Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus. Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.

Chengdu is known to be a very laid-back city and ranked one of the most livable cities in China in recent years. It is credited with a good nightlife scene and contains many new western style buildings in the large city center. Summer weather is hot and humid, as the city is surrounded by mountains in the Red Basin. It is also home to many significant and interesting temples.