Chengdu

In December 316, the Battle of Chengdu occurred during the Jin conquest of the Cheng Han state, part of the transition from the Three Kingdoms period to the Jin Dynasty in Chinese history. The Battle of Chengdu was a significant turning point as it marked the end of the Cheng Han state, consolidating Jin control over the region. This military engagement demonstrated the growing power of the Jin Dynasty and how they quelled local warlords to reunify China.

On March 19, 1279, the Mongol Empire conclusively defeated the Southern Song Dynasty, capturing the city of Chengdu, which served as a key stronghold for the Southern Song. This event marked the end of the Southern Song Dynasty and the complete control of the Yuan Dynasty over China. The fall of Chengdu was pivotal, as Chengdu was an important cultural and economic center during the Song Dynasty, known for its innovations and wealth.

In April 1644, the city of Chengdu was captured by forces of the Qing Dynasty during their consolidation over southwest China. This event was part of the Qing's broader conquests to establish control following the collapse of the Ming Dynasty. Chengdu's capture by the Qing signified a strategic victory that enabled the Qing to stabilize the region, which was historically essential due to its fertile lands and populous urban centers.

In December 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chengdu was utilized as the emergency capital after the fall of Wuhan. As the Japanese advanced, the Nationalist government had been forced to move the capital several times to keep it safe from invasion. Chengdu's designation as the provisional capital was crucial because it highlighted its strategic location in the interior of China, far from the eastern battlefronts, and its cultural significance.

On July 6, 1981, a notable earthquake struck the Chengdu Plain in Sichuan, China. This seismic event caused significant infrastructure damage and resulted in casualties, both injuries and loss of life. The earthquake raised awareness about the geologically active nature of the region, leading to more focused earthquake preparedness and building regulations in the following years. The event was a reminder of the vulnerability and preparedness required in such earthquake-prone areas.

Chengdu was one of the cities affected during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. On June 4, while large-scale protests were centered in Beijing, significant demonstrations also occurred in Chengdu. Citizens, particularly students and intellectuals, gathered to demand political reform, transparency, and freedom of expression. The demonstrations in Chengdu were part of a nationwide movement for change and were met with a heavy-handed response by the government, resulting in arrests and casualties.

From November 20 to November 22, 2010, the 18th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention was held in Chengdu. This event brought together thousands of entrepreneurs of Chinese descent from across the globe. The convention highlighted the growing economic significance of Chengdu as a business hub and its appeal to global investors. The event also served as a platform for networking, promoting business collaborations, and discussing the economic trends of the time.

On April 20, 2013, the Lushan earthquake occurred near Ya'an, Sichuan, which affected parts of Chengdu due to its proximity. Although the epicenter was located outside Chengdu, the event caused significant concern within the city, leading to emergency responses and assessments of infrastructure. The earthquake highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic events, reinforcing the importance of disaster readiness and highlighting the modern urban challenges faced by Chengdu.

In April 2019, the construction of the Tianfu International Airport was officially launched in Chengdu. The new airport project, which was a significant part of Chengdu's urban and economic development plans, aimed to enhance Chengdu's transportation infrastructure and connectivity. Once completed, it was expected to boost the city's potential as a major logistics and travel hub in Western China, serving both domestic and international routes.

On June 27, 2021, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport was officially opened. As one of the largest airports in China, it serves to alleviate traffic from the existing Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The new state-of-the-art facility is aimed at enhancing the city's connectivity and capacity for both international and domestic flights. Its opening marks a significant milestone in Chengdu's development as a key transportation hub in the region.