Chongqing
 
Profile of Chongqing

Chongqing is situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in southwest China . As one of China 's biggest municipalities as well as one of the largest cities in the world, Chongqing is the economic and transportation centre in Southwest China with busy rivers and highways radiating out in all directions.
 

Chongqing is also called " Mountain City ", ¡° Foggy City ¡± and " River City " and has a reputation for wonderful scenery. With an area of 82,400 square kilometers (31, 800 square miles), Chongqing shares borders with the provinces of Hubei , Hunan , Guizhou , Sichuan , and Shanxi .

Besides the Han ethnic group who form the majority of its total population of 30.9 million, numerous ethnic groups reside in Chongqing, including Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Qiang, You and Tujia. Since its founding 3,000 years ago, Chongqing has been called Jiangzhou, Yuzhou, and Gongzhou, before getting its present name nearly 800 years ago.

Since the Qin Dynasty (206 BC-22 BC), many dynasties have set up administrative institutions that have endowed the city with brilliant cultures.

Perched beside the Yangtze, the " Golden River ," Chongqing symbolizes the Yangtze River civilizations and is the cradle of Bayu culture.

 


 
 
Today's Chongqing

Chongqing is a modern city. China 's fourth municipality after Beijing , Shanghai , and Tianjin . Within its borders Chongqing encompasses a wealth of water reserves, mineral resources, dense forests, and an abundance of floral and fauna. Along with being a commercial city, Chongqing has many tourist attractions with the centerpiece being the unique Yangtze Three Gorges Dam.
 
Charms of Chongqing

Chongqing attracts visitors from home and abroad for its cultural heritage and tourist attractions.The city is the starting point for the Yangtze River Cruises, which explore the stunning scenery of the Three Gorges.
 
Other attractions include the Dazu Stone Carvings, valuable works of art carved during the Ninth Century, Golden Buddha Mountain, a rich repository of diverse animals and plants, and Fishing Town, one of three ancient battlefields in China. Ancient Ciqikou village lures tourists to linger in its streets to buy handicraft souvenirs.

Chongqing is famous for its hot Sichuan cuisine and world-famous Hotpot dishes. Street vendors as well as restaurants feature exciting spicy delicacies for the adventurous. Chongqing provides convenient water, land, and air transportation. Hundreds of star-ranked hotels provide excellent facilities and services. Chongqing is ready to lead in the development of Western China and usher in more visitors and investors.