Chongqing history

The history of Chongqing spans over 3,000 years, rooted in the era when the ancient Ba Kingdom flourished on this land. The city, originally known as Jiangzhou, served as the capital of this kingdom and was a vital regional hub. Chongqing received its modern name, which translates as "Double Celebration," in 1189.

Key Factors of Formation

The city owes its growth and development to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its strategic position at the confluence of the mighty Yangtze and Jialing rivers made Chongqing a natural transport and trade hub. The hilly terrain earned it the nickname "Mountain City" (Shancheng).
• Trade: As early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the city became a major commercial centre from which caravans departed for the southern provinces. In 1891, Chongqing was granted the status of an open port, which led to a flourishing shipping industry and strengthened its role as a link between southwest China and the outside world.
• Political Role: In the 20th century, Chongqing played a crucial role in the country's history, serving as its provisional capital from 1937 to 1945.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Chongqing was inextricably linked to river trade. The city was an important centre for the sale of salt, tea, and silk. One of its ancient districts, Ciqikou, was famous for the production and sale of porcelain, earning it the nickname "Porcelain City." Its location on the edge of the fertile Sichuan Basin, known as the "Rice Granary of China," also contributed to the city's prosperity and growth over the centuries.

Key Milestones in Chongqing's History

The history of Chongqing is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting the most significant stages of China's development. Growing from an ancient capital, the city has repeatedly found itself at the centre of historical changes.

• 11th Century BC — The State of Ba emerges on the territory of modern Chongqing, with Jiangzhou becoming its capital.
• 316 BC — The State of Qin conquers the State of Ba, and these lands become part of a unified Chinese empire.
• 581 AD — During the Sui Dynasty, the region is named Yuzhou (渝州), and since then, the character "Yu" (渝) has become the abbreviation for Chongqing.
• 1189 — The city receives its modern name, Chongqing, meaning "Double Celebration," in honour of a local prince who was promoted and then became emperor in the same year.
• 1891 — Chongqing becomes an open trading port, giving a powerful boost to the development of shipping, trade, and industry in the region.
• 1929 — Chongqing is officially granted city status.
• 1937–1945 — During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing becomes the provisional capital of China, hosting government institutions evacuated from Nanjing.
• 1938–1943 — The city is subjected to massive and prolonged aerial bombardments.
• 1949 — After the founding of the PRC, Chongqing retains the status of a direct-controlled municipality for a short time.
• 1954 — The city becomes part of Sichuan Province.
• 1997 — Chongqing once again receives the status of a direct-controlled municipality, opening a new chapter in its rapid economic and social development.

Stages of Chongqing's Transformation

Chongqing's development is a story of impressive transformations that have turned it from an ancient city into one of the largest and most dynamic metropolises in the world. Key changes have affected the economy, the urban environment, and its administrative status.

• Opening of the Trade Port (1891): In the late 19th century, Chongqing received the status of an open port for foreign trade. This event became a turning point, providing a powerful impulse for the development of shipping on the Yangtze River, the financial sector, and industry. The city turned into a major hub connecting southwest China with the rest of the world.
• Wartime Capital (1937–1945): During the Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing became the country's provisional capital. Government institutions, factories, and universities were evacuated here. Despite massive bombings, the city's population tripled, and the relocation of industrial capacities laid the foundation for its future industrialisation.
• Industrial Growth in the 20th Century: After World War II, the evacuated enterprises became the core of Chongqing's new industrial base. The city strengthened its position as a centre of heavy industry, especially in metallurgy and mechanical engineering, earning the unofficial title of the "Detroit of China."
• Obtaining Direct-Controlled Municipality Status (1997): This decision was one of the most important in Chongqing's modern history. The city was separated from Sichuan Province and placed under the direct administration of the central government, giving it a status equal to that of a province. This was done to accelerate the development of the country's western regions and to effectively manage the Three Gorges Dam construction project.
• Economic Boom and Urban Planning (2000s – Present): The new status launched rapid economic growth. GRP per capita grew tenfold. Massive urbanisation began, along with the construction of unique infrastructure: multi-level interchanges, bridges, and even metro lines passing through residential buildings. The city has become a world leader in laptop production and an important centre for automotive manufacturing.
• Hub of Innovation and Logistics: Today, Chongqing is not only an industrial giant but also a key node in the "Belt and Road" initiative. A strategic trade and logistics corridor passes through the city, connecting Western China with Southeast Asia. High-tech zones specialising in electronics, biomedicine, and robotics are actively developing.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The unique landscape has turned Chongqing into one of the most unusual metropolises in the world, often called the "City of Mountains" and the "Cyberpunk Capital" of China. Due to the complex terrain, where elevation changes can reach hundreds of metres, urban planning here developed not outwards, but upwards and inwards, creating a multi-level system of roads, buildings, and bridges.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The city's architecture represents a contrasting combination of ancient traditions and bold futurism. Each era has left its mark on the metropolis's appearance:

• Traditional Vernacular Architecture (Pre-20th Century):

  The hallmark of the old city is the diaojiaolou (stilt houses). This style emerged as a response to the need to build housing on the steep slopes of the Yangtze and Jialing riverbanks. Wooden structures resting on stilts allowed for efficient use of space and protection against floods. A vivid example is the ancient quarter of Ciqikou, which has preserved the atmosphere of the Ming and Qing eras.

• Eclecticism and Republic Period Style (1912–1949):

  During the period when the city was the provisional capital, buildings appeared here combining Western neoclassicism with Chinese elements. These are administrative buildings and residences that today serve as museums and historical monuments.

• Modernism and Postmodernism (21st Century):

  The modern stage is characterised by the explosive growth of skyscrapers and complex engineering structures. The city has become a testing ground for architectural experiments, dominated by glass, concrete, and steel. Dense high-rise development on the hills creates a "concrete forest" effect.

Iconic Structures and Districts

The city's appearance is shaped by several key objects that have become symbols of its transformation:

• Hongyadong (Hongya Cave): A grandiose 11-story complex styled after traditional diaojiaolou stilt houses. This is a modern reconstruction that looks particularly spectacular at night due to its illumination, reminiscent of fairytale structures from animated films.
• Raffles City Chongqing: A masterpiece of modern engineering by architect Moshe Safdie. The complex consists of eight skyscrapers connected by a giant "horizontal skyscraper" — "The Crystal" skybridge at a height of 250 metres.
• Chongqing Grand Theater: A high-tech building resembling a tank or a ship in shape, clad in glass that changes colour depending on the lighting.
• Liziba Station: A unique example of integrating transport and residential development, where a monorail train passes directly through a multi-story apartment building.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Chongqing

Chongqing, a city with a rich and multifaceted history, is the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures who have left a mark on Chinese history and culture. Here are some of them:

• Qin Liangyu (1574–1648)

  A female general of the Ming Dynasty era, born in the territory of modern Chongqing. She became famous as an outstanding military commander who defended the empire against external invasions and internal rebellions. Qin Liangyu is the only woman in Chinese history whose merits were officially recorded in the dynastic chronicles in the "Biographies of Generals" section.

• Zou Rong (1885–1905)

  A native of Chongqing, a revolutionary and publicist during the decline of the Qing Dynasty. At the age of just 18, he wrote the famous pamphlet "The Revolutionary Army," which became the ideological basis for many participants in the Xinhai Revolution. Zou Rong was arrested and died in prison, becoming one of the youngest martyrs of the revolutionary movement.

• Pan Wenhua (1886–1950)

  A military and political figure of the Republic of China period. He played a key role in the formation of the modern city, becoming its first official mayor in 1929. His activities laid the foundation for the further administrative and infrastructural development of Chongqing.

• Li Yundi (born 1982)

  A world-renowned pianist born in Chongqing. At the age of 18, he became the youngest winner of the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition. Li Yundi is considered one of the leading interpreters of Chopin's works and is a prominent figure in the world of classical music.

• Chen Kun (born 1976)

  A popular actor and singer, a native of Chongqing. He is known for his roles in films such as "Painted Skin" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate." Chen Kun is one of the most recognisable stars of Chinese cinema and the pop scene.

• Xiao Zhan (born 1991)

  One of the most sought-after actors and singers in modern China, born in Chongqing. He gained widespread fame after his role in the drama "The Untamed" and became a global ambassador for many brands, representing the city's modern pop culture on the world stage.

• Domee Shi (born 1989)

  A Chinese-Canadian director, screenwriter, and animator born in Chongqing. Working at Pixar, she won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for "Bao" (2018) and later directed the feature film "Turning Red" (2022). Her work often explores themes of family and cultural identity.