Welcome to Chongqing, an Amazing Mountain City in China
Chongqing China Overview🏙
Chongqing, abbreviated as Ba and Yu, is also known as Bayu, Mountain City, Yudu, Bridge City, and Fog City. It is a municipality directly under the central government of China, a national central city, a megacity, and the “World Capital of Hot Springs.” Chongqing serves as an economic, financial, and innovation hub in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and is recognized as a center for politics, culture, science, education, and the arts, as well as an international metropolis designated by the State Council.
It also acts as a comprehensive transportation hub for water, land, and air in the central and western regions. Chongqing’s abbreviation “Yu” comes from the ancient name of the Jialing River, “Yushui.” In 1102, during the Northern Song Dynasty, Yuzhou was renamed Gongzhou. In 1189, Zhao Dun, the son of Emperor Xiaozong, was first made the Prince of Gong, and two months later, he ascended the throne as Emperor Guangzong of the Southern Song Dynasty. This double celebration led to the renaming of Gongzhou to Chongqing, meaning “double celebration.”
*Chongqing 3D Screen.
*Chongqing City Nightscape
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Nationalist government designated Chongqing as the wartime capital of China and the permanent secondary capital. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chongqing served as the headquarters of the Southwest Bureau and was a municipality directly under the central government.
After being reestablished as a municipality on June 18, 1997, Chongqing accelerated the revitalization of its old industrial base, forming industrial clusters in electronics, automotive, equipment manufacturing, chemicals, materials, energy, and consumer goods. Meanwhile, modern service industries such as agriculture, finance, trade, logistics, and outsourcing developed rapidly.
Historical Evolution💡
As early as 2 million years ago, during the Early Paleolithic period, the earliest humans in China, known as the “Wushan Man,” appeared in what is now Wushan County, Chongqing. During the Late Paleolithic period, between 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, the “Tongliang Culture” emerged in what is now Tongliang District, Chongqing.
During the Xia and Shang dynasties, the Three Gorges region was one of China’s main salt-producing areas. Since salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times, early civilizations in the Wushan area were driven by the need for salt, leading to the rise of the Ba culture.
During the pre-Qin period, the State of Ba established several capitals in locations such as Zhi (now Fuling District, Chongqing), Jiangzhou (now Yuzhong District, Chongqing), and Dianjiang (now Hechuan District, Chongqing). In 689 BC, the Ba people fought against the State of Chu at a location in modern-day Jingmen, Hubei Province, and were defeated after months of battle. The conflict between Ba and Chu continued intermittently throughout the history of the Ba State.
In 316 BC, Zhang Yi led the Qin army to conquer the Ba State, establishing a military presence in Jiangzhou (now Yuzhong District, Chongqing) and building the Ba Prefecture City. This event is regarded as the beginning of Chongqing’s urban history. During the Qin Dynasty, Ba Prefecture was one of the 36 commanderies of the empire.
*Nightscape of Hongya Cave in Chongqing
*Yangtze River Bridge Night View in Chongqing
During the Han Dynasty, Ba Prefecture was known as Jiangzhou and was governed by the Yizhou Inspectorate. In AD 35, General Cen Peng led troops from Jiangzhou to suppress the Gongsun Shu rebellion in Sichuan. By 214 AD, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang entered Sichuan from Jiangzhou, marking a significant moment in the Three Kingdoms period.
In the Three Kingdoms period, Li Yan of Shu Han built a large city in Jiangzhou. The city later became the capital of the Ba Commandery during the Jin Dynasty. The area underwent several administrative changes during the following centuries, becoming part of various provinces and commanderies, including Yizhou, Bazhou, and Chuzhou during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period.
In 581 AD, the Sui Emperor Yang Jian abolished the commandery system and renamed Chuzhou to Yuzhou, with its administrative center in Ba County. This renaming gave rise to Chongqing’s abbreviation “Yu.” Throughout the Tang Dynasty, the region retained the name Yuzhou and remained part of the Jian’nan Circuit.
Geographical Environment🗺️
Chongqing is located in the southwest of China and the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yangtze River Plain, spanning 105°11′ to 110°11′ east longitude and 28°10′ to 32°13′ north latitude.
The municipality borders Hubei and Hunan to the east and southeast, Guizhou to the south, Sichuan to the west and north, and Shaanxi to the northeast. With a total area of 82,402.95 square kilometers, Chongqing is 2.39 times the combined size of Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Its main urban area covers 647.78 square kilometers.
Terrain🏞️
Chongqing is characterized by a predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain, which gives it the nickname “Mountain City.” It is surrounded by major mountain ranges such as the Daba, Wuling, and Dalou mountains.
The city’s terrain slopes downward from the north and south towards the river valleys of the Yangtze River. The central and western parts of Chongqing are dominated by hills and low mountains, while the northeastern and southeastern regions are bordered by two prominent mountain ranges.
Climate🍃
Chongqing has a mild climate, classified as a humid subtropical monsoon climate. The city’s annual average temperature ranges between 16°C and 18°C, with the warmest areas near the Yangtze River valleys and cooler areas in the higher elevations of the southeast. The hottest months see temperatures averaging 26°C to 29°C, while the coldest months average 4°C to 8°C.
Chongqing experiences abundant rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 1,000 to 1,350 millimeters, mainly concentrated between May and September. The region is also known for its high humidity levels (70% to 80%) and is one of the least sunny areas in China, receiving only 25% to 35% of possible sunshine hours annually. Chongqing’s climate is often summarized as “mild winters, early springs, hot summers, cool autumns, and abundant rain.”
*Chongqing Cityscape
*Chongqing’s Mountain and Water
Natural Resources
Flora and Fauna🌵
Chongqing is home to over 2,000 species of vascular plants, including rare species like the dawn redwood, dove tree, and fly agaric tree. The Jinyun Mountain in Chongqing is especially known for its subtropical forest and is a haven for over 1,700 species of trees. The Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain is a natural botanical garden featuring over 30 species of rare trees. The city is also a major producer of traditional Chinese medicine, with crops like rhizoma coptidis, gallnut, and magnolia bark being widely cultivated.
Animal Resources🐧
Chongqing boasts over 380 species of animals, including rare species like clouded leopards, macaques, and Chinese giant salamanders. The city is also a prominent center for livestock farming, particularly pigs, goats, and rabbits. The area is rich in fish species, with over 120 varieties found in the Yangtze River and its tributaries.
Historical and Cultural Highlights
Bayu Culture🪭
Bayu culture is one of the most distinctive regional cultures in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, originating from the ancient Ba people. Known for their bravery and warrior spirit, the Ba people were renowned for their military prowess, and their culture featured distinctive war dances known as the Bayu Dance. This dance, which evolved into a ceremonial court performance, was celebrated for its vigorous and powerful movements.
Accompanying Capital Culture
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing became the wartime capital of China, attracting a vast number of intellectuals, artists, and educators. This period, known as the “Accompanying Capital Era,” saw the city become a cultural and educational hub, with figures like Zhang Daqian, Hu Shi, Lin Yutang, and Lao She living and working in the city. The district of Shapingba, known as “Culture Dam,” became famous for nurturing a generation of talents during this period.
Chongqing Dialect Culture📝
The distinctive Chongqing dialect is marked by its rich use of idioms and colloquialisms, adding a playful and humorous tone to the language. Since the Ming Dynasty, the region has been a melting pot of various dialects, with Hunanese and Cantonese immigrants leaving their linguistic marks.
*Chongqing Street Scene.
Scenic Attractions🏖️
Chongqing, with over 3,000 years of history, offers a wealth of tourist attractions. Its natural landscapes include mountains, rivers, forests, springs, waterfalls, gorges, and caves, while its cultural sites showcase the rich heritage of Bayu culture, ethnic traditions, and historical significance. Notable landmarks include the world-renowned Three Gorges along the Yangtze River, the Dazu Rock Carvings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Wulong Karst National Geology Park.
The city is home to over 300 scenic spots, including 7 national 5A-level tourist attractions, 13 national key cultural relics protection units, and 24 national forest parks. In 2015, Chongqing was ranked as the most attractive tourist city in China.
*Nightscape of Modern Chongqing
*Ancient Towers of Chongqing
Chongqing, located in southwestern China on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, was once China’s wartime capital and became one of the four centrally administered municipalities in 1997. Surrounded by mountains and built into the hills, Chongqing lies on the edge of a basin where two rivers meet, giving it a misty, fog-laden atmosphere year-round. This is why it’s often called both the “Mountain City” and the “Fog Capital.”
Chongqing is famous for its food, its stunning night views, and its beautiful women—three defining features that visitors can’t miss. As a renowned food lover’s paradise, Chongqing’s cuisine, especially its world-famous hot pot, is irresistibly spicy and flavorful, drawing foodies from all over.
The city’s nighttime scenery is equally iconic; whether standing atop Nanshan Mountain or gliding across the Yangtze River on the cableway, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of what is often called “Little Hong Kong,” with the glimmering lights of the city reflected on the two rivers below. Chongqing is also well-known for its beautiful women, and bustling districts like Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao are perfect places to catch a glimpse of them.
Beyond the main urban area, two nearby attractions have gained significant popularity in recent years: the Wulong Karst and the Dazu Rock Carvings. Both are just a 2-3 hour drive from Chongqing and can easily be visited on a day trip. Most visitors to Chongqing include these sites in their itinerary, experiencing the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Wulong sinkholes and the intricate, ancient stone carvings at Dazu.