Why is eastern Sichuan more densely populated than western Sichuan?

The eastern part of Sichuan is significantly more densely populated than the west due to stark differences in geography, climate, and economic viability.

The eastern region is dominated by the Sichuan Basin, a low-lying area characterized by fertile soil, a mild and humid climate, and a nearly year-round growing season. This environment supports intensive agriculture, particularly rice production, which has historically sustained large populations. The basin’s relatively accessible terrain and abundant natural resources have made it the economic and political heart of the province.12345

In contrast, western Sichuan is defined by the high-altitude, rugged terrain of the Plateau of Tibet and deep mountain canyons. These areas feature extreme elevations, harsh climates, and limited flat land, which are not conducive to the large-scale agricultural settlement found in the east. Consequently, while the east functions as a prosperous, densely settled hub, the western frontier remains sparsely populated due to its challenging natural conditions.6251