Chongqing

Located in Southwestern inland China and on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has jurisdiction over 37 districts and counties, covering an area of 82,400 Km² with 34.12 million registered residents and an urbanization rate of 66.8%. The topography is characterized by hills and mountains that cover 76% of its land, and Chongqing is also known as a “City of Mountain.” The Yangtze River runs through Chongqing, extending 691km, and is joined by rivers like Jialing River and Wujiang River. Chongqing boasts magnificent scenery, such as the Three Gorges, Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage as well as Wulong Karst Landscape and Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain, two UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.

As a famous historical and cultural city of China, Chongqing is the birthplace of Ba-Yu Culture (an ancient culture bred in Sichuan and Chongqing) with a recorded history of over 3,000 years. The official abbreviation of Chongqing, “Yu”, was derived from “Yushui (Yu River)”, the old name of Jialing River. In the 1st year of Chongning of the Northern Song Dynasty (1102 A.D.), the Yu Prefecture was renamed Gong Prefecture. In the 16th year of Chunxi of Southern Song Dynasty (1189 A.D.), Chongqing received its current name after Prince Zhao Dun was crowned as King and then Emperor Guangzong successively; thus, the original meaning of “Chongqing” indicates “double celebration”. In his honor, Gong Prefecture was therefore renamed Chongqing Fu (province), marking the occasion of his enthronement. In 1891, Chongqing became the first inland commerce port open to foreign trade. In 1929, the City of Chongqing was founded.

Chongqing is the only city in the southwest as one of China's four municipalities directly under the central government. Since becoming a municipality directly under the central government in 1997, Chongqing has planned and promoted economic and social development closely around the mandates given by the country, such as a national key city, an economic center on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, China’s important modern manufacturing base, a comprehensive transportation hub in Southwest China and a leader of opening-up in inland China.

The food from Chongqing is know for its strong and spicy taste, from the original and authentic hotpot to spicy street noodles and midnight barbeques, the locals of Chongqing can barely eat a meal without chilies. Spice is ingrained in the very culture of Chongqing and just adds another layer of personality unique to this beautiful city. Comepared with other municipalities, Chongqing has its own unique character. Life here is slower and more laid-back. People who live in this city are hot tempered, straight forward, and open, they are very warm-hearted as they are always happy to help others. It's these multiple layers of personality that make Chongqing a great city to live in.