Formerly named Taichienlu, Kangding has long served as a gateway, an opening to a world past the Middle Kingdom. Founded under the Han Dynasty, Kangding's history is murky through the following centuries, serving as a settlement just outside of China's reach, slowly developing as an extension of Tibet. During the tenth century, efforts were made to integrate the region, but this was only partial, with the city maintaining autonomy beyond a local administrator. The city slowly settled into this rough arrangement, inheriting the autonomy of Tibet until its integration into the Qing in 1727 as it was moved over to Sichuan Province.

From here, it became a major component of efforts to integrate the Khams, one complicated by the Batang Uprising of 1905. As the British Empire attempted to exert its influence in Tibet following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, the city's importance in trade led to the brief opening of a consulate in the area, though it would later be drawn down. Staunchly supportive of the Kuomintang and the Second United Front, Kangding became a refuge for NRA soldiers as fighting drew further inland, and towards guerrilla tactics.

On paper, Kangding is still the capital of Xikang, serving an administrative function whilst still continuing to be the connecting sinew between China and Tibet. However, the consequences of Japan's dominance in China has altered that. Whilst still incredibly popular, most influential figures now reside in Ya'an or Xichang, and the true seat of power has shifted eastward, away from the former gateway. Smuggling is a local feature, but the greatest import today are European visitors, professing an interest in the local, albeit reduced, Archdiocese whose intentions remain a mystery.