No 9 Chengdu

Chengdu is famous for its gentle pace of living. You can find everything that a big city has while enjoying the peace that only small towns can provide at the same time.

As the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is one of the most important economic, transportation and communication centers in Southwest China. Due to its mild climate and good air quality, the city was one of the country's top 10 livable cities in 2006 and 2007. Famed for its delicious "hot and spicy" cuisine, Chengdu became the first Asian city named as a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010.

People gather to see a fountain show in Tianfu Square in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in this file photo taken in 2007. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]