Gucheng

How did Gucheng get its name? It means old city.
Gucheng in Chengdu. It’s a place with a story etched in every stone.
The story of Gucheng starts long ago. Chengdu is unique. It has kept its name for over two thousand years. Imagine the dynasties that have risen and fallen. Chengdu remained a constant.
But Gucheng. It was briefly known as Xijing or Western Capital in the 17th century. The Kingdom of Shu founded Chengdu in the 4th century BC. Liu Bei ruled Shu Han from Chengdu during the Three Kingdoms Era. His minister Zhuge Liang called it the Land of Abundance. Chengdu became China’s second most prosperous city.
Consider the nick name Brocade City. Brocade was overseen by a Brocade Official.
The name Chengdu may come from King Tai of Zhou. He said a settlement needs one year to become a town. Two years to become a city. Three years to become a metropolis.
Cheng means turned into. Du means metropolis or capital. Gucheng has seen it all.
During World War II many people fled to Chengdu. They escaped the Japanese. They brought business, culture and academics. This made Chengdu an important center.
Picture American B-29 Superfortresses taking off from Chengdu. They bombed the Japanese Home Islands.
After the war the Nationalist government was briefly in Chengdu. Then they moved to Taipei. The People’s Liberation Army took Chengdu in 1949.
Today Chengdu is a major economic and cultural center. It has many industries. These include machinery, IT and food. It is also a leading financial hub. More than 300 Fortune 500 companies have branches in Chengdu.
Chengdu is a Beta + global second tier city. It hosts many foreign consulates. It held the FISU Summer World University Games in 2023. The city will also host the World Games in 2025. Chengdu is also known as one of the best cities to live in China.
The city logo is inspired by the Golden Sun Bird. It was found at the Jinsha Site. This ancient relic represents Chengdu’s long history.
As you wander through Gucheng remember its history. Chengdu was inhabited over four thousand years ago. Discoveries came from the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Site.
Consider also Li Bing who was appointed governor of Shu County. During his time he created the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project. The Chengdu Plain has been fertile for thousands of years since then.
Take a moment to appreciate how Gucheng in Chengdu has changed. From ancient kingdom to modern metropolis. Its name echoes through time. It is a symbol of resilience and prosperity.
The stories of Chengdu and Gucheng are connected. One cannot exist without the other. Take a look around and see the past come alive.
Let’s explore more of Chengdu’s wonders.