China’s Mountain Metropolis and Inland Powerhouse
Chongqing (重庆市) is China’s largest municipality by land area and the only one located inland. Positioned at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a vital transportation, manufacturing, and logistics hub for western China. Known for its mountainous landscape, spicy cuisine, and dramatic urban development, Chongqing is often called “Mountain City” or “Fog City.”
Formation and Historical Background
- Historically part of Sichuan Province, Chongqing became a separate direct-controlled municipality in 1997.
- Key wartime capital during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
- One of China’s four direct-controlled municipalities and a major gateway to western development.
- Integral to the Yangtze River Economic Belt and Belt and Road Initiative.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality Name | Chongqing Municipality (重庆市) |
| Administrative Status | Direct-controlled municipality |
| Location | Southwestern China |
| Total Area | Approx. 82,400 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 32 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 渝 (Yú) |
| ISO Code | CN-50 |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Yuan Jiajun (袁家军) |
| Mayor | Hu Henghua (胡衡华) |
| Legislative Body | Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Chongqing Municipal People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Chongqing Municipality
Chongqing has 38 county-level divisions, including 26 districts, 8 counties, and 4 autonomous counties.
Urban Core Districts (主城区)
- Yuzhong District (渝中区)
- Jiangbei District (江北区)
- Nanan District (南岸区)
- Shapingba District (沙坪坝区)
- Jiulongpo District (九龙坡区)
- Dadukou District (大渡口区)
- Yubei District (渝北区)
- Beibei District (北碚区)
New Urban Expansion Districts (主城新区)
- Banan District (巴南区)
- Qijiang District (綦江区)
- Jiangjin District (江津区)
- Hechuan District (合川区)
- Yongchuan District (永川区)
- Nanchuan District (南川区)
- Bishan District (璧山区)
- Tongliang District (铜梁区)
- Tongnan District (潼南区)
- Dazu District (大足区)
- Rongchang District (荣昌区)
- Kaizhou District (开州区)
Peripheral and Mountainous Districts (远郊区)
- Liangping District (梁平区)
- Chengkou County (城口县)
- Fengdu County (丰都县)
- Dianjiang County (垫江县)
- Wulong District (武隆区)
- Wanzhou District (万州区)
- Fuling District (涪陵区)
- Yunyang County (云阳县)
- Fengjie County (奉节县)
- Wushan County (巫山县)
- Wuxi County (巫溪县)
- Zhong County (忠县)
- Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County (石柱土家族自治县)
- Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County (秀山土家族苗族自治县)
- Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County (酉阳土家族苗族自治县)
- Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County (彭水苗族土家族自治县)
Important Economic and Development Zones
- Liangjiang New Area (两江新区) – national-level development zone
- Chongqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone
- Chongqing Free Trade Pilot Zone
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Districts | 26 |
| Counties | 8 |
| Autonomous Counties | 4 |
| Total County-Level Divisions | 38 |
Local Government Structure
- Governed by the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government under the State Council.
- Each district/county has its own local government, party committee, and people’s congress.
- Focus on:
- Urban-rural integration
- Digital governance and smart city planning
- Ethnic minority autonomy in designated areas
Leadership & Governance
- Chongqing plays a strategic role in:
- Western Development Program
- Yangtze River Economic Belt
- Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle
- Priorities include:
- Infrastructure expansion
- Green development and mountain preservation
- Rural revitalization and poverty reduction
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Managed by Chongqing Public Security Bureau
- Responsibilities:
- Mountain and river safety
- Anti-corruption and traffic control
- Surveillance and public emergency systems
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Major sectors:
- Automotive (Changan Auto)
- Electronics and smart manufacturing
- Natural gas and hydroelectric power
- Logistics and inland water transport
- Strategic zone for:
- Western logistics corridor
- Cross-border e-commerce and bonded warehouses
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 6.1%
Education & Institutions
- Top universities:
- Chongqing University
- Southwest University
- Chongqing Medical University
- Research centers for:
- Environmental sciences, engineering, agriculture
Healthcare
- Leading hospitals:
- Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Hospital
- Xinqiao Hospital
- Southwest Hospital
- Features:
- Mobile health services in mountainous areas
- Integration of TCM and modern medicine
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport – major inland air hub
- Rail:
- Chongqing–Xi’an, Chongqing–Guiyang, Chongqing–Chengdu HSR
- China–Europe Railway (Chongqing to Duisburg)
- Metro:
- Expanding subway and monorail system across 10+ lines
- Waterway:
- Yangtze River shipping and inland port development
Tourism & Attractions
- Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Jiefangbei CBD
- Three Gorges, Wulong Karst, Fengdu Ghost City
- Dazu Rock Carvings – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Night views, mountain cable cars, spicy hot pot culture
Culture & Lifestyle
- Known for:
- Spicy cuisine, especially Chongqing hotpot and noodles
- Mountain city layout – bridges, stairs, aerial rail
- Vibrant nightlife, folk opera, and street art
- Strong presence of:
- Tujia, Miao, and other ethnic minorities
- Traditional handicrafts and folk festivals
Summary
Chongqing Municipality is where China’s mountains meet megastructures — a land of rivers, resilience, and rapid rise. From ancient cliffs to futuristic railways, Chongqing leads western China into the future while preserving its rich, mountainous soul.