Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. It is a city rich in history and culture and home to the Giant Panda. Chengdu is also the centre of technology, commerce, finance, transportation and communication in south-western China.
Chengdu enjoys four pleasant and distinct seasons, fertile land, abundant rainfall, a high employment rate, and is well known as the heavenly land of plenty. Chengdu is situated in the centre of the Chengdu plain in Sichuan Province, at 30°05'-31°26' north latitude and 102°54'-104°53' east longitude. The city covers an area of 12,400 square kilometers and extends about 166 kilometers from north to south and nearly 192 kilometers from east to west.
Chengdu is an attractive city as displayed by its deep and strong cultural ties, and its unique style in relation to local conditions and customs. Chengdu is also a modern city, with construction bringing on changes with each passing day. Chengdu has been honored as "The Most Economic Energy City in China", as well as won the "Great Award for Creating a Brand of City in China". It has also been accorded a "One of cities highly recommended by Taiwan businesses", "One of the Top Ten Business Cities in Mainland of China", and "One of the Top Ten Cities in Comprehensive Strength", amongst others, in 2004. Additionally, Chengdu has been awarded the "Model City for National Environmental Protection" prize by the General National Environment Protection Bureau.
Snapshot of Chengdu’s key economic indicators in 2008:
Permanent population: 12.706 million
Area: 12,390 sq.km
GDP: RMB 390.10 billion, up 12.1% y-o-y
GDP per capita: RMB 30,855, up 9.6% y-o-y
CPI growth rate: up 4.3% y-o-y
Disbursed FDI: US$2.25 billion, up 97.3% y-o-y
Fixed-asset investment: RMB 301.29 billion, up 25.8% y-o-y
Total retail sales of consumer goods: RMB 162.19 billion, up 19.5% y-o-y
Disposable income of urban residents: RMB 16,943, up 14.1% y-o-y