A group of entrepreneurs, professionals, and artists from China and abroad recently visited Qingchuan county in northern Sichuan that has gained easier accessibility for outsiders thanks to its connection to the Xi’an-Chengdu high speed railway late 2017.

The 50-member delegation of international elite visited tourism attractions such as Qingxi ancient town, Tangjiahe nature reserve, and tea plantation in Qifo township after reaching the seat of Qingchuan through an 80 minutes high speed railway ride from Chengdu.

About 59 kilometers west of Qiaozhuang town, the Qingxi ancient town boasts lush landscapes and rich cultural diversity. It has a profound history dating back to Shu Dynasty (221-263). A dozen of ethnic groups now live there together, including Hui, Mongolian, and Tibetan.

Home to roughly 3,100 plant species, the Tangjiahe nature reserve is known as one of the best flower admiring sites in Sichuan. More than 1,100 animal species also call it home, including ones under national protection such as giant panda and snub-nosed monkey.