"Chengdu is the very city that has truly saved and represented the Chinese culture."

Chung Man-Young, the new Republic of Korea Consul General to Chengdu, praised Chengdu as a "happy" city that has embraced its cultural heritage and is poised to become a core of economic growth in West China.

"Chengdu is the very city that has truly saved and represented the Chinese culture, " Chung, who speaks fluent Chinese and also knows how to write Chinese characters, told Chengdu Daily on Aug 16.

As one of "two cores " in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone, Chengdu also is well positioned to become an economic growth engine for West China, he said. He pointed out that that Chengdu already is home to operations of 40 large enterprise groups from the Republic of Korea (ROK), including Samsung Electronics Co, LG Electronics Co Ltd and Hyundai Motor Co.

An enviable quality of life will also help attract more domestic and foreign companies and enterprises to Chengdu, he said.

?"Chengdu ranks second in the appraisal contest for China's happiest city, " Chung said, adding that he has already experienced the happiness of ordinary people he has met in the four months he has lived there.

?"In my spare time I'd prefer hanging out in park, watching the seniors practicing Tai Chi or yangko dancing together while kids play and couples walking hand in hand, Chung said. "I know then they are very happy people. "

He also praised the city's efforts to protect its culture, noting the renovation of Broad and Narrow Alley and Jinli Promenade.

?"Chengdu is a city with rich cultural connotations. I've been to many cites around the world, and Chengdu is the first one I've ever seen that has on its sidewalk the engraved poems and drawings, " he said. " Chengdu is indeed a city that has well preserved and reflected the Chinese culture. "

Chung said the Republic of Korea will work closely with Chengdu to support partnerships and joint initiatives as a win-win for both places.

"It's now the west region's turn in China's economy. Chengdu plays a vital role in the West Development Campaign with a brilliant future, " he said.