Located in central Sichuan Province, Chengdu is home to over 20 million people.  Included in that number are two American teachers who have made the capital of Sichuan Province their home. Through their weeklong journey they explore some of the city’s amazing sites and share their feelings about living in one of China’s most diverse and economically important cities in Southwest China.

Both teachers, Michael from Nebraska and Wesley from Connecticut, discuss similar experiences about living in China and America.  From shopping at a local farmer’s market, to exploring the city on a full moon bike ride and playing on a softball team, there are many commonalities between their lives in Chengdu and their lives in America.

And there are many differences as the teachers become students traveling to Chengdu’s historical and modern sites including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding outside of the city center. As the only research facility in the world located in an urban area, the park is a rare opportunity for people to view pandas and understand efforts to conserve wildlife.

At each historical site they visited they learned more about the history of Chengdu. At the Wuhou Temple in Southern Chengdu they viewed ancient stone scrolls dating back to 808 AD. They saw traditional and modern architecture at the Huanglongxi Ancient Town. And a stunning prefab building with a figure eight rooftop juxtaposed to the Daoming Bamboo Craft Village where they learned basket weaving. At the Wide and Narrow Alleys, they watched classical ear cleaning.  And the insights they share about viewing artifacts at the archeological site of Sanxingdui dating back to 12th to 11th Century BC are interwoven with historical facts that provide a history lesson for the viewing audience.  Tasty treats at an old teahouse that featured a traditional face changing performance and a traditional hot pot meal round out their weeklong adventure.

The journey of American teachers in Chengdu provides a glimpse into what it’s like living and teaching English in the busy city.  More importantly are the connections they’ve made and the teachable moments they share as part of a global community.