The local restaurants also have a mini-stage where local artists perform the Sichuan Opera (also known as Chuanju), which includes the art of face changing. On Kuan Lane, culture buffs can visit open-air Chinese teahouses and taste authentic Sichuan cuisine. Similarly, the local government of Chengdu has preserved the China Lane Cultural Protection Area, which covers the Kuan Lane (wide lane), Zhai Lane (narrow lane), and Jing Lane built during the Qing dynasty. Riding rickshaws, visitors can go around the hutongs and see how the old houses were built and what they looked like in the past. But now, most of the old mansions are occupied by ordinary people or rented out as commercial establishments.

Originally, Shichahai was the neighborhood where the royal families and aristocrats lived. Even in Beijing, the capital and major transportation hub, the state has preserved the hutongs or narrow alleys in the area of Shichahai. If I were to describe China now, I'd say it's like the country is trying to follow the wedding tradition of using something old, something new, and something borrowed.Дuring my recent visit, I witnessed how the local governments have been trying to preserve its old cities and streets. Three of these cities were among the 10 best cultural Chinese cities feted by China Radio International (CRI) Online in its 2011 Chinese City Rankings event. Last month, I was fortunate enough to represent GMA News Online which was among 11 foreign media outfits invited to visit the cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Suzhou.

I used to be one of those people, but after visiting four of China's best cultural cities, I can attest to the fact that there's a lot more to see in this country aside from one ancient structure. Most people probably want to go to China just to see the Great Wall.

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