In 316BC. the emperor of the Shu State moved his capital here and named it Chengdu. For more than 2,000 years it has been a place of political, economic and military importance for southwest China and was once famed for the beautiful silk brocade produced in the city. In recent years Chengdu has experienced rapid development but still retains peaceful parks, traditional teahouses and plenty of restaurants serving delicious Sichuan food. Historical sites are found throughout the city as well as Daoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. Chengdu zoo is known internationally for its work with the study and breeding of the giant panda.

As a provincial capital Chengdu is also a convenient starting point for travel within China - east to the Three Gorges of the Yangzi River, west to mysterious Tibet or south to the Emei Mountain - the sacred place for Buddhism.