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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 (river of brocade). 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 bazars (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 lacquerware or familiarize himself with local folklores and customs.
   

Chengdu is the gateway to scenic Jiuzhai Gou, the Buddhist mountains of Emei Shan and Le Shan, and one of the most important panda breeding centers. It's also a traveler's haven and a place to gather information between trips. People are friendly and the pace unrushed. And because Chengdu is one of the few cities with daily flights to Lhasa, many travelers come here to arrange transportation to Tibet.

China International Food Tourism Festival
Launched in 2005, China International Food Tourism Festival received more than 3 million visitors, including 100,000 form other parts of China and abroad.
The festival was held on October in Chengdu that boasts of essence of Sichuan food and charming scenery. The internationalization, folk custom, entertainment and participation are what the festival tries to achieve.

Dujiangyan Water-releasing Ceremony
The water-releasing ceremony originated from the sacrificial ritual in honor of the God of Water before the irrigation system was built. At that time, floods frequently occurred, putting people on both banks of the river in great suffering. To seek protection from the God of Water, sacrificial rituals would be regularly held along the river. After the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the Chengdu Plain was free from floods and people had ample food and clothing. To commemorate Li Bing and his son for their great work, people dedicated the sacrificial ceremonies to the father and son instead of the water. Local residents would spontaneously go to the Erwang (literally, two kings) Temple in honor of Li Bing and his son, where temple fairs (otherwise known as "Qingming Festival fairs") would be held.
Currently, the water-releasing ceremony on the Qingming Festival reenacts the long history and folk culture of the agricultural era on the Chengdu Plain, reflecting the good qualities of the Chinese nation in terms of honoring ancient heroes and showing gratitude for their contributions.