Shuangliu, Chengdu

Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, is situated in the southwest of China in the Chengdu Plain. Shuangliu, is located south of Chengdu covering an area of 1,067 sq km and governing 21 towns, the county has a total population of 950,000.

495 m above sea level, Shuangliu enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinctive seasons i.e. neither scorching hot in summer nor extremely cold in the winter, with average temperature 15.2 - 16.6Ôäâ throughout the year, annual mean precipitation 945.6 mm (40 inches), and more than 337 frost-free days.

As a county, Shuangliu boasts a history dating back 2,300 years with a fascinating past. The county has long been considered the political, economic, and cultural centre as well as a transport hub for land and water. It has also been a commodities distribution base since ancient times.

Shuangliu county produced a GDP of $589 million in 2009, ranking number one in western China and 33rd among China's top 100 counties, a position it has held for 13 consecutive years. Shuangliu is also ranked first among the top 100 counties of China in terms of the growth of new energy industries in 2009.

Its strategic goal is to become a modern 'garden' city, with urban planning geared towards sustainable development, a balance between urban and rural areas with airport city development and the promotion of aviation-based and high-tech industries. Shuangliu is also positioning itself to become a first class location for both national and international investment and the focal point of business potential in western China. Shuangliu aims to be a major manufacturing base with an emphasis on new energy and modern service industries, with a strong representation in aviation related services alongside its more traditional agricultural industries.