Sichuan links: Spring cars, one hour to Chongqing

This year, spring was sponsored by the auto industry and the wedding industry, as the Chengdu International Peach Festival featured events and activities "highlighting" the two industries. The festival on Mt. Long Quan, which attracts millions of people every spring, also had a "pastoral" theme, with vegetable- and strawberry-picking contests and a Hakka kite festival.

Speaking of courted industries, Chengdu has been chosen as the host of the third International Advanced Materials Summit from May 6 to 8. The important people in the chemical-based advanced materials industry will gather to work on the upcoming 12th Five-Year Plan, which the government of Chengdu hopes will further promote the city as a center for economic growth and technological progress in Southwest China.

If two hours wasn't fast enough, construction began on the one-hour railway link between Chengdu and Chongqing on Monday. Fun fact: almost two thirds of the track will comprise bridges and tunnels.

And finally, Liang Wenchong, the first Chinese champion of the OneAsia Tour, was recently confirmed as a competitor in The Luxehills Chengdu Open next week (April 1 to 4). He will play against Australia's Scott Strange. The tournament will be held at the Luxehills International Country Club.

Compiled by Isaac Myers