In the days of darkness and superstition, many of the residents of Rosuto-Shima worshipped the spirits of their ancestors, or strange, pagan gods. Though many have left these dark days behind, the city of Chengti is evidence that many of the traditional cults are still alive and well. Though respectable men and women should be wary of these dark spiritual movements, the city of Chengti itself is well worth visiting. From music to architecture, much of Rosuto-Shima's beauty can be located here, in the gardens of the place the locals call the City of Heaven.
Along with the rampant worship of strange gods, there are festivals or parades nearly every day in Chengti. If one takes these out of the context of pagan worship, the exquisite art that is displayed in these ceremonies and rituals is quite enjoyable. Those seeking inner solitude may, despite the hustle and bustle of the city, find one of the gardens of Chengti to be exactly the spot they needed to go in order to calm their spirits.
Getting to Chengti
Chengti is connected to Shangti on the East Line of the Rosuto-Shima Steam Rail Authority. As Chengti is a holy place, there are several inns lining the road between Shengti and Chengti, making it popular to take a pilgrimage from one city to the other, travelling on foot.
Getting around Chengti
Steam-powered rickshaws are plentiful in Chengti, as are horses and carriages. The streets are extremely wide and are lined with statues and shrines, making the city easily navigable by pedestrians, motorists, and equestrians alike.
Where to Stay and What to See
There are many inns throughout Chengti, many of them older than any of the buildings still standing in Shangti. Since far earlier times, Chengti has been a place of pilgrimage as well as the centre of superstition in Rosuto-Shima. Because of this, there are many hostels for those seeking to recover some of their expenses, as well as inns that offer a more standard set of luxuries.
The restaurants and shops of Chengti are filled with local delicacies and local art. Though artists are not as prevalent in Chengti as in Chinan, there are several local poets and artists who sell their wares here. But the finest place to visit in Chengti is the Garden of Heaven. Full of ponds and butterfly gardens, bonsai trees and orchids, the Garden of Heaven is a place both of quiet contemplation and of learning. Weekly debates are held in large seating areas throughout the gardens, and the local government meets to discuss grievances and city decisions here in public.
For devotees of theatre, the Hat Cheo, also known as the Peasant Theatre, is not to be missed. It is the only true Opera House in all of Rosuto-Shima, and the musical performances held here are unparalleled. Traditional operas and folk-musicals are performed here, as well as the occasional foreign import.
