Chengdu consulate is a very peculiar place. It shows very well the schizophrenia of a communist state. You could walk past it and not even notice there's anyth

Chengdu consulate is a very peculiar place. It shows very well the schizophrenia of a communist state. You could walk past it and not even notice there's anything special about that place. Yes it has tall, well protected walls around it, but so do many schools in Chengdu (apparently kidnapping is/was a huge concern). The place also has guards around it, but so do many office complexes. There's even one or two armed policemen -- a normal view around any bigger transport hub as well. At least 3 years ago, when I went there, there was not a single US flag installed visible from the street. It's like CCP doesn't want (their own) people to see, "US is there". The giveaway for me was the private via consultancy/advisory offices on the other side of the street. They all had USA flags in their windows.