What echoes through the ages from this very place we now call Baolian? The story of Baolian is intertwined with the sprawling history of Chengdu itself. Baolian is a suburb of Chengdu.
Chengdu stands as a testament to resilience and enduring culture. Chengdu was founded by the Kingdom of Shu in the 4th century BC. It is unique. It is the only major Chinese settlement that has maintained its name. It has been unchanged throughout imperial, republican, and communist eras for more than two thousand years.
Chengdu’s roots stretch back millennia. Archaeological discoveries show that the area around Chengdu was inhabited over four thousand years ago. This was during China’s Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The area represented a separate ancient bronze-wielding culture.
The name Chengdu first appeared during the Warring States period. The name’s etymology is debated. A popular explanation says a Shu king named his capital Chengdu. He based it on King Tai of Zhou’s saying. A settlement needed one year to become a town. It needed two to become a city and three to become a metropolis.
Over time Chengdu acquired nicknames reflecting its character. It was called the Turtle City, Brocade City, and Hibiscus City. Each name tells a story about Chengdu.
The fertile Chengdu Plain is known as the “Country of Heaven” and the “Land of Abundance”. This area has been crucial to Chengdu’s success. The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was built in 256 BC. This ancient engineering marvel still prevents floods and droughts. This allows the plain to prosper.
During the Han dynasty Chengdu’s brocade industry flourished. The imperial court invested in Chengdu. It established Jinguan management and built “Jinguan City”. “Jinguan City” and “Jincheng” became nicknames for Chengdu.
Chengdu served as the capital of Liu Bei’s Shu Han Empire during the Three Kingdoms Era. Chengdu was also capital to other local kingdoms during the Middle Ages. This rich history has shaped Baolian and Chengdu.
During World War II refugees from eastern China settled in Chengdu. They fled the Japanese. Chengdu’s importance grew under the People’s Republic of China. It became a link between Eastern and Western China.
Today Chengdu is a vital economic, financial, and cultural center. Its diverse economy includes machinery, automobiles, medicine, food, and information technology. Chengdu hosts many international companies. It is a leading financial hub.
Baolian is part of this dynamic city. Chengdu boasts two international airports. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport connect it to the world. Chengdu Railway Station is one of the biggest in China.
As you explore Baolian remember Chengdu’s long and rich history. From ancient kingdoms to modern industry Chengdu has always been a vital center of culture and commerce. The story of Baolian is the story of Chengdu itself a city that has thrived for millennia.