Longevity of Chengdu

January 21, 2019

Longevity of Chengdu

‘The Ninth heaven created a place named Chengdu, where thousands of households are as pretty as a painting.’

九天开出一成都，万户千门入画图。

（Bronze mask found in Sanxingdui, aka ‘Three Stars Mound’)

In the eyes of Li Bai, the famous poet from Tang Dynasty, Chendu is blessed with unique endowments and long-lasting prosperity. ‘The Country of Heaven’ and ‘The Land of Abundance’ nurtures lives here tirelessly. Having over 4500 years history of urban development, Chengdu became one of the centres of ancient Chinese civilization with its magnificent Gu Shu civilization (古蜀), around 2050-1250 BC, centred in Sichuan Basin.

In the long development of Chengdu, her people have manifested their creativities and the vitalities of this city. Dujiangyan（都江堰）remains the only functioning water conservancy project in the world from ancient age with a large radiating area. Appearing in Chengdu, Jiao Zi（交子）became the first paper money in the world during the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Alongside the gorgeous Shu brocade, Sichuan opera has exceptionally reflected her people’s constant pursuit of beauty and arts.

Now coming to Chengdu, the adorable panda may not be your only goal, rather the amazing food and the unique lifestyle of what has been regarded the ‘capital of relaxation’ of China. Tradition and modernity are met with each other harmoniously with the sensible spirit of the quality of life. Recognized as ‘a City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO, Chengdu with her spicy-featured Sichuan cuisine and increasing proportion of international cuisines has been made known to more and more passionate foodies. As well as the tireless pursuit and joy of food, people in Chengdu have put much significance on living an unrestrained and relaxed lifestyle. Majong, teahouse, seasonal travelling and various forms of modern entertainment have all become essential components of their everyday lives.