Chongqing

Chongqing
Name	Chongqing
Settlement type	Municipality
Coordinates	29, 33, N, 106...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Established title	City status
Established date	1929
Government type	Municipality
Leader title	CPC Secretary
Leader name	Yuan Jiajun
Leader title1	Mayor
Leader name1	Hu Henghua
Area total km2	82,403
Population total	32,054,159
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto

Chongqing. It is a major municipality in southwestern China and one of the country's four direct-controlled municipalities. Strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, it serves as a crucial economic and transportation hub for the upper Yangtze basin. The city is renowned for its mountainous terrain, hot Sichuan-style cuisine, and significant historical role during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

History

The area's history dates to the ancient Ba and Shu cultures. During the Song dynasty, it was named Chongqing, meaning "double celebration." Its modern prominence grew when it became the provisional capital of the Republic of China under Chiang Kai-shek during the Second Sino-Japanese War, enduring massive bombing raids in the Bombing of Chongqing. It was the site of crucial negotiations during the Chongqing Negotiations between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it remained a key industrial center, and its administrative status was elevated to a municipality in 1997, spearheading development initiatives for the Three Gorges Dam project and the broader Western China Development strategy.

Geography

Chongqing is situated in the Sichuan Basin, bordered by provinces such as Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hubei, Hunan, and Guizhou. Its topography is defined by the parallel ridge-and-valley systems of the Daba Mountains and the Wu Mountains, with the mighty Yangtze River cutting through the region, creating the spectacular Three Gorges. The municipality features a humid subtropical climate, known for frequent fog and high summer temperatures, earning it the moniker "Fog City" or "Furnace." Notable natural landmarks within its territory include the Wulong Karst, part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dazu Rock Carvings.

Administrative divisions

As a provincial-level municipality, Chongqing administers a vast area comprising 26 districts, 8 counties, and 4 autonomous counties. Core urban districts on the peninsula between the rivers include Yuzhong District, Jiangbei District, and Nan'an District. Other major districts are Yubei District, home to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, and Liangjiang New Area, a state-level development zone. The municipality also governs large rural counties, such as Fengjie County near the Three Gorges, and autonomous counties like Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, reflecting the region's ethnic diversity.

Economy

Chongqing is a vital industrial and manufacturing powerhouse in western China. It is a global hub for automobile and electronics manufacturing, hosting major plants for companies like Changan Automobile and Foxconn. The Liangjiang New Area is a focal point for advanced industries, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. As the starting point of the Yuxinou Railway freight service to Duisburg, it is a key node in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Other significant economic sectors include chemicals, steel, and tourism, with attractions like the Ciqikou ancient town drawing numerous visitors.

Demographics

With a population of over 32 million, it is the most populous Chinese municipality. The majority are Han Chinese, but the municipality is also home to significant communities of Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, particularly in the southeastern areas. The local dialect is a variant of Southwestern Mandarin, known as Chongqing dialect. The population is concentrated in the metropolitan core, but the administrative area includes vast rural regions, leading to significant internal migration to urban centers for work.

Culture

Chongqing culture is distinct within Sichuanese culture, famous for its intensely spicy and numbing cuisine, featuring dishes like hot pot, Chongqing noodles, and Mapo doufu. The city is a center for Sichuan opera, known for face-changing (Bian Lian) performances. Traditional architectural forms include Diaojiaolou (stilted houses). Notable cultural institutions include the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum and the Hongya Cave complex. The city has also produced influential figures such as the artist Zhang Daqian and is a filming location for many movies.

Transport

The city is a major multimodal transportation hub. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is a primary aviation gateway, with extensive domestic and international routes. Its rail network is central, with high-speed services via the Chengdu–Chongqing railway and connections to the China Railway Express to Europe. The Chongqing Rail Transit metro system serves the urban core. As the largest port on the upper Yangtze River, the Port of Chongqing handles substantial container and bulk cargo traffic, facilitated by the Three Gorges Dam locks. An extensive network of bridges, including the Chaotianmen Bridge, spans its rivers.

Category:Chongqing Category:Municipalities of China Category:Populated places on the Yangtze River