Despite its terrible cost in human lives and the extensive damage caused across the region, last year's Sichuan earthquake did, once again, highlight the positive-thinking, yet hardy, characteristics of the robustly-wrought citizens of Chengdu.

The people of the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan province have long prided themselves on their positive attitudes, sense of humor and ability to achieve a perfect balance between ancient traditions and modern culture in their day-to-day lives.

Once dubbed the "Land of Abundance", the city has benefited from pleasant weather and comfortable living conditions for thousands of years. Even last year's devastating earthquake could not dent the city and the spirit of the city, even though it is located only 73 km away from the village of Wenchuan, the very epicenter of the quake.