On May 26, 1983, the ninth NPC standing committee of Chengdu decided to choose the hibiscus as the city flower.
The hibiscus has a long history in Chengdu. According to historical records, during the Five Dynasties, Emperor Meng Chang of the Shu State had hibiscus planted along the city walls of Chengdu, When autumn arrives, hibiscus blossom stretches for 40 miles, and therefore, Chengdu is also known as the "Hibiscus City." The hibiscuses are large, brightly colored, elegant and have several well-known varieties. An example is the "drunken hibiscus" which changes color three times a day, it turns white in the early morning, light red at noon and bright red in the evening. In poems, hibiscuses are praised as equal to chrysanthemums, or the best of autumn flowers.