Study in Chengdu, Savor the Land of Abundance
— A City Introduction for International Students (Condensed)
Chengdu, the provincial capital and sub-provincial city of Sichuan Province, is a national central city and one of China’s first batch of national historical and cultural cities. Nestled on the vast, fertile Chengdu Plain, it has been hailed as the “Land of Abundance” since ancient times. It is nicknamed the “City of Hibiscus” for its abundant hibiscus flowers across the city, and also known as the “Brocade Official City” thanks to its renowned Sichuan brocade industry. For international students, Chengdu features profound historical heritage alongside a laid-back and pleasant lifestyle.
The Land of Abundance and the Home of Pandas
Ancient Shu Civilization and a Millennium of Culture
Chengdu boasts an urban construction history of over 2,300 years, with its city site and name unchanged throughout the ages — a rarity among Chinese cities. The golden Sun God Bird ornament unearthed at the Jinsha Site has been designated the official symbol of China’s cultural heritage. Connected to the Sanxingdui Ruins in Guanghan, the two sites jointly bear witness to the splendor of the ancient Shu civilization.The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed under the leadership of Li Bing and his son in the late Warring States Period, still nourishes the Chengdu Plain after more than two millennia. Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System are inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List.Wuhou Shrine tells tales of the Three Kingdoms era, while Du Fu Thatched Cottage preserves the poetic charm of the line “Through my window frames the eternal snow of the Western Ridge.” Intangible cultural heritage items such as Sichuan Opera face-changing, Sichuan brocade and Sichuan embroidery remain vivid and vibrant to this day.
Hometown of the Panda, a Park City
Sichuan is known as the “Hometown of Giant Pandas”, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding stands out as one of the world’s top destinations for visitors to get an up-close look at giant pandas.Modern Chengdu follows the development philosophy of building a “Park City”, with the Tianfu Greenway weaving together urban areas and idyllic countryside. On clear days, residents can even catch sight of the snow-capped Xiling Snow Mountains right within the city, recreating the timeless scenic view depicted in Du Fu’s poem.Studying here means bustling urban prosperity and serene natural scenery are merely a glance away.
A City of Universities
Chengdu is endowed with abundant science and education resources, home to more than 50 regular institutions of higher education. Sichuan University traces its origins back to the Sichuan Chinese and Western School founded in 1896. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) enjoys a stellar reputation in the field of electronic information, while Southwest Jiaotong University ranks among China’s key cradles for higher education in civil engineering and transportation.In 2023, Chengdu successfully hosted the 31st Summer Universiade, showcasing the city’s vitality and hospitality to the world. Local universities offer multi-level programs for international students, including degree programs, Chinese language courses and short-term exchange programs.
A City of Gastronomy and Everyday Joy
In 2010, Chengdu was designated a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, the first city in Asia to receive this honor. Sichuan cuisine adheres to the philosophy that every dish boasts its unique flavor profile and hundreds of dishes present hundreds of distinct tastes, with numbing-spicy flavors merely one of many seasoning styles. Hot pot, Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles captivate countless international students, leaving them reluctant to leave.Local residents embrace a leisurely, unhurried pace of life. Sipping a bowl of covered-bowl tea at teahouses in People’s Park and experiencing the lively street-side ambiance of Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street will help you understand why Chengdu is hailed as “a city you never want to leave once you arrive”.
Closing Words
A park city nestled beneath snow-capped mountains, a joyful Chengdu brimming with worldly vitality.
Welcome to pursue your studies in Chengdu, and embrace a flavorful overseas study journey amid fragrant tea and numbing-spicy delicacies.
Note: This text follows the structure of the Sichuan introduction on the “Study in China” website (www.studyinchina.edu.cn) and was rewritten with publicly available information about Chengdu. All figures and honors are subject to the latest official releases. This is a rewriting sample only and does not represent any official statement.