Chengdu (成都) was the capital of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. Located in modern Sichuan Province, the city sits in the fertile Sichuan Basin, surrounded by mountains that provided natural defences.
Strategic location
Chengdu’s location in the Sichuan Basin made it an ideal capital. The basin is surrounded by mountains, making it difficult to invade. The region was agriculturally rich, providing food security for the kingdom. The Yangtze River and its tributaries provided transportation routes.
Under Liu Zhang
Before Liu Bei’s conquest, Chengdu was the capital of Yi Province under Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang ruled from Chengdu but was seen as weak and indecisive, leading to Zhang Song and others inviting Liu Bei to take control.
Conquest by Liu Bei
In 214, after the Conquest of Yi Province, Liu Bei took control of Chengdu and made it his base. The city became the centre of his growing power in the west.
Capital of Shu Han
When Liu Bei declared himself emperor in 221, Chengdu became the capital of Shu Han. Zhuge Liang administered the kingdom from Chengdu, developing agriculture, industry, and military organisation. The city flourished under Shu Han rule, becoming a centre of administration and culture.
Fall of Shu
In 263, during the Fall of Shu, Deng Ai led Wei forces through the mountains and reached the Chengdu plain. Liu Shan surrendered the city, ending Shu Han’s independence. Chengdu was then incorporated into Wei (later Jin) territory.
Modern Chengdu
Today, Chengdu is a major city and the capital of Sichuan Province. It remains an important economic and cultural centre, with historical sites commemorating the Three Kingdoms period.