Eyes on China – A China Travel Blog

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province (“Chengdu” means “becoming capital”), habitat of giant pandas, and the city of cotton-rose hibiscus.Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometers (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million [only about 200 of whom are "resident foreigners"].

The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 years, when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. The city is famous for its brocades and embroideries, and was where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated. It was the place where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency was printed.

In addition, the region is the natural habitat of giant pandas. Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center supports the world’s only giant panda breeding and research base.
Aside from the famed spicy Sichuan cuisine, and for the relaxed atmosphere of its many tea-houses, Chengdu is also the “gateway to Tibet.” I chose Chengdu over other cities because of its proximity to Kham, the eastern region of Tibet which has traditionally been fiercely independent, but which has long been a part of Sichuan province, under Chinese rule.