Chengdu, China – June 26, 2023
At the Jinsha Site Museum, the discovery of three unassuming bronze artifacts from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) bearing the inscription “Chengdu” has sparked widespread fascination. These inscriptions provide tangible evidence that the name of Sichuan Province’s capital has endured for over two millennia, reflecting the city’s rich historical heritage.
The Chengdu Plain, renowned as a “land of abundance,” served as the cradle of the magnificent ancient Shu civilization. The remnants of this civilization, including the remarkable sites of Sanxingdui and Jinsha, continue to captivate visitors through museums and cultural heritage.
One such cultural treasure is the “Sun and Immortal Birds” gold ornament unearthed from the Jinsha Site. This artifact, deeply intertwined with modern civilization and urban life, will be prominently featured in the main stadium of the upcoming 31st FISU World University Games hosted by Chengdu. The pattern of the gold ornament adorns the top of the stadium, symbolizing the unity, progress, freedom, and beauty celebrated in both ancient and modern times.
Zhu Zhangyi, the curator of the museum, expressed how the gold ornament, despite being an artifact from three millennia ago, embodies the Chinese people’s reverence for light and aligns with the spirit of modern sports.
Throughout its history, Chengdu has flourished as a commercial city, buoyed by its fertile plain and rapid agricultural development. The renowned poet Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty eloquently described the city as a “famed bustling metropolis,” capturing its prosperity and vibrancy.
During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Chengdu stood among China’s most prosperous commercial centers, reaching remarkable levels of affluence. Notably, the city’s Shu brocade gained widespread fame as a coveted commodity along the Silk Road, ultimately earning Chengdu the moniker “city of brocade.”
Historical documents from the period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms depicted Western merchants selling Shu brocade on the Silk Road, showcasing the international recognition of Chengdu’s craftsmanship.
In celebration of Chengdu’s rich cultural legacy, the upcoming games will feature award ribbons that fuse the traditional craftsmanship of Shu brocade with modern design. These medals will serve as tangible symbols of Chengdu’s millenia-old heritage, bridging the gap between past and present.
Visitors and participants alike are invited to immerse themselves in Chengdu’s poetic allure, experiencing the enduring beauty and historical treasures of this remarkable “land of abundance.”
