History and culture

Sichuan is steeped in history and time-honored cultures. During the pre-Qin period (prior to 221 BC), the area that is now Sichuan Province was part of the ancient Ba and Shu states. In the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), this region was administratively organized as Chuanxia Circuit. (The term "circuit" was used to denote a large administrative district in the Song dynasty.) Subsequently, it was subdivided into four administrative regions: Yizhou, Zizhou, Lizhou, and Kuizhou circuits, collectively known as the Sichuan Circuit, a name that gives rise to the present designation of "Sichuan". Sichuan is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Daoism, the cradle of the ancient Shu civilization, and the site where the world's earliest paper money, Jiaozi, was introduced. 

Among Sichuan's diverse cultural traditions, Shujin brocade and Sichuan shadow puppetry have been recognized on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Sichuan’s rich heritage encompasses centuries-old traditions related to salt production and the crafting of alcoholic beverages. The region is also a vibrant showcase of the cultures associated with the Three Kingdoms period, the history of the Red Army, and the Ba people. Particularly notable are the ancient Shu civilizations represented by the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites, which are spectacular and shrouded in mystery. As of the end of 2024, Sichuan has 253 public museums, 169 cultural heritage management institutions, 262 major historical and cultural sites under state protection, and 1,214 historical and cultural sites under provincial protection. It also claims 153 entries in the representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items and 1,132 items in the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage list.