Chengdu has a long history as a major urban settlement in Southwest China, with records of construction dating back over 2,300 years. As the capital of Sichuan province, it has grown significantly to house over 14 million inhabitants within its city limits. Chengdu is known for being the origin of Shu brocade silk production over 2,000 years ago, and is home to about 80% of the world's wild giant pandas, an animal that has become a global symbol of peace. The city's cuisine also gained international recognition when it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2010.