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 the country's four cities with a resident population exceeding 20 million people, ranking alongside other major megacities like Chongqing, Shanghai, and Beijing. According to official census data, the city's administrative area housed approximately 20.94 million residents in 2020, reflecting a significant population surge of 74% over a single decade. Covering an administrative area of over 14,000 square kilometers, Chengdu functions as a vital sub-provincial-level city and an essential economic, cultural, and transportation hub for Western China. Its status as a megacity is further supported by its diverse high-value industries, its position as a leading financial center, and its role as the third city in China to operate two international airports.