Known as a direct-controlled municipality with 30 million citizens, Chongqing is a major economic centre in Southwestern China with many large factories.
It is located in the Changjiang River’s basin. In 1189 after ascending the throne, Emperor Guangzong of Song named the land Chongqing, meaning “double happiness” with the hope that the locals would have a prosperous and happy life.
 The city of Chongqing is regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in China with its quick and synchronous infrastructure development. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Named “the City of bridges”, Chongqing hosts 24 bridges just in the downtown. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  A series of buildings are scattered along the Changjiang River. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  A newly built suspension bridge across the Changjiang River. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  There are many apartment buildings in the outskirts of Chongqing, meeting the local demand for accommodation. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  The poster of “China dream” is presented at many mega malls and public places in Chongqing. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Part of a mega mall complex at the city centre. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Hong Yadong - a building standing for the traditional Ba - Shu culture in Chongqing. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  A group of sculptures inside the Hong Yadong Building. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Communication system in Chongqing is becoming one of the driving forces to promote the city’s image throughout the world. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  A car workshop of the Lifan Group in Chongqing, which is one of the top 500 largest enterprises in China and has long topped the list of 50 entrepreneurs in Chongqing. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Each day, the auto-ensembling workshop of Lifan Group in Chongqing can produce 500 cars with each stage lasting for a few minutes. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP |
In 1997, Chongqing was separated from Shichuan Province and began the implementation of economic restructure on a large scale, attracting investment and promoting infrastructure construction with the aim of becoming the largest independent urban centre in Southwestern China. According to Chongqing’s Development and Reform Commission, the city’s economic growth rate has reached double digits and is ranked third in the whole country. The locals often joke that the city must change its map every six months to prove such breakthrough development.
Chongqing is the city of mist and modern bridges so it is called “Shancheng” or “Qiaocheng”. At present, the city boasts over 4,000 bridges with a modern traffic system of six types of transportation, including buses, an underground, trains, suspension cable, ships and aircraft, facilitating the locals’ travel and economic development.
 The urbanisation rate in Chongqing is projected to reach 60% by 2015. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument in Jiefangbei Square commemorating the victory over the Japanese in World War II is one of the city’s symbols. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Some Chongqing dwellers at the People’s Liberation Monument. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Women take part in a dancing competition for middle aged people – a community activity highly appreciated in the city. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP.  Bus is the major means of transport in Chongqing. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  International brand names are presented at shopping malls in Chongqing’s center square of Jiefangbei. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  A cruise used for night sight-seeing on the Changjiang River. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP  Yuanyang hot pot (hot pot of double tastes) – one of the most famous dishes in Chongqing. Photo: Trong Chinh/VNP |
It is also the cultural and historical centre with relics of Baidi Battle and Zhangfei Temple. Today, the city centre has become a walking and shopping area with top brand names, showing the rapid development of the major economic area in Southwestern China./.
Story: Thuy Dung - Photos: Trong Chinh
