The capital of Sichuan province is located in the center of the central Sichuan basin, at the confluence of the Nan and Fu rivers, and is more than 2000 years old. During the late Han dynasty (AD 22-220) Chengdu was renowned for its silk brocade weaving and thereby became known as the “City of Brocade”. In fact it was also known as the “Storehouse of Heaven” because of the agricultural wealth of Sichuan. During the Five Dynasties Period (907-960), a ruler of the late Shu dynasty, Meng Chang, had many hibiscus trees planted on the city walls, thus giving Chengdu the name of “City of Hibiscus”.

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There is a rampart 20 kilometers in length, which encloses the rectangular Old City with the viceroy’s palace, which was built in the 14th Century, at its center. The Cultural Revolution destroyed what remained of the city walls however, and the palace was replaced with a Soviet styled palace of Socialism.

Chengdu’s layout is based on that of Beijing but it is greener and has a more traditional charm to it. It is as if parts of China’s history have remained embedded in the many markets and drinking houses of this quaint city. The extensive redevelopment seems to have left Chengdu’s soul untouched and walking through her delightful back streets and alleys may seem like a trip back in time.

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