Sheffield United left Assistant-Manager Stuart McCall in charge at the helm with Neil Warnock taking a break; probably as he was too busy having negotiated the signings of Luton Shelton and Mamadou Seck on Monday.
Shelton, a Jamaican international striker joined the Blades from Swedish outfit Helsingborgs for a believed fee of £1,800,000 whilst Defender Seck, also an international with Senegal was singed on a free transfer from French club Le Havre.
The new defender started for the home side in front of an astonishing crowed of 10,615 in what was a frustrating first half for United and didn't really get sight of goal until 40 minute mark.
United also fielded loan-listed Midfielder Li Tie, who was given the captain's arm band. Playing just 45 minutes before being substituted by young Nicky Law.
In the game was entertaining, as was the pre and half-time entertainment put on by the 'Sheffield Chinese Lion Dancing Team'.
United looked dominant from the start and the Chinese club were quickly subdued to a Bromby missile throw that caused problems in the defence before Tonge's sweet volley was pushed away by Lan Yi.
Kevan Hurst was the next Blade to get in a shot, tussling his way around Wang Cun before firing over the top, and on 11 minutes Wang Song created the first opportunity for Chengdu, shooting just wide of Jamie Annerson's goal.
After a cross on left hand side Tang Hai turned the ball wide before United took control and peppered Lan Yi's danger area.
The Blade pushed forward for a set-piece with Seck eying an attack, he beat the keeper to Bromby's free-kick but failed to score before on 40th minute United burst the net.
Steve Kabba was awarded a free-kick and from Michael Tonge's boot Alan Quinn rose quickest and unchallenged to head the ball home.
Before the interval the home side were to create three more chances; Webber scuffed a shot wide before Lan Yi saved another of his efforts. At the stroke of half-time Quinn fired wide after being set up by the lively Hurst.
Half-Time: Sheffield United 1-0 Chengdu Blades
After operating a right-back role in the first half Seck was switched to the centre, partnering Chris Robertson. United also made four changes; Law, Starostra, Travis, Nadé and Kazim-Richards replacing Li Tie, Bromby, Hurst, Kabba and Webber.
It was two of the substitutes who created the first chance for the Blades; Nadé pulled back for Kazim-Richards to shoot straight at the keeper before Nadé side-footed his effort wide.
Chengdu created a good effort; substitute Ming Jing wriggled free to fire over the top and into an empty top tier Halliwell's Stand whilst Zhao Ming Xin tested Annerson.
On 58 minutes Seck's first taste of English traditional football ended with him being substituted; Canadian Ryan Gyaki coming on in place of the Senegalese star.
Chengdu where then rewarded for their efforts on 65 minutes, Ming Jing's in swinging free-kick was headed over the top of Annerson and into the goal by his own defender, Dominic Roma. It was a pure stunning goal.
The equaliser forced the home side to step up a gear and had to do it alone; the crowed having a reserve feel about the whole affair. Midfielder Michael Tonge saw his shot pushed away and then set Nade free but his shot was saved by the keepers legs.
Law put in a cross late on but failed to pick out Nade and Gyaki with trialist Tkalcevid clearing for the visitors.
Deep into injury time the Blades almost snatched the win; like many games before the home side were banking on a last minute winner with grit and determination achieving this. It was not to be this time round; Goran headed onto the top of his own crossbar after Nade pressurising.
In last anxious moments Christian Nade volleyed over the top as the Chengdu Blaes accepted the draw which in toll was a fare result and the Chinese club can return to their homeland proud as they matched the Blades strength the strengh.
Full-Time: Sheffield United 1-1 Chengdu Blades
United: Annerson (Hernandez 78), Roma, Seck (Gyaki 58), Li Tie (Law 45), C. Robertson, Bromby (Starosta 45), Hurst (Travis 45), A. Quinn, Kabba (Nade 45), Webber (Kazim-Richards 45), Tonge.
Chengdu: Lan Yi, Tang Hai, Wang Cun (Zhao Ming Xin 45), Zheng Wang Yang, Tkalcevid, Yao Xia (Li Sheng 75), Wang Song, Gan Ying Bo (Ming Jing 45), Xia Qi Xi, Zhou Wei (Jiang Xiao Yu 69), Goran.
Unused: Wang Chao, Yu Yong Zhe, Tang Nai Xin, Zhang Chao Song, Wang Yi, Li Guo Xu, Meng Ye, Lu Jing.