Sichuan's easy-going capital, Chengdu lies on the western edge of the Red Basin. The city, which is more than 2,000 years old, now has over 5 million inhabitants in the city proper, and around 9 million in greater Chengdu. In contrast to some other Chinese urban centres, and despite raging redevelopment, it has managed to preserve an atmosphere that evokes a sense of history.
Chengdu was alread the political, economic and cultural central of western Sichuan by 400 BC. During the Five Dynasties Period, Meng Chuang, a ruler of the later Shu, had numerous hibiscus trees planted on the city walls, so the town eventually became known as the city of Hibiscus.
Built on flat ground, Chengdu can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. It has almost a southern aspect, with pleasantly colorful old streets lined by scores of small, traditional shops and restaurants, and walk ways that remain crowed until late with traders, buyers and people just out for a stroll. The commercial Centre of Chengdu is concentrated around Dongfeng Lu and Dong Dajie, southeast of the large Mao statue and Exhibition Hall.
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