Chengdu, China

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it advanced to become the political, economic and cultural center of southwest China. Even at that time the breeding of silkworms and weaving of brocade were already highly developed industries.

One of China's oldest and most respected state schools was founded here. In the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) Chengdu, by now the capital of the state of Shu Han, saw the art of brocade weaving flourish as never before. In the 8th C. it became a center of trade, commerce and industry, which included lacquered and silver filigree work. At the time of the Five Dynasties (907-960) Emperor Meng Chang (919-965) arranged for large numbers of little hibiscus trees to be planted along the town wall and the streets. Chengdu became the capital of Sichuan in 1368.

As a result of its history Chengdu is even today still often known as Brocade City (Jin Cheng) or Hibiscus City (Rong Cheng). It is also a major traffic hub and industrial town with a considerable volume of light and heavy industry. Currently, the city is gripped by a great building bonanza, concentrating mainly on the erection of tower blocks. Moreover, its fourteen colleges, including Sichuan University which was founded here in 1927, make it an important cultural center.

After the Cultural Revolution Chengdu's tradition of tea-houses was revived. Predominantly, these are tea-gardens. Guests buy a portion of tea leaves and receive a cup with lid. A water dispenser walks around the tea-house and tops the cups up with hot water as required.