Chongqing is located in Southwest China and is the country’s largest city both in area and population. There are 30.2 million people in Chongqing, the majority of Han descent although there are 40 other ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao.
Formerly known as Chungking, the city was opened as a treaty port in 1890, and was the wartime capital for the Kuomintang during the 1930s and 40s. It is now developing rapidly again, and shiny new buildings tower over dusty gray old ones.
There is a romantic charm to Chongqing, its location on the confluence of two rivers and the thousands of city lights on the surrounding hillsides make it an interesting city to pass through before boarding or disembarking from a Yangtze River cruise — one of the best river journeys in the world.
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Places near Chongqing
- Chengdu 269 kilometers away
- The Yangtze River 334 kilometers away
- Fenghuang 347 kilometers away
- Kaili 360 kilometers away
- Zhangjiajie 384 kilometers away
- Jiuzhaigou 469 kilometers away
- Zhaoxing 482 kilometers away
Photos of Chongqing
Our expert guides to exploring Chongqing
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Chongqing, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Chongqing at its best.
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A guide to Chinese food (and where to find it) A guide to Chinese food (and where to find it)
A guide to Chinese food (and where to find it)
There’s more to Chinese food than Western takeaways let on. Each region of China has its own distinct cuisine, from the west’s hot and spicy delicacies to the hearty dishes of the north. China specialists Anthony and Duncan discuss the best ways to experience food in China.
Read this guide -
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide
Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide
China can be overwhelming, so Audley specialist Heather suggests exploring it from a calmer perspective on a cruise of its greatest river, the Yangtze. She reveals the key sights, and what life’s like on board your Yangtze cruise ship.
Read this guide