Chengdu, Sichuan Province（四川成都）

Chengdu, Sichuan Province [File photo]

Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, is a historical city as well as a business center, with a history dating all the way back to 611 B.C. It boasts a great number of natural and cultural heritage sites.

The city features one of the most important centers of Taoism, the oldest existing irrigation project in the world and a large habitat for giant pandas. It is a livable city due to its mild climate and rich resources. Famed for its hot and spicy cuisine, the city was named City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010. It is also well-known for its appetizing delicacies and slow pace of life.