CHONGQING

CHONGQING Overview

Chinese Name: 重庆 English IPA: Chongqing Location: West of China Population (city): 31,904.7 Language: 400000 Zip code: Chongqing dialect Tel code: 023(+86) Time zone:

Chongqing, a vibrant metropolis in southwest China, is a municipality directly under the Central Government, boasting a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and dynamic modernity. Here’s a detailed look at this remarkable city:

Geographical Wonders

Known as the “Mountain City” (Shancheng), Chongqing is characterized by its rugged terrain—76% of the area is mountains, 22% hills, creating a dramatic landscape where buildings cling to slopes and roads twist through valleys. The Yangtze and Jialing rivers converge here, earning it the nickname “River City” (Jiangcheng). Its subtropical monsoon climate brings hot, humid summers and mild winters, with occasional foggy days that once gave it the title “Fog City.”

Historical and Cultural Heritage

With over 3,000 years of history, Chongqing has deep roots in Bayu culture (from the ancient Ba Kingdom). It served as the temporary capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), leaving behind historical sites like the Former Site of the National Government. Cultural traditions thrive in forms such as Sichuan opera (famous for face-changing), Chuanjiang Haozi (Yangtze boatmen’s chants), and the exuberant Tongliang Dragon Dance, a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage.

 

No mention of Chongqing is complete without its culinary icon: Chongqing hotpot. A fiery broth of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and spices, it reflects the city’s bold, passionate spirit and is a social cornerstone of local life.

Economic Powerhouse

As a key hub in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Belt and Road Initiative, Chongqing is a major industrial and commercial center. Its pillar industries include automotive manufacturing (home to 长安汽车 Changan Auto), electronics (semiconductors, displays), and 装备制造 (equipment manufacturing). In recent years, it has also emerged as a leader in new energy vehicles, digital economy, and smart manufacturing, driving growth in western China.

Unforgettable Landmarks

  • Hongya Cave: A 11-story stilted building complex inspired by traditional architecture, lit up at night to resemble a scene from Spirited Away.
  • Liziba Light Rail Station: A viral sensation where the monorail passes directly through a residential building, showcasing the city’s innovative urban design.
  • Jiefangbei: The bustling commercial heart, anchored by the Liberation Monument, a tribute to victory in the War of Resistance.
  • Three Gorges: Part of this world-famous scenic area lies within Chongqing, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
  • Wulong Karst: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring natural bridges, sinkholes, and lush forests, as seen in films like Transformers: Age of Extinction

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