🏙️ Chongqing, China’s only inland municipality directly under the central government, is a global megacity known for its unique landscape and structure, and rich food and cultural tourism infrastructure.
1. City Overview
- Population: The estimated urban area population for 2025 is approximately 18.17 million. The total number of residents, including administrative districts and rural areas, is approximately 31.90 million.
- Area: The total area of Chongqing Municipality is approximately 82,400 km², which is about 100 times the size of Seoul. The urbanized city area covers about 6,328 km².
- Language: Standard Chinese (Mandarin) is used, with numerous local dialects such as Sichuanese and Yangtze dialects, and Manchu.
- Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucian traditions coexist, with small communities of Islam and Christianity also present in the urban area.
- Climate: It has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average annual precipitation is 1,100 mm.
2. History
- Ancient Times to Chinese Civil War (~1949): Chongqing has a rich history with relics from the Three Kingdoms period. It served as the provisional capital of the Republic of China during the Chinese Civil War from 1937 to 1945.
- Direct-controlled Municipality & Western Development (1997–Present): In 1997, Chongqing was separated from Sichuan Province and designated as a direct-controlled municipality, playing a leading role in China’s Western Development strategy. In 2010, Liangjiang New Area, the only inland new district, was designated, strengthening its IT and manufacturing sectors.
3. Geography
- Location: Chongqing is situated in a mountainous basin where the Yangtze River and Jialing River meet in central-western China.
- Topographical Features: It is characterized by rugged valleys and a multi-layered urban structure.
- City Structure: The urban area includes 26 districts, 8 counties, and 4 autonomous counties. The new urban areas focus on riverside development along the northern bank of the river and the intensive development of Liangjiang New Area.
4. Culture
- Cyberpunk City Image: Chongqing is often called an “8D City” due to its distinctive urban landscape.
- Representative Cuisine: It is famous for the world’s largest hot pot restaurants and the “Malaxiangguo” (spicy and numbing flavor) food culture.
- Urban Living Culture: Unique urban experiences include subway lines passing through apartment buildings and “Shibat” (十八梯), an 18-step staircase cultural preservation area. Sichuan Opera is also a notable traditional art form.
5. Environment
- Climate Characteristics: The city frequently experiences fog, smog, and reduced sunlight.
- Major Challenges: Key environmental issues include the urban heat island effect, air pollution, traffic congestion, and water resource management.
- Response Strategies: Chongqing is undertaking integrated ecological restoration projects involving mountains and rivers, and plans to expand urban parks and green spaces.
6. Economy
- GDP Scale: As of 2018, Chongqing’s nominal GDP was approximately 2 trillion yuan, ranking it 6th in China.
- Industrial Structure: It has a diversified economic system centered on manufacturing (automobiles, electronics), finance, logistics, and tourism.
- New Economic Zones: The Liangjiang New Area in Jiangbei is a new urban financial and IT cluster, and the International Land-Sea Center, a supertall mixed-use development, is under construction.
- International Economic Status: Chongqing serves as a national central city and a hub for the Yangtze River Economy, attracting an increasing number of multinational corporations.
7. Key Locations
- Landmarks & Urban Landscape:
- Raffles City Chongqing: A “horizontal skyscraper” complex featuring an observation deck and swing.
- International Trade & Commerce Center: A 458-meter mixed-use supertall building expected to be completed in 2025.
- Hongya Cave & Yangtze River Cableway: Popular spots for enjoying night views and waterfront architecture.
- Cultural Heritage & Urban Regeneration:
- Eighteen Stairs Historical District: A traditional street preservation area undergoing a regeneration project.
- Liziba Monorail Station: A unique attraction where a monorail passes through an apartment building.
8. Conclusion
Chongqing is recognized as China’s strategic hub for Western development as the largest inland direct-controlled municipality. It is a cyberpunk city with unique landscapes and structures and a global megacity with rich culinary and cultural tourism infrastructure.
- Strengths: It holds status as an administrative and economic center, has a diversified industrial structure, and offers unique urban experiences.
- Challenges: These include environmental pollution, infrastructure burden, and an aging population.
- Future Strategy:
- Urbanization centered on ecological restoration, focusing on green spaces and waterfronts.
- Expansion of smart and eco-friendly transportation networks.
- Balancing urban regeneration with historical preservation.
- Strengthening its position as a global business and innovation hub.