Sichuan's capital makes mark on world
Known as the hub of China's central and western regions, Chengdu is gaining recognition for its economic success, urban planning, environment, food and culture.
The provincial capital of Sichuan province has won national awards, being named among the best tourist cities and garden cities.
In the past year, Chengdu has also added some international titles. In March last year, Chengdu was named a City of Gastronomy by Unesco, making it one of only three in the world and the only Asian city with the title. Last August, Chengdu was ranked third, after Shanghai and Beijing, among 30 mainland cities in the 'International Image of Chinese Cities' survey conducted by Gallup Consulting, which polled 8,000 foreigners living on the mainland and abroad.
Then in October, Chengdu earned another third placing, this time in Forbes magazine's analysis of the world's fastest-growing cities over the next decade.
Chengdu covers an area of 12,400 square kilometres, of which the city proper covers 843 square kilometres. It had a population of 14.74 million by the end of 2009, of which 6.02 million were living in the city proper. Under the city's administration are 19 county-level cities, counties and districts. With its fast economic growth, Chengdu has been playing a key role in the development of the mainland's central and western regions. Chengdu's gross domestic product rose 15 per cent to 555.13 billion yuan (HK$663 billion) last year. Per-capita GDP of urban residents was up 11.7 per cent to reach 20,835 yuan. The city used US$6.41 billion in foreign investment, an increase of 43.2 per cent. By the end of last year, 189 of the Fortune 500's companies had set up branches or offices in the city.
Chengdu's foreign trade reached US$24.8 billion last year, up 38.7 per cent, with exports rising 32.1 per cent to account for US$13.87 billion.
Traditionally, the main industries of Chengdu are machinery, chemicals, metallurgy, foodstuffs and textiles. In recent years, the city has achieved success in the development of new technologies, cars, modern manufacturing, logistics, and financial and business services.
Chengdu plans to become the world's modern garden city, proud of its strong economy, culture, heritage and natural beauty.
