Chongqing
Overview
Introduction
Chongqing is China's fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin and is the largest port city of China. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River - at the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, in Southwest China. Covering an area of 82,400 square kilometers (31, 800 square miles), Chongqing shares borders with Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. The population of Chongqing is over 32 million (end of year 2007), of which 90% is Han people. Other ethnic groups such as Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Qiang, You and Tujia make up 6.5% of the total.
Climate
Chongqing's nickname as the 'Fog City' or 'Furnace' is no exaggeration. Under the sub-tropical monsoon climate, Chongqing features warm winters and hot summers, with the lowest temperature of 6 degrees Centigrade (43F) in winter and the highest temperature of 38 degrees Centigrade (100F) in summer. The annual average temperature is 18 to 20 degrees (64-68F) Centigrade. Chongqing has plenty of night rain all year round, especially in summer. So the best time to visit Chongqing should be in spring, autumn and winter.
History
Chongqing is an ancient city enjoying a history of 3,000 years. The earliest Wushan Man was once found living in the area. The ancient Ba Kingdom and the Xia Kingdom set their capital here thus developed the distinct Ba and Shu Culture. From the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC) onwards, many dynasties have set up various administrative institutions there, which endowed the city with brilliant culture. Since its discovery 3,000 years ago, Chongqing was originally called Jiangzhou, Yuzhou and Gongzhou before getting its present name nearly 800 years ago. The name 'Chongqing' was gained in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD) when Guang Zong (Emperor Guang) ascended the throne meaning 'double happiness'.
Tourist Resources
Chongqing attracts visitors from home and abroad for its cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Featuring a geographic nature of mountains and rivers, it is a very popular destination during foreign visitors' China tours. The city is the starting point of the Yangtze River Cruise, which is expected to explore the wonderful scenery of the Three Gorges. Qutang Gorge and the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge and many scenic spots are well-known for their grandness and cultural significance. Cultural sites including Dazu Rock Carvings, Shibaozhai, Ghost City of Fengdu, Zhangfei Temple and Quyuan Temple are attracting visitors to visit Chongqing each year. Especially, the Dazu Rock Carvings, carved during the 9th century, which are valuable works of art. Another one not to be missed is the Gold Buddhist Mountain, reputed as a rich repository of diverse animals and plants; and there's the Fishing Town, which is one of the three ancient battlefields in China.
Traveling in Chongqing City, one will feel fortunate to be able to savor the delicious local food, such as Sichuan cuisine and the world-famous hot pot dishes. Also, the handicrafts made from bamboo have been enjoying great popularity among the visitors.
What to see
Chongqing Museums (China Three Gorges Museum, People's Assembly Hall, General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum)
Chongqing Parks (Northern Hot Spring Park, Southern Hot Spring Park, Loquat Hill Park)
Ci Qi Kou & Dazu Rock Carvings
