Small Cities in Sichuan

Meishan city, a small city in Sichuan province. Known to be the hometown of one of the most famous Poets in Chinese history, one of The Great 8 of Tang and Song Dynasties, Dongpo Su, 苏东坡. About 50 km from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Growing up in north China, I was surprise by how developed these small cities in south China are. I remember that small cities in the north are typically poor and undeveloped. But here in Meishan, buildings are nice, city is well organized, people are happy and chill. The price for homes is quite affordable in terms of how much people make in this area, not as crazy as the super cities. There's a Water Street where people would hang out with family and friends after work. Schools, entertainment, restaurants, and hospitals are decent. Weather is great.

Dujiangyan, 都江堰, known for its ancient irrigation system in Dujiangyan City, was an ancient human engineering marvel. Originally constructed around 256 BC in the Qin dynasty for irrigation and flood control, still in use today.

The city of Luding, 泸定. More like a very small town on top of a mountain. Driving is a bit difficult here because you are always on a rather steep slop. The city is known for the Luding Bridge, 泸定桥, which marks an incredible battle during the Chinese civil war, the Battle of Luding Bridge, 飞夺泸定桥.

Taoping Qiang village, 桃平羌寨, a village of the Qiang minority people. Airbnb-style hotels of the Qiang culture, local eats and produce. This place is close to Tibet, so they share similar weather, animal, and plants. People here domesticate yaks and make products out of their milk and meat. Yaks are pretty special animals, they only live in high altitude area. An interesting place to take a break, but not much to see.