| Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan Province, home to approximately 10 million people, and is located in southwest China at the western edge of the Sichuan Basin. It is known as one of the most important economic centers and is a major transportation and communication hub in China. Historically, it has played an important role in the political, economical, cultural, and military development of southwest China. Chengdu is regarded as the starting point of the Southern Silk Road and is the gateway to the Tibet Autonomous Region. The surrounding region is famous for its three unique characteristics: beautiful scenery, Bashu Culture, and home of the Giant Pandas. Chengdu is a great place to live with all the amenities and conveniences of a modernized city, but with a cost of living much less than Beijing and Shanghai. Like other key cities in China, Chengdu is rapidly growing, yet the pace of life is notably less hectic. The people of Chengdu enjoy a balanced lifestyle and benefit from all the resources that the city and province have to offer. |