AMONG the municipalities in China, Chongqing occupies a special position because of its long history and its fine environment, with the mountains and rivers bringing out the best in each other. Although located far into the inland mountains, Chongqing has long played a decisive role in China's politics, military affairs, and economy.

From an Alternate Capital to the Fourth Municipality under the Central Government

Chongqing has a brilliant history. As early as the Zhou Dynasty (11th century-221 B.C.), it served as the capital of the Ba Kingdom. In the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.), it was the seat of the Ba Prefecture. In 581, the first year of the reign of Emperor Kaihuang of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), it was reestablished as the Yu Prefecture, and even today, Chongqing is often called Yu for short.

In 1102, the first year of the reign of Emperor Chongning of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), it was renamed Gong Prefecture. Zhao Chun of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) became prince of the Gong Prefecture and later became emperor. Zhao regarded his two ascensions as a double cause for celebration and changed the name of Gong Prefecture to Chongqing, or "Double Celebration."
In 1929, Chongqing was established as a city. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), Chongqing was made an alternate capital after the fall of Nanjing, which was then the capital of the Kuomintang government. During this period, Chongqing developed into the center of politics, economy, and culture in China.

In 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded, Chongqing became one of the 14 municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. In 1954, it became a city directly under the government of Sichuan Province.

Hot pot, a favorite dish in Chongqing, is the specialty of this restaurant, large enough for 2,000 diners.		A farmer's home. by Yang Shaoquan

In 1994, Chongqing was designated as an experimental city at provincial level for the comprehensive reform of the marketing economic system.

In 1997, Chongqing became the fourth municipality under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government, the other three being Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. Chongqing includes Chongqing City, Wanxian City, Fuling City, and Qianjiang Prefecture. It covers an area of 82,400 square kilometers, 14 percent of Sichuan's total area, and has a population of 30.05 million, 27 percent of Sichuan's total.

Opportunities and Challenges

In 1983, Chongqing became the first city to be chosen for the experiment in the comprehensive reform of the economic system and the first city listed as an independent unit in the state plans in China. In the 1990s, the focus of China's reform and opening and its modernization shifted from the coastal areas of East China to the inland areas of West China, thus highlighting the position and role of Chongqing.

The production line for Alto automobiles. In 1993, the Chang'an Suzuki Automobiles Co., Ltd., a Sino-Japanese ventre, was established in Chongqing. The production capacity in the first phase of operation was 50,000 automobiles a year. The company is now a major producer of light automobiles in southwest China. It is expected that in 2000, at least 90 percent of the parts in the company's automobiles will be made in China. Major producer of light automobiles in southwest China. It is expected that in 2000, at least 90 percent of the parts in the company's automobiles will be made in China.

In 1993, Chongqing was designated by the state as an experimental city for the development of science and technology and an opening city along the Changjiang River.

The production line for Alto automobiles. In 1993, the Chang'an Suzuki Automobiles Co., Ltd., a Sino-Japanese ventre, was established in Chongqing. The production capacity in the first phase of operation was 50,000 automobiles a year. The company is now a major producer of light automobiles in southwest China. It is expected that in 2000, at least 90 percent of the parts in the company's automobiles will be made in China. by Zou Yi.		An eco-agricultural model district near Zhongliang Hill in Chongqing. by Wu Bin

In 1994, the construction of the Three Gorges Water Conservation Project began, leading to a large-scale resettlement of the residents of the area.

In 1996, Chongqing was approved by the state as one of the five experimental cities for the reform of the financial system in China.

Chongqing enjoys three advantages in the development of West China, according to Bao Xuding, mayor of Chongqing, and He Guoqiang, Party secretary of the municipal committee. First, Chongqing is a municipality under the Central Government. It is also an important city on the upper reaches of the Changjiang as well as a place of strategic importance for industry and commerce in southwest China.

The development of West China provides opportunities for Chongqing to readjust its industrial structure, quicken the rejuvenation of the old industries, and enhance its function as an economic center in the region.

Second, Chongqing is in the area of the Three Gorges and has the potential to create a good economic, social, and ecological environment for the construction of the water-conservation project and the long-term peace and stability of the region.

Third, Chongqing serves as a bridge between the economically developed eastern part of China, especially the areas on the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang, and the resource-rich western part of China and thus plays an important role in the development of the west, especially the regions along the Changjiang.

Chongqing in the Eyes of the Chongqingers

Chongqing is known as a city of mountains and slopes, and its inadequate transportation has always been an impediment to the city's development. For many years, the Jiefangbei section was the only flourishing area in Chongqing. The majority of enterprises were in the suburbs, where most of the residents were industrial workers. On festive occasions, the suburban residents would go shopping in the downtown area.

Today, Chongqing has become the largest transportation hub in West China, with six bridges over the Changjiang River, four bridges over the Jialing River, and five state-class highways. In addition, seven new expressways are now under construction. Some 212 roads in Chongqing lead to other parts of the country, and three electric railways meet there. Dozens of ports and wharves have been built along the Changjiang. The Jiangbei International Airport offers flights on more than 40 airlines, linking Chongqing with major cities on China's mainland, and with Hong Kong and Macao as well as with cities overseas including Nagoya, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

"The way to prosperity is to build roads," says a Chinese proverb. Chongqing now attracts an increasing amount of investment thanks to the construction of municipal works, the rich natural resources, the numerous places of interest, and the profound strength of its science and technology. Many world-famous companies have invested in Chongqing, including the Carrefour Supermarket Chain from France, Hutchison Whampoa Properties from Hong Kong, and the Pacific Department Store from Taiwan.