Known for its spicy cuisine, giant pandas, and a famously relaxed pace of life, Sichuan is the soul of Southwest China. These galleries focus on the capital, Chengdu, a city where ancient teahouse culture thrives amidst rapid modernization. It is a region defined by its fertile plains, misty mountains, and the warmth of its people.

Chengdu: The Modern Giant with a Teahouse Soul

Since 2010, Chengdu has transformed from a regional hub into a world-class megacity. While the skyline is now dominated by high-tech districts and the massive Global Center, the city has managed to preserve its unique spirit. It remains the capital of "slow life" in China, where the aroma of spicy Sichuan hotpot and the clatter of mahjong tiles in the local teahouses are just as important as the sprawling new metro network.