Chengdu

Chengdu
Name	Chengdu
Settlement type	Sub-provincial city
Coordinates	30, 39, 35, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Sichuan
Leader title	CPC Secretary
Leader name	Shi Jinghua
Leader title1	Mayor
Leader name1	Wang Fengchao
Area total km2	14335
Population total	20,937,757
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto

Chengdu. It is the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China, serving as a major economic, transportation, and cultural hub. The city is renowned for its historical significance as the capital of ancient kingdoms, its globally popular cuisine, and its status as a center for giant panda conservation. Chengdu's development is underpinned by advanced industries in technology and finance, supported by extensive infrastructure including one of the world's largest buildings, the New Century Global Center.

History

The area's history dates to the founding of the Shu state, with significant archaeological finds at the Jinsha site. It served as the capital for regimes like the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period and the Former Shu and Later Shu during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. During World War II, it was a crucial rear-area base for the Republic of China (1912–1949) and hosted the Chengdu U.S. Air Base. In 1949, it came under the control of the People's Liberation Army. Major historical projects include the Dujiangyan irrigation system, built during the Qin dynasty, and the preservation of sites like the Wuhou Shrine.

Geography and climate

Chengdu is situated on the Chengdu Plain in the western Sichuan Basin, with the Min River flowing through the area. It is bordered by the Longquan Mountains to the east and the Qionglai Mountains to the west, which are part of the Hengduan Mountains system. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate influenced by the Sichuan Basin topography, characterized by high humidity, moderate temperatures, and frequent fog. It is located near the seismically active Longmenshan Fault, associated with events like the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Economy

Chengdu is a leading economic center in Western China, with a diverse economy anchored by sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology. It hosts major facilities for companies like Intel, Foxconn, and Volkswagen Group, and is a key base for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The Chengdu High-tech Zone and Tianfu New Area are major development zones. The city is also a national financial hub, home to institutions like the Chengdu Branch of the People's Bank of China and the Shanghai Stock Exchange's SSE STAR Market service center.

Culture

Chengdu is synonymous with Sichuan cuisine, recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and is the origin of dishes like Mapo tofu and the Sichuan hotpot. It is the birthplace of Jin dynasty poet Sima Xiangru and hosts cultural institutions like the Sichuan Opera, known for Bian Lian (face-changing). The city is a global center for giant panda research, centered on the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Traditional tea culture thrives in historic tea houses, and the city is known for its relaxed lifestyle, often referred to as the "Land of Abundance."

Transportation

Chengdu is a major transportation nexus, served by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and the newer Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. It is a pivotal hub for China Railway High-speed networks, with major stations like Chengdu East railway station and Chengdu South railway station. The city's Chengdu Metro system is one of the largest and busiest in China. It is also the starting point of several national expressways, including the G5 Beijing–Kunming Expressway and the G42 Shanghai–Chengdu Expressway.

Education and research

The city is a leading center for higher education and scientific research in Western China. It is home to prestigious institutions like Sichuan University and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. Key research is conducted at the Chinese Academy of Sciences institutes, including the Chengdu Institute of Biology and the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment. The city also hosts the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and is a base for major national science projects.

Category:Capitals in China Category:Sub-provincial cities in China Category:Chengdu