Chengdu is officially classified as a megacity and is one of the most populous urban centers in China, serving as the capital of Sichuan Province. As of 2024, it is recognized as one of only four cities in the country with a resident population exceeding 20 million people, alongside Chongqing, Shanghai, and Beijing. According to the 2020 census, its population was recorded at approximately 20.94 million, representing a significant 74% increase from the previous decade. Covering an administrative area of over 14,000 square kilometers, Chengdu functions as the primary economic, cultural, and transportation hub for southwestern China and has maintained its status as a leading "New First-Tier" city for over ten years.