China - Chengdu, Getting Around on Motorcycles

Something is going to be done a little differently for the pics from this trip.  I've always been interested in the kinds of vehicles used in different parts of the world.  Thus, all of the vehicles from a given place will be grouped and posted consecutively in a sub-series called "Getting Around".

Chengdu is a little higher in elevation (1,600 ft) and it rains a lot, so their motorcycles are tricked out to protect driver and passengers from the cool and rain.  What you see above is very typical.  The most interesting motorcycles to me, however, were enclosed on all sides by clear, zip-up plastic walls.  Try as I might to capture one, it just didn't work out...

Virtually all motorcycles and trikes were electric, making for a very different pedestrian experience in urban areas.  It is much quieter since there is virtually no motor noise, albeit more honking was necessary to make up for it because people don't hear what's coming.

Below we have a couple of the non-covered variety.  The pic at bottom shows how individuality is expressed by the owner, also very typical.  Didn't notice Yawning Guy until post-capture:

China - Chengdu, Scaffold Covering

Just as in Japan, China takes pains to cover construction or infrastructure facilities.  In addition to addressing public safety, this makes for a more pleasant daily experience just traveling through the city, improving the quality of life for its residents.  Looking closely, one can see that this covering is actually made of plastic panels, not the fabric we're used to seeing elsewhere.

At times only the upper floors are thus treated:

China - Chengdu, Radio Tower

Another one taken while out and about...

China - Chengdu, Tower from Bus Window

As is the case wherever we go on public transportation, there are good pictures to be taken but they have to be on the fly, and far from perfect.  But, seeing as how content and composition trump technical perfection, pics such as this can be considered keepers, if not even blogworthy.  The lighter shade streaking across the middle is a reflection off of the bus window between me and the temple (or whatever it is).  Still, it might make a good bookmark...

China - Chengdu Table Decoration

The meals served to us on this trip were elaborate.  Every lunch and dinner was served in a posh restaurant that was known for its presentation of local cuisine.  I did take pictures of some of the food, but photographically the decorations were just as interesting, such as what you see above.

China - Chengdu, Pyramid Pattern

Being a fan of patterns, could not resist taking a picture of this, whatever it is.  Thought immediately of a post captured on a cruise in 2015.

China - Chengdu, Lady in Elaborate Costume

This very elaborate period costume, along with a very meticulous makeup job, plus the old signage in the background, all make for a keeper.  The more I think about it the easier it is to conclude that these places are the equivalent of the various Renaissance festivals we have in the States, only here they are permanent fixtures.

China - Chengdu, Brown Signage Against Old Building

 

China - Chengdu, Diorama of Rural Life

This is really just art capturing art, but I really like dioramas, particularly if they are well done.  We are offered a glimpse of life in miniature, whether it be city or country.  In this case we're looking at how things are done in a far-flung rural setting, just the kind of place I like to visit.

China - Chengdu, Roll-up Business Front

This is one of those roll-up fronts for a business.  Very artistically done, and free of graffiti.  Lots of these in Taiwan also, but not quite as free of graffiti over there...