Sichuan is located in the upper reach of the Yangtze River and the hinterland of Southwest China. It is bordered by Hubei and Hunan in the east,Guizhou and Yunnanin the south, Xizang (Tibet) in the west and Qinghai, Gansu and Shanxi in the north.
In the eastern basin area and the lower western valleys that are sheltered from cold polar air masses by the surrounding mountains, there are 350 frost-free days in the east, and the growing season lasts nearly all year round. In the west, the sheltering effect of the mountains is evident from the contrast between the perennially snow- cappped peaks and the mild weather prevailing in the valleys beneath them.
The economic strength of Sichuan has ranked ninth in the country and first in West China. The GDP and other main economic indexes of Sichuan account for one quarter of the total of the 12 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in Western Region of China. Chengdu is the center of commerce, trade, finance, science and technology as well as the hub of transportation and communications. Recently, Chengdu has been designated by State Council as National Urban-Rural Integration Supporting Reforms Comprehensive Trial Area. Sichuan has very strong agriculture and sound industry systems, featured by outstanding advantages in electronic information, machinery, metallurgy, hydropower, beverage, foods, medicine, chemical industry, and tourism etc. Sichuan is endowed with hydropower and mineral resources. Reserves of 11 kinds of rare metals including vanadium and titanium enjoy a leading position in China even in the world.
Sichuan Province has a lot of tourism resources, among which the major attractions are the four-Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Leshan Giant Buddha Statue-Emei Mountain and Wolong-are listed on the World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site List and “Human and Nature” Protection Net by UNESCO. Other attractions include Zigong Large Dinosaur Museum, Sanxingdui Remain, Dujiang Weir, Qingcheng Mountain, Gongga Shan, Bamboo Sea in Eastern Sichuan Province, Siguniang Mountain, and Mt Xiling Snow.
As one of the largest provinces, Sichuan has more than 15 minority ethnic groups living side by side with the Han people. Among these are the Yi, Hui, Quian, Tibetan and Miao people. Each of these minorities has its own charm, ethnic style and folk customs. Each of the minorities also has its own festivals. Some of the local festivals are; the Leshan Giant Buddha International Tourist Festival, Southland Ice and Snow Festival, Liangshan Yi Ethnic Minority Torch Festival and Zigong Lantern Festival.
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