梦
SHANGHAI
NOTES ON CHINESE CITIES
China's largest city and a major port and industrial centre. Close to the mouth of the Yangtze, Shanghai grew out of the expansion of trade with the West and bears the legacy of European architecture and commerce. A small British community including Hong Kong and Shanghai and Chartered Bank representatives and a BP team.
SUZHOU
An ancient and picturesque city in Jiangxi province in the lower Yangtze valley, famous for its gardens and canals. Often called the 'Venice of China'.
HANGZHOU
An historic city on the scenic West Lake in the lower Yangtze valley. Capital of the Southern Song Dynasty when Marco Polo visited it in the late 13th century. Now a modern city and capital of Zhejiang province.
XIAN
Historic city, capital of several Chinese dynasties and now a major industrial centre. Near to tomb of first Chinese Emperor and its 'guard' of 8,000 strong army' of life size pottery figures discovered in 1974; and to tombs of Tang dynasty Emperors.
CHENGDU
Capital of Sichuan, China's most populous province in a rich rice growing area. A centre of the silk industry since the 4th century BC and still known for its textiles. About 30 miles north of the city is an extensive irrigation network first constructed in the 3rd century BC and still in use today.
CHENGDE (formerly called Jehol)
Summer resort of Qing dynasty Emperors. Situated in mountains about 150 miles north-east of Peking. Famous for its palaces and monasteries the largest of which is a copy of the Potala in Lhasa.
URUMQI
An ancient trading centre set in a gap in the Tianshan Mountains. Now a medium sized industrial town and capital of Xinjiang, home of the Turkic speaking Uygur people.
KUNMING
Because of its
Capital of the south-western province of Yunnan in an area largely inhabited by national minorities. Situated on a scenic lake at more than 6,000 feet above sea level. mild climate known as 'Spring City'. Terminus of the 'Burma Road' during the Second World War.