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Cheng Du
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Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and also known as Rongcheng or Jincheng, is a key national central city in western China and the core city of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. With over 2,300 years of urban history on the same site and under the same name, Chengdu is renowned as the Land of Abundance.
It is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the hometown of the giant panda. As the cradle of ancient Shu civilization and the starting point of the Southern Silk Road, Chengdu boasts profound historical sites such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Wuhou Shrine, and Du Fu Thatched Cottage, while also serving as a major western international aviation gateway anchored by Tianfu International Airport and a global electronic information industry base.
Tradition and modernity blend seamlessly here, and a relaxed lifestyle coexists with an enterprising spirit, making Chengdu one of China’s most attractive and happiest cities.
Led by West China Medicine, Chengdu brings together the finest medical resources and talent in western China — from the century-old legacy of West China Hospital to the construction of national medical centers, from traditional Sichuan-style Chinese medicine to cutting-edge technologies such as da Vinci robotic surgery and proton therapy.
Chengdu is accelerating the development of an international medical center for western China, providing world-class healthcare services to patients from China and abroad.
21.47
Permanent resident population(million)
14,335
Administrative area(square kilometers)
2.35
Total GDP (trillion/RMB)
80.8%
Urbanization Rate
- Local core medical strengths
Core Medical Strengths
Chengdu boasts the densest concentration of medical resources and highest standard of clinical care in western China. Anchored by the West China Medical Center of Sichuan University, the city holds national influence in treating complex and critical diseases, medical research, and training top-tier professionals.
By the end of 2024, Chengdu had 64 tertiary Class A (3A) hospitals and over 13,000 medical institutions, with annual outpatient visits exceeding 170 million.
West China Hospital has ranked second nationally for consecutive years in the Fudan China Hospital Rankings, while West China Hospital of Stomatology has held the top position in stomatology.
Chengdu is accelerating the development of a nationally influential international medical center for western China.
64
3A Hospitals
2nd
West China Hospital Rank
1st
Stomatology
170M+
Annual Visits
West China Medical Flagship Cluster
The West China medical system, centered on West China Hospital, West China Hospital of Stomatology, and West China Second University Hospital, is the flagship of western Chinese medicine.
Founded in 1892, West China Hospital has 4,900 beds and recorded over 5 million outpatient visits in 2024, consistently ranking second nationally in the Fudan rankings.
It serves as the national center for complex and critical diseases in western China.
West China Hospital of Stomatology has ranked first in stomatology for years, while West China Second University Hospital leads nationally in women’s and children’s health.
National Leadership in Stomatology
West China Hospital of Stomatology, founded in 1907, is the birthplace of modern stomatology in China and the country’s first dental hospital.
It has ranked first in stomatology in the Fudan specialty rankings for consecutive years.
The hospital hosts the State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and leads China — meeting international standards — in dental implantation, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and endodontics, attracting patients nationwide and from abroad.
Deep-Rooted Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chengdu is a major cradle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with the Sichuan school of TCM having deep historical roots.
The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM is one of China’s earliest TCM university hospitals, and the Wenjiang Medical City clusters extensive TCM research, education, and industry resources.
Sichuan-origin medicinal materials such as Ligusticum chuanxiong, Fritillaria cirrhosa, and Coptis chinensis are renowned nationwide.
By 2025, Chengdu had 21 tertiary Class A TCM hospitals, with distinctive strengths in integrated Chinese-Western treatment, acupuncture, TCM orthopedics, and TCM oncology.
Western International Medical Center
Chengdu is accelerating the development of an international medical center for western China.
Leveraging Tianfu International Airport’s role as a major aviation hub on the Belt and Road, the city is building an international medical service hub for countries and regions along the route.
Chengdu’s hospitals are equipped with da Vinci surgical systems, PET-CT, TOMO, and proton therapy systems.
Organ transplantation, cardiovascular intervention, comprehensive oncology, and neurosurgery meet or approach international standards, making Chengdu the preferred medical tourism destination in western China.
- List of key medical institutions
West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Founded in 1892, West China Hospital is a large tertiary Class A general hospital directly under the National Health Commission and the national center for complex and critical diseases in western China.
It has consistently ranked second nationally in the Fudan China Hospital Rankings, with 4,900 beds and over 5 million outpatient visits in 2024.
It leads China and the world in adult living-donor liver transplantation, early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, and nuclear medicine.
- No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan
West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University
Founded in 1907, West China Hospital of Stomatology is the birthplace of modern stomatology in China and the country’s first dental hospital.
It has ranked first in stomatology in the Fudan specialty rankings for consecutive years.
The hospital hosts the State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and the National Center for Stomatology, leading China and meeting international standards in dental implantation, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and periodontics.
- No. 14 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan
Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital
Founded in 1941, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital is affiliated with the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences.
A large 3A general hospital integrating care, teaching, research, prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation, it ranks among China’s top 100 in the Fudan rankings.
It hosts multiple national key clinical specialties with strengths in organ transplantation, cardiovascular disease, neurology, nephrology, and geriatrics, and serves as Sichuan’s cadre healthcare base and emergency medical rescue center.
- No. 32 Section 2, West First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan
Key Speclalties
Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Founded in 1957, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM is one of China’s four earliest TCM university hospitals and a leading provincial-level 3A TCM hospital.
It hosts multiple national key clinical specialties and key disciplines of the National Administration of TCM, with national renown in TCM ophthalmology, acupuncture, TCM gynecology, TCM orthopedics, and integrated Chinese-Western treatment of critical illnesses.
It is the core base for the inheritance and innovation of the Sichuan school of TCM.
- No. 39 Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan
West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
Founded in 1896, West China Second University Hospital is the most influential women’s and children’s specialty hospital in western China, integrating care, teaching, research, and preventive healthcare.
It consistently ranks among China’s top hospitals in obstetrics-gynecology and pediatrics in the Fudan rankings, with outstanding strengths in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, birth defects and rare diseases, and maternal-child health.
It is a designated national regional medical center for OB/GYN and pediatrics.
- No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan
Western Theater Command General Hospital
Located in Chengdu, the Western Theater Command General Hospital is a central hospital directly under the PLA Western Theater Command.
A large 3A general hospital integrating care, teaching, research, and healthcare, it has deep expertise and notable strengths in combat trauma care, organ transplantation, cardiovascular intervention, comprehensive oncology, and gastroenterology.
It serves the dual mission of providing medical support to military personnel and healthcare services to the local community.
- No. 270 Rongdu Avenue, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan
Key Speclalties
- Local cultural characteristics
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — Hometown of the Giant Panda
Chengdu is the cradle of ancient Shu civilization, with over 2,300 years of urban history fostering a profound and uniquely charming Tianfu culture.
From the mysterious bronze masks of Sanxingdui and Jinsha to the millennia-old hydraulic wisdom of Dujiangyan, from the exquisite craftsmanship of Shu embroidery to the magical face-changing of Sichuan Opera, from gaiwan tea in teahouses to the numbing-spicy fragrance of street food, Chengdu’s culture is at once ancient and vibrantly relaxed, embodying the city spirit of harmony, inclusiveness, wisdom, integrity, pragmatism, and innovation.
Shu Embroidery
One of China’s four great embroideries, Shu embroidery is renowned for its meticulous needlework, elegant colors, and ink-painting aesthetic.
It was inscribed on China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006, with double-sided embroidery in different colors and patterns being its most exquisite technique.
Sichuan Opera Face-Changing
Sichuan Opera is the most representative traditional opera of Sichuan, and face-changing (bianlian) is its most iconic stunt — performers switch multiple masks in the blink of an eye.
Sichuan Opera was inscribed on China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006, and face-changing is celebrated as a masterpiece of Chinese opera.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Built in 256 BC under Li Bing, governor of Shu Prefecture, Dujiangyan is the world’s oldest large-scale water conservancy project still in use today.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Its three main components — Fish Mouth Levee, Flying Sand Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel — achieve automatic water diversion, sediment discharge, and flood control, making the Chengdu Plain ‘free from drought and famine.’
Teahouse Culture
Chengdu has one of the highest densities of teahouses in China, and gaiwan (lidded bowl) tea is the soul of its teahouse culture.
At Heming Teahouse and People’s Park, bamboo chairs, gaiwan bowls, copper kettles, and long-spout tea pouring form Chengdu’s most iconic scene of everyday life, reflecting the city’s relaxed, unhurried, and inclusive attitude.
Chengdu Spirit
Harmony and inclusiveness are the core; wisdom and integrity the character; pragmatism and innovation the driving force.
- Famous tourist attractions
Giant Panda Breeding Base
Located in northern Chengdu, this world-renowned giant panda conservation base integrates research, breeding, protection, education, and tourism.
Visitors can observe giant pandas up close — Chengdu is the only major city in the world where pandas can be seen.
Kuanzhai Alley
Comprising three parallel Qing-dynasty streets — Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley — Kuanzhai Alley is Chengdu’s best-preserved historic district, blending northern hutong culture with southern architectural styles.
It is the ideal place to experience old Chengdu life.
Jinli Ancient Street
Adjacent to Wuhou Shrine, Jinli is one of the oldest streets in western Sichuan.
Stretching 550 meters with Three Kingdoms culture and western Sichuan folk customs at its heart, it features Ming-Qing style shops, teahouses, and snacks.
Known as the ‘First Street of Shu,’ it is especially enchanting at night with red lanterns.
Dujiangyan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Heritage Irrigation Structure, Dujiangyan was built in 256 BC and is the world’s oldest large-scale water project still in operation.
Its three core structures — Fish Mouth Levee, Flying Sand Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel — continue to irrigate millions of acres on the Chengdu Plain.
Mount Qingcheng
One of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Qingcheng is renowned as ‘the most secluded mountain under heaven.’
Lush forests and peaks surround Taoist temples nestled among ancient trees.
The front mountain is dotted with temples while the back mountain offers pristine natural scenery — an ideal retreat for summer, Taoist practice, and wellness.
Wuhou Shrine
Originally built in 223 AD, Wuhou Shrine is China’s only joint shrine honoring both a ruler and his minister, commemorating Zhuge Liang, the renowned chancellor of Shu Han.
It is the most influential Three Kingdoms heritage museum in China.
Ancient cypresses, red walls, and bamboo shadows create a solemn, poetic atmosphere.
- Distinctive local cuisine
Chengdu Hotpot — Numbing, Spicy, Fragrant, and Fiery — Icon of a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Chengdu is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Sichuan cuisine is celebrated for its principle of ‘one dish, one style; a hundred dishes, a hundred flavors,’ with the numbing-spicy profile being most iconic.
Chengdu hotpot uses a beef-tallow red broth simmered with Sichuan peppercorns, chilies, and broad bean paste; ingredients like tripe, duck intestines, and beef aorta are briefly swished and dipped in sesame oil with garlic.
From humble street-side eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, Chengdu offers both classic dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken and beloved street snacks including Dandan Noodles, Zhong Dumplings, and spicy rabbit heads — truly China’s premier food city.
Mapo Tofu
A classic Sichuan dish originating in the Tongzhi era of the Qing dynasty.
Tender tofu braised with ground beef, Pixian broad bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and chilies, featuring eight qualities: numbing, spicy, hot, fragrant, crispy, tender, fresh, and alive.
Kung Pao Chicken
A traditional Sichuan classic stir-fried with diced chicken, peanuts, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Tender chicken meets crispy peanuts in a sweet-spicy balance.
One of China’s most famous dishes globally, it is associated with Ding Baozhen, a Qing-era governor of Sichuan.
Dandan Noodles
Chengdu’s most famous noodle snack, named for the pole (dan) carried by street vendors.
Thin noodles are topped with ground pork, preserved vegetables, Sichuan pepper, chili oil, and sesame paste — smooth noodles in a rich, numbing-spicy sauce, beloved for breakfast and late-night snacks.
Zhong Dumplings
Founded in 1893, Zhong Dumplings are a famous Chengdu snack. Thin wrappers enclose pure pork filling (no vegetables), served with a special sweet-spicy red chili oil sauce. Salty, sweet, and mildly spicy, they are distinctly different from northern dumplings and represent Chengdu's red-oil dumpling tradition.
Shuangliu Rabbit Head
Chengdu's most distinctive street snack — rabbit heads braised and tossed with chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and sesame, available in numbing-spicy and five-spice flavors. Gnawing rabbit heads is a beloved Chengdu pastime; hundreds of millions are consumed annually, making it an unmissable part of the city's food culture.
- Urban transportation options
Chengdu Rail Transit Network — Over 750 km of operating track, fourth in China
Chengdu has developed a comprehensive multimodal transport network comprising subway, aviation, high-speed rail, and public bus, serving as western China’s transport hub and international gateway.
Subway / Metro
By the end of 2025, Chengdu’s rail transit operated 18 lines (including the S3 Ziyang line and Rong Line 2 tram), with over 758 km of track — ranking fourth in China.
Daily ridership averaged approximately 6.15 million in 2025, and the green travel share reached 77.6%, the highest among China’s megacities.
Lines cover major urban areas and connect both airports and major railway hubs.
Fares start at ¥2.
Aviation
Chengdu is the third city in mainland China (after Beijing and Shanghai) with two international airports.
Tianfu International (TFU) and Shuangliu International (CTU) together handled 87.34 million passengers in 2024, ranking third among mainland cities.
Tianfu alone handled 54.91 million (fifth nationally), with a long-term capacity of 120 million.
It is a key aviation hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt.
High-Speed Rail
Chengdu’s major railway hubs include Chengdu East, Chengdu, Chengdu South, and Chengdu West stations.
The HSR network reaches Chongqing in 1 hour and Xi’an in about 3 hours, with the Chengdu-Chongqing Central Line and Chengdu-Dazhou-Wanzhou HSR under construction.
Chengdu East Station is one of the largest integrated transport hubs in southwest China.
Public Bus
Chengdu has a comprehensive public bus network covering the entire city with seamless metro connections.
The city’s bus fleet is fully new-energy powered, with fares starting at ¥2 and supporting Tianfutong cards, mobile NFC, and other payment methods.
Community buses, custom routes, and night bus lines further enrich the green public transport system alongside the subway.
Subway Travel Tips
18
operating lines
6.15M
daily metro ridership
758
kilometers of operating mileage
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