Chongqing

Chongqing, formerly spelled Chungking, is set to become the most economically important city in West China. Chongqing is one of four national municipalities (the other three are Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin) in China and is certainly already the biggest inland city of the country with plans for even more massive growth.

Chongqing is a modern metropolis and the fourth largest municipality after Beijing Shanghai, and Tianjin. The city is situation on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze and Jiling Rivers meet and is commonly the embarkation point for cruises down the Yangtze River. Founded over 3,000 years ago, Chongqing has a wealth of history and it many sites andmuseums are testament to it. Another exciting aspect of Chongqing is its cuisine.Its world famous hotpot is a gastronomic delight.

While independent since 1997, it was historically and culturally part of south east Sichuan and still shares the same love for hot and spicy food dishes.
Chongqing was temporarily the capital of the Republic of China during World War 2, after Nanjing was occupied by the Japanese. The capital was subsequently relocated back to Nanjing after the Japanese surrendered in 1945.

Chongqing has many fantastic museums and temples for visitors to enjoy. The most famous of which is the Chongqing Museum, and the Luohan Temple. Located in Dazu County, is the Dazu Rock carvings. Construction of the carvings began in the 7th century A.D. and combines the influences of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The carvings contain more than 50,000 statues.

Chongqing is also the launching point for scenic boat trips down the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges Dam. The spectacular Buddhist Dazu Rock Carvings are located three hours west of Chongqing City in the outlying Chongqing Municipality and is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.