Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. It is a major political, economic, and cultural center for the region and one of the most populous cities in western China. The city has a long history dating back more than two millennia and is renowned for its cuisine, tea culture, and historic sites. In 2010, Chengdu was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its culinary traditions.

Geography and climate: Chengdu sits on the Chengdu Plain at the western edge of the Sichuan Basin. It is watered by several rivers and enjoys a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer monsoon season.

History and culture: The city traces its roots to ancient times and served as the capital of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. It developed as a major commercial and cultural center through imperial China and expanded rapidly in modern times, becoming a focal point for Sichuanese culture, arts, and dialect.

Economy and education: Chengdu is a major economic hub in western China, with strengths in technology, manufacturing, finance, and services. It hosts leading universities such as Sichuan University, Southwest Jiaotong University, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and supports several high-tech zones and research centers.

Landmarks and transport: Notable sites include Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, the Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The city is served by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and the newer Tianfu International Airport, and is connected by an expanding metro system and high‑speed rail network.