Was Xichang always known as Xichang? Not quite. Once called Jiandu and Jianchang, Xichang has transformed through dynasties. Today, we explore Xichang in Guangzhou.
Xichang is a city in southern Sichuan. It serves as the seat of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The name Xichang literally means Western Prosperity.
Did you know Xichang was once the center of Sichuan’s white wax production in the 19th century? Imagine bustling markets filled with vendors trading this valuable commodity.
In 1850, disaster struck. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake devastated Xichang. Over 20600 people perished and city walls crumbled. Despite this, the city rebuilt.
Let’s jump back in time. The Qiongdu people were the original inhabitants. The Han dynasty established Qiongdu county here. Later, a local lord received the title King of the Qiongdu.
Marco Polo even mentioned Jiandu in his travels. He noted the locals used gold bullion rods instead of coins. Small change involved molded salt pieces.
Catholicism arrived in the 18th century. The Paris Foreign Missions Society introduced it. By 1946, the Apostolic Vicariate of Kienchang became a diocese. The Cathedral of the Angels stands as a testament to this history in Xichang.
Xichang’s geography is key to its character. Situated in a mountainous region, it enjoys a unique climate. The Anning River flows nearby. It eventually joins the Yangtze.
The climate here is special. Xichang boasts a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Winters are mild, sunny, and dry. Summers are warm and rainy.
The city is known for its sunshine. It receives about 2367 hours of bright sunshine annually. This makes it far sunnier than the Sichuan Basin.
What about getting around Xichang? The Chengdu-Kunming railway passes through Xichang Railway Station. Xichang Qingshan Airport connects the city by air.
But Xichang is most famous for its spaceport. Located northwest of the city, it began operations in 1984. Communications satellites are frequently launched from here. Australia was the first Western country to launch commercial satellites from Xichang.
The Torch Festival of the Yi ethnic group occurs every year. People worship ancestors and pray for prosperity during the festival. The festival includes wrestling, bullfights, and horse racing.
Xichang offers unique flavors. Drunk shrimps made with fresh shrimps from Qionghai Lake are a local delicacy. Buckwheat tea is another specialty. It is believed to lower blood sugar and blood fat.
From ancient kingdoms to modern space exploration, Xichang embodies resilience. Its story reflects a blend of cultural heritage and progress. As we conclude our visit, remember Xichang. It is a city where tradition meets the future under the vast Chinese sky.