Introduction of Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and an important industrial, commercial and financial city in Southwest China. Chengdu is located in one of the country's richest agricultural plains, and it has an area of 12,300 square km, with a population about 10 million.

Chengdu is located in the center of the central Sichuan basin, at the confluence of the Nan and Fu rivers. The biggest surprise was to find that Chengdu is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is jam-packed with history.

In the 3rd century BC, the powerful Qin's conquered all of China, and in 221 BC Chengdu was established as the capital of their empire. People have lived in Chengdu for almost 4000 years, making it a historic city believed by some to be the oldest established city in the world.

Once the starting point of the "Southwest Silk Road," it continues to be one of the most dynamic and attractive metropolises in Western China. Besides being a major agricultural center, Chengdu also has become the industrial, communications and transport hub of the area.

During the late Han dynasty (AD 22-220) Chengdu was renowned for its silk brocade weaving and thereby became known as the "City of Brocade". In fact it was also known as the "Storehouse of Heaven" because of the agricultural wealth of Sichuan. During the Five Dynasties Period (907-960), a ruler of the late Shu dynasty, Meng Chang, had many hibiscus trees planted on the city walls, thus giving Chengdu the name of "City of Hibiscus".

As a historical city, Chengdu is known for many firsts: the first irrigation system (250 BC), the first natural gas utilities, the first brocade-weaving machine (220AD), the first tea culture (202BC-220AD), the first center of laquerware-making (100AD), the first relief printing (618-907AD), and the first paper money (960-1126AD).

Chengdu's layout is based on that of Beijing but it is greener and has a more traditional charm to it. It is as if parts of China's history have remained embedded in the many markets and drinking houses of this quaint city. The extensive redevelopment seems to have left Chengdu's soul untouched and walking through her delightful back streets and alleys may seem like a trip back in time.

For now even have a great modern change in Chengdu, there are still many miles of bustling backstreets to explore. Strike off on a walk away from the Beijing-style boulevards; free markets, flea markets, pedlar markets, commercial districts, underground shopping malls – you'll stumble over more of them with each twist and turn of the back alleys. Add to this the in door food markets, the countless tiny restaurants specializing in Sichuan snacks, the old man walking their song birds of buddle over a game of go, and you're looking at one of China's most intriguing city.

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Introduction of ChengduAttractions and SightseeingsFood and Cuisine in ChengduTransportation in ChengduClimate of ChengduHistory of ChengduSuggested Itineraries

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