Hey, friends who love Chengdu, are you there? Today, I'm here to shout out for Chengdu!

When you mention Chengdu, what immediately pops into your mind?

There's this well-known saying: "Young men, don't rush into Sichuan." The full version is, "Young men, don't rush into Sichuan; old men, never wish to leave Shu." What does it mean? It implies that young people should think twice before venturing into the Shu region (ancient name for Sichuan). Why? Because Chengdu is famously known for its laid-back lifestyle. People here love to sit in teahouses, sipping tea, chatting away, and playing mahjong, savoring the slow pace of life.

Plus, Sichuan is brimming with cultural and recreational activities. The locals are known for their warm and friendly personalities. Look at the traditional Sichuan Opera with its face-changing artistry, a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. And in modern times, Chengdu boasts bustling night markets, vibrant bars, a gastronomic paradise, and, of course, beautiful people everywhere.

In the past, we often thought that such a leisurely lifestyle might dampen the spirit of young people, making them too preoccupied with fun and play to focus on their personal growth and development. But is Chengdu still like that today?

At the dawn of 2025, the blockbuster animation filmNe Zhahas stormed to the top of global animation charts, leaving audiences worldwide in awe. But where did this sensation come from? Who's the director behind this cinematic marvel, Jiao Zi? And where does his animation studio, Coco Bean, hail from? Drumroll, please... it's none other than the vibrant city of Chengdu!

A quick dive into the numbers will floor you. Chengdu boasts over 6,000 digital cultural and creative companies like Coco Bean, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in the digital cultural and creative industries across Central and Western China. A complete industrial ecosystem has taken shape here, fostering a trillion-yuan industry cluster that's the envy of many.

ButNe Zhaisn't the only Chengdu-made gem. Tech giants like Tencent and Douyin (TikTok's Chinese counterpart) have also set up shop in the city, churning out smash hits likeHonor of Kings. And guess what? Over 90% of the founders and talent at these companies are those "young men who defied the old adage and rushed into Sichuan."

Now, let's talk numbers. Early 2024 data from Qunar.com revealed Chengdu as the top choice for China's Gen Z travelers. From 2021 to 2023, the city's permanent resident population surged from 15.12 million to 21.4 million, with 530,000 young talents flocking in 2023 alone and over 500,000 more joining the ranks in 2024. Today, nearly 6.9 million young people aged 14-35 call Chengdu home, accounting for one-third of the city's total population.

Youth is the lifeblood and hope of any city. While traditional industries are locked in cutthroat competition and cities across the nation are vying for young talent with all they've got, Chengdu stands out as a magnet for the younger generation. 

Beyond its flourishing digital cultural and creative industries, Chengdu has also achieved remarkable success in other emerging sectors. Under policy support, XGIMI Technology in the artificial intelligence (AI) domain has leveraged industrial guidance funds to innovate continuously, with its products selling well overseas. Chengdu Leadmed Technology in the biopharmaceutical sector has rapidly risen to industry leadership, thanks to talent recruitment policies and favorable local site incentives. Magic Technology in the e-commerce live-streaming industry has harnessed tax breaks and AI technology to empower live-streaming sales, forming a complete industrial chain. In the first three quarters of last year, Chengdu's AI sector surpassed 80 billion yuan in scale, marking a 35% year-on-year growth.

Now, let's talk about hardware and software advantages. Chengdu enjoys excellent transportation connectivity as a vital transportation hub. Shuangliu and Tianfu International Airports offer flights to over 200 global cities, and it serves as the starting point for the China-Europe Railway Express, significantly reducing corporate logistics costs. In terms of software, Chengdu boasts a vibrant market with diverse industries. It provides startup funds and low-interest loans for promising projects, as well as talent subsidies, children's education benefits, and housing guarantees for talent recruitment, alleviating young people's concerns. High-tech enterprises, micro and small businesses, and recent graduates alike are drawn to Chengdu, which nurtures the city's lifeblood and lays the foundation for its future.

What's even more remarkable is Chengdu's high degree of inclusivity. Here, no matter where you come from, what accent you speak with, or what dreams you harbor, you can seamlessly integrate into the city. In teahouses on street corners, locals and new Chengdu residents sit together, chatting and sharing stories. In community activity centers, everyone works hand in hand, free from any sense of alienation. And let's not forget the countless culinary delights—I'm particularly fond of the spicy and sour noodles and hotpot here, which make my mouth water just thinking about them. These factors all contribute to Chengdu's ability to retain and attract people.

In Chengdu, you're treated to a delightful blend of the old and the new—traditional teahouses coexist harmoniously with ultra-chic, sprawling shopping malls. With affordable housing, a convenient lifestyle, reasonable prices, and fantastic talent attraction policies, it's a no-brainer that Chengdu is destined for greatness!

So, Chengdu truly is a place where "once you arrive, you'll never want to leave." Because, honestly, who'd ever want to say goodbye to a city this amazing?