Chillán is the capital city of the Ñuble Region and Diguillín Province in Chile. It is situated near the center of the country, approximately 400 km (249 mi) south of the national capital, Santiago. The city has served as the regional capital since September 6, 2015.
The urban area features a railway station, a regimental military base, and the María Teresa intercity bus terminal. For commerce, the city hosts both a modern enclosed shopping center and the Chillán Market, which is an iconic multi-block open-air farmers' market and street fair selling goods such as crafts, clothing, fruits, and vegetables.
The surrounding geography includes mountains that serve as popular destinations for outdoor recreation. Notable nearby sites include the Nevados de Chillán and Laguna del Laja National Park, which are known for skiing, hiking, and hot springs.