Sichuan - Much more than just pandas
With a total of 85 per cent of the world's panda population residing in the mountainous region of the province, tourism in Sichuan is understandably focused around the endearing bears.
The one image that one associates with the Sichuan province in China is that of the giant panda. With a total of 85 per cent of the world's panda population residing in the mountainous region of the province, tourism in Sichuan is understandably focused around the endearing bears. Nevertheless, Sichuan is much more than just pandas - a point that was put across during the Sichuan tourism presentation held on July 23 in the capital.
Arun Srivastava, Regional Director (Northern India) of the Ministry of Tourism, said, "This is the first official Chinese delegation visit after the visit of our Prime Minister to China recently. A day before his visit to China, another Chinese delegation had visited us. 2015 is a special year since China is celebrating 'Visit India' year. Hopefully, more of such visits should be happening in India."
Guldeep Singh Sahni, president of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India added, "I really acknowledge their efforts to promote the Sichuan region here. India's outbound sector is growing with 18.63 million people having travelled out of India in the last year. This year, the numbers will cross 20 million. We are really looking at China as a close tourism partner." Sahni also encouraged the tourism delegation from Sichuan to meet and collaborate with as many Indian travel agents as possible.
At the presentation, revolving around the tourism strengths of China's fifth largest province, officials from Sichuan's tourism department spoke about these attractions and their connections with India.
About 150 kms away from the provincial capital of Chengdu lies Leshan - a city that is famous for its Buddhist scenic areas. The 71-meter tall Leshan Giant Buddha is a key highlight of this area, having been listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1996. Another non-panda attraction is the Southern Silk Road which more than 2000 years ago was used by people to trade between Chengdu and India.
Despite the focus on other tourism-oriented aspects of the region as well, the giant panda had an overwhelming presence. During the entire presentation period, two people dressed as pandas were sitting at the edge of the stage. Also in attendance at the event were 12 fans of the giant panda from six European countries - who are on a journey as a part of a contest to meet giant pandas in Sichuan. China has 18 nature reserves in total and 16 of them lie in Sichuan including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The highlight of the event was towards the end of the presentation, when the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India signed a cooperation memorandum with the Sichuan Tourism Delegation.