ancient techniques. Saving the pandas but eating the tigers. Killing the baby girls to leave the boys unable to find wives. The social dynamics at play in China are absolutely fascinating to witness first-hand, such as the Little Emperor Syndrome. Since Chinese couples are reduced to bearing one child, that sole child has the loving and devoted attention of not just a mom and dad, but also two sets of obsessive grandparents who provide a level of pampering never before seen in history. You often see these dutiful grandparents at the park, chasing after immaculately dressed, tricycle-riding tots.

Visiting China’s parks and public spaces is particularly interesting, since they act as the living rooms of China—with chess, dancing classes, bubble blowing, kite flying, and much more happening at all hours of the day. It’s also fascinating to visit the local markets to see what the Chinese eat—frogs, spiders, chicken feet, hog snout, other mysterious ingredients. More of my favorite experiences post coming soon! If you’ve been to Chengdu, I would love to hear about yours! Thanks for stopping by!