Rhythm of Chongqing: light rail, urban planning, food and tourism in China's megacity

[shadows888]

Rhythm of Chongqing: light rail, urban planning, food and tourism in China's megacity

Many thanks to Russians for an informative documentary on a Chinese city without going into the ideological wars that's so prevalent in western media/documentaries. I always loved Chongqing's skylines and it's been hidden from "view" for so long, now it's being more well known. I think in 10 more years, Chongqing can join the list of "tier 1" cities in china.

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By RT

Published on Mar 30, 2017
The city of Chongqing is the largest in China and, according to some estimates, the world. Its total area equates to the whole of Austria and it has a population of around 32 million. Its obscurity may be because until recently it was no more than a village: its rapid growth began in WWII, when it became the temporary capital of China; and it was only in 1997 that the city merged with neighbouring prefectures to become a major metropolis.

Despite not yet enjoying the global recognition that it deserves, the city welcomes hundreds of millions of local and foreign tourists every year. Among its main attractions is an intricate monorail road that winds through the mountains and urban landscape offering a stunning view of the city.

Another of Chongqing’s signature experiences is the famous Chinese hot-pot that was invented in the city. Hot and spicy, with a generous dose of locally grown chili pepper, it was originally designed to help boatmen endure freezing winter temperatures. Today, Chinese hot-pot is a popular dish throughout the country but still a ‘must-try’ in its city of origin.

The people of Chongqing take pride in their history, architecture and status as a major metropolis. RTD meets some of the citizens who contribute to Chongqing’s development and continue its heritage.

 

[ChineseToTheBone]

Only very recently did I find out that over 52 million people live in the combined metropolitan area of Chongqing, which is even higher than the 32 million figure given here. I am sure most people outside of China have never heard of this particular city before, but it has already become a megalopolis by its own right.

 

[AndrewJin]

Chongqing Municipality is a province-level political entity, not really a traditional city.


1997-2017
20 years of establishment as an independent municipality

Chongqing became the spearhead of China's effort to develop its western regions and to coordinate the resettlement of residents from the reservoir areas of the Three Gorges Dam project. Its first official ceremony took place on the 18 June 1997.

To pay tribute to the 20th anniversary, Chongqing TV prepared a video in 2016 about the scenery and development districts and counties within the municipality (as big as a province), finally launched during 2017 Spring Festival after the tragic crash of the helicopter into the mountains claiming 2 pilots and 2 cameramen.

0-9:40 The main city (Chongqing Proper), the traditional Chongqing
9:45-35:20 Outer districts and counties outside the main city
35:20-end Chongqing main city at night

Many so-called districts and counties in Chongqing Municipality are actually real cities in their own rights.
For example:
Wanzhou district, 300km from the main city
Three Gorge Dam region