Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in China, exemplifies the nation’s extensive historical heritage alongside its swift modernization. Having a population of 20,937,757 as of the 2020 census, it ranks fourth most populous city in China and is the only one with more than 20 million residents outside of directly run-through municipalities. Acting as the classic center of Western China, this energetic city has a unique fusion of old history and modern development.

Located in the middle of central Sichuan, Chengdu borders the rich Chengdu Plain, often known as the “Land of Heaven” and “Land of Abundance”. Since ancient times, this area has been the cradle of civilization; archaeological evidence points to the existence of the mysterious Sanxingdui culture. The adjacent Dujiangian Irrigation System, an engineering marvel with a UNESCO World Heritage designation, further emphasizes the city’s historical importance.

Meandering throughout the city, the Jin River has been absolutely vital in forming Chengdu’s growth and culture. Deeply ingrained in Sichuan’s gastronomic customs, the city’s culinary excellence attracted attention outside when UNESCO named Chengdu a city of gastronomy in 2011. This award highlights the city’s dedication to safeguarding and enhancing its distinctive cuisine, which is distinguished by strong tastes and creative cooking methods.

Global recognition of Chengdu is closely associated with the enormous panda, a legendary emblem of China. The city takes great satisfaction in having the world-class Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, committed to the preservation and research of these cherished animals, located here. This link to the giant panda not only improves Chengdu’s visibility abroad but also emphasizes its dedication to environmental protection and biodiversity.

The city’s amazing history begins with the 4th century BC Kingdom of Shu‘s establishment. Being the only major city to have kept its original name unaltered for more than two millennia, spanning the imperial, republican, and communist periods, Chengdu has a special position in Chinese urban history. This continuity tells volumes about the city’s ongoing significance and cultural resiliency.

Over its lengthy history, Chengdu has been quite important in many historical eras. During the turbulent Three Kingdoms Era, it was the capital of Liu Bei’s Shu Han Empire; thereafter, it became the center of various Middle Ages local kingdoms. During World War II, the city’s strategic significance emerged as it turned into a shelter for eastern China’s displaced from Japanese attack. Following the war, Chengdu temporarily housed the capital for the Nationalist republican government until it left for Taiwan.

The founding of the People’s Republic of China signalled a fresh turn in Chengdu’s growth. Building railroads linking the city to Chongqing in 1952 confirmed its importance as a vital connection between Eastern and Western China, then followed expansions to Kunming and Tibet. Chengdu became a major military manufacturing center in the 1960s, therefore confirming its strategic relevance within the country.

In the modern age, Chengdu has evolved into a multifarious powerhouse shining in many different fields. Among China’s most significant hubs of economic, financial, commercial, cultural, transportation, research, and communication, it is also one of Strong footholds in machinery, automotive manufacture, medical, food production, and information technology define the varied city economy.

With its rating as the 35th worldwide financial center in the 2021 Global Financial Centres Index, Chengdu is clearly rising in the financial scene. With more than 300 Fortune 500 firms establishing a presence in the city, this status has drawn a lot of foreign businesses. Such a concentration of global commercial interests emphasizes Chengdu’s increasing significance on the scene of world economy.

Development of the city’s infrastructure has matched its economic expansion. Only Beijing and Shanghai inside China share the two international airports Chengdu possesses. Major hubs for Air China and Sichuan Airlines include the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and the recently built Tianfu International Airport; the former is among the thirty busiest airports globally. Apart from that, the Chengdu railway station is among the six biggest in China, thereby enabling effective national transit.

The Globalization and World Cities Research Network‘s categorization of Chengdu as a “Beta + (global second-tier)” city reflects its worldwide profile even more and puts it in line with other international metropolises like Washington, D.C. With 23 foreign consulates—the fourth-highest count in China behind Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou—the city’s international prominence is enhanced.

The value of the city goes beyond diplomacy and business. The Western Theater Command area of the People’s Liberation Army bases itself in Chengdu, therefore underscoring its strategic military significance. Regarding sports and international events, Chengdu is becoming the third Chinese city to host the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in 2023, after Beijing and Shenzhen. The city is also scheduled to host the World Games 2025, therefore reinforcing its worldwide profile.

Combining economic possibilities with quality of life, Chengdu’s status as among the greatest places to live in China is earned. Being a national center city of China emphasizes its relevance in the urban hierarchy and development plan of the nation.

The remarkable academic scene of the city clearly shows its dedication to scientific research and higher education. With the largest concentration of colleges and research institutions in Western China and among the top 25 cities worldwide for scientific research output, Chengdu Prestigious universities including Sichuan University, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu University of Technology, Sichuan Normal University, and Xihua University help to define the intellectual vitality and creative potential of the city.