Overview
Centrally located in the western Sichuan Plain, with a history of over 2300 year, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is renowned for its fertile land and agricultural wealth which have earned the city the nickname 'Storehouse of Heaven'.

Covering an area of 12390 sq km, it is 192 km long from east to west and 166 km wide from south to north. Up to the year 2003, the city zone of Chengdu is 283.80 sq km.

It comprises 5 districts, 12 counties with a total population of 10,070,000.

Through the city flows the Jinjiang River. In downtown area, long and wide avenues flanked by high rising buildings and local shops and stores are dotted with luxuriantly-grown green trees, and well-trimmed pretty flowers. Indeed, it is a beautiful city full of vigor and vitality.

Chengdu has been famous for its rich cultural heritages. Within its jurisdiction are Qionglai city, Chongzhou city and Pengzhou city, all of which are listed as Cities of Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage by the government of Sichuan province. In November 2000, Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Qingcheng Mountain (the Taoist Mountain) were ranked as Cities of the World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Besides, the local teahouses, snack bars and bazaars (also known as free markets) are still the popular places for tourists to frequent. One can either taste the typical Sichuan cuisine, local wine and tea or sort out his shopping of local special products like Shu embroidery pieces, bamboo- woven porcelain ware and lacquer ware or familiarize himself with local folklores and customs.