For people who have never been to Chengdu, the city is just a city. But for those who have visited or lived there, it has its own unique kind of beauty, style and magic.

A city built 2,300 years ago — but with evidence of human habitation dating back to 4,500 years ago — Chengdu still shines in today's China as one of leading metropolises in terms of industry and culture.

Located in the downtown of Chengdu, Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu is a major new retailed mixed-use development center that has attracted a variety of international luxury brands and renowned restaurants.

According to its official website, the first flagship stores of fashion icons Hermes, Cartier, Gucci and Tiffany in Southwest China are all in Chengdu.

"In Chengdu, on one hand, people's lifestyle is laid-back. They enjoy a slow pace of life," said Han Zhi, senior manager for retail sales at Hong Kong-based Swire Group, which is the 50-percent shareholder of Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu.

"On the other hand, Chengdu is a fast-growing city even among cities worldwide."

Han said that Taikoo Li would continue to introduce new brands and business formats into Chengdu's market this year.

"We have focused on the integration of the Eastern and Western styles, the new and the old," Han said, adding that it had provided the opportunity for global fashions and local culture to communicate and come there.

Chengdu International Finance Square, not far from Taikoo Li, is another landmark building in the city.