Chongqing is known as a "Mountain City". It is a port city situated in the Southeast of the Sichuan Basin between the Yangtze, and Jialing River. It is the largest and most densely populated municipality directly under the Chinese Central Government. It was constructed on mountain slopes. It has a long history with numerous scenic spots and historic sites. Due to the hilly terrain Chongqing is the only major metropolis in china without significant numbers of bicycles. Servicing Western China, Chongqing provides convenient water, land, and air transportation. Hundreds of star-ranked hotels provide excellent facilities and services.
Chongqing has a history of over 3,000 years and is the birthplace of Bayu culture. The oldest known artifacts discovered in the Chongqing area date back to approximately 20,000 years ago. In the Shang Dynasty (1600-1027 BC) and Zhou Dynasty (1027-221 BC) Ba people founded the Kingdom of Ba, and made Chongqing their capitol. In 1891 Chongqing became an open port, and in 1929 Chongqing was officially declared a city. During World War II, Chongqing was made an alternate capitol after the fall of Nanjing, which was then the capitol of the Kuomintang government. During this period Chongqing developed into the center of politics, economy, and culture in China. In 1954 Chongqing became a city under the jurisdiction of the Sichuan Provincial Government. Chongqing is home to numerous ethnic minority groups including: Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Qian, You, and Tujia.
Chongqing is famous for its shopping. In Chongqing there are 4 main shopping regions. Jiefangbei is the heart of the city. Its pedestrian street contains clusters of modern shopping malls and exclusive shops. Banks, theatres, bookstores, hotels, and bars are quite easy to find. Chaotian Market is the largest market in Chongqing. It deals mainly with garment wholesale. Here shoppers can find clothing and accessories at very reasonable prices. Paradise Street in JiangBei district has developed into another shopping and entertainment center. Nan Bin Road hosts a newly opened flower market that has become a leisure hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Over 100 flower shops, tea houses, and shops selling traditional arts and crafts like the street. It is a fantastic place to unwind day or night.
Chongqing is famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan cuisine and world famous hotpot dishes. Chongqing hotpot is not only famous throughout China, but also the world. It is a delicious, but mouth numbing adventure that is not for the weak of heart. Be warned: it is spicy, but extremely delicious. Street venders, as well as restaurant feature these exciting spicy dishes. Chongqing hosts some of the most unforgettable sites found anywhere in China. With a history of over 3,000 years it is little wonder that there are dozens of ancient sites to visit.