Sichuan

Sichuan (or Szechuan) is a province in the southwest of the People's Republic of China. It is one of the largest provinces in China, with an area of over 485,000 square kilometers and a population of over 81 million people. The capital of Sichuan is Chengdu, which is one of the most important economic, financial, commercial, cultural, transportation, and communication centers in Western China.

Geography

Sichuan is located in the upper reach of the Yangtze River and the hinterland of Southwest China. It is bordered by Qinghai to the northwest, Gansu to the north, Shaanxi to the northeast, Chongqing to the east, Guizhou to the southeast, Yunnan to the south, and Tibet to the west.

History

Sichuan has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic Age. It was the place where several tribal states, including the Shu and Ba, emerged. These states were eventually conquered by the Qin Dynasty in 316 BC, which led to the consolidation of Sichuan into China.

Economy

Sichuan is one of China's major agricultural production bases. The fertile Sichuan Basin, irrigated by the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, is often called "the food basket of China". Sichuan also has rich mineral resources, with more than 132 kinds of minerals. The province is also a major industrial center, with industries such as iron and steel, coal, electric power, natural gas, petroleum, chemical, building materials, textile, electronics, food, and nuclear industry.

Culture

Sichuan is known for its rich and diverse culture. It is the birthplace of Sichuan opera, one of the oldest and most interesting forms of Chinese opera. Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of chili peppers, is one of the eight major cuisines of China.

See also

• List of cities in Sichuan
• Sichuan cuisine
• Sichuan opera

Sichuan Resources
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