Chengdu, China

Capital City

With a population of over 20 million, Chengdu is the fourth largest city in China and a booming economic hub. The city has a reputation as a comfortable, livable place, but the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. While the subtropical climate brings high humidity year-round, Chengdu's cultural riches, from its tea houses to its world-class cuisine, make it an attractive destination for those drawn to Western China's charms.