Chiniot is one of the oldest historical towns of Punjab. on the banks of river Chenab, the second largest river of Pakistan also famous for the folk tales of Sohni-Mahiwal and Hir-Ranjha. In ancient times, it was considered among the important cities on the trade route form Khyber Pass to Delhi. Alexander the Great had entered the subcontinent through the same route.
A local legend says that the town is named after Chandan, daughter of a king who was accustomed to hunting in a man's attire. One day she came to the banks of the Chenab and was so impressed by the beauty of the spot that she ordered a town to be built here, which was called CHANDANIOR in her honour. The town is celebrated for its wood carving and masonry. The artisans of Chiniot have been renowned for the excellence of their work since the Mughal period. Masons from Chiniot were employed in the building of Taj Mahal in Agra and Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore. The main architect of Golden Temple at Amritsar was also from Chiniot, as were the craftsmen who built the more recent Minar-i-Pakistan. The area was once famous for boat-building, but no such industry is seen now-a-days. The town is still known for arts and crafts specially door carving, brass work, inlays and furniture.