For a long period of time, most of the brocade silks exported to Middle Asia were made in Chengdu. Chengdu was often referred to as "City of Brocade." Chengdu has also been known as the "City of Hibiscus" as hibiscus was planted in the city walls. The hibiscus is still the city flower of Chengdu.

Chengdu is considered China's fourth major city, after Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. With a population of more than 10 million people, Chengdu is the financial center of the southwestern region of China. Modern department stores, supermarkets, warehouses, distribution centers and chain stores are all growing rapidly in Chengdu.

More than 500 enterprises have set up operations in Chengdu's New High Tech Development Zone including Intel, Motorola, Corning, Sumitomo, Alcatel and Nokia. With steady growth in Foreign Direct Investments, Chengdu is on its way to becoming a major global city.

Dujiangyan, or Dujiang Dam, is a famous water conservancy project in Chengdu that was built over 2,200 years ago. In addition to its irrigation functions, the Dujiang Dam is a beautiful tourist site listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" site by UNESCO.

In Chengdu, everyone enjoys hot and spicy foods. The many local specialties include Grandma Chen's Bean Curd (Mapo doufu), Chengdu Hot pot, and Carrying Pole Noodles (Dan Dan Noodles).

Chengdu outnumbers Shanghai in the number of tea houses and bars despite having less than half the population. Locals spend hours drinking tea at teahouses and playing mahjong.

The giant panda is a special and highly valued resource in Chengdu. Visitors and locals enjoy the beauty of giant pandas. The live in large naturalistic habitats at the Chengdu Research Base, a highlight of any visit to Chengdu.