Chongqing, located in central China, is one of the country’s four megacities. Home to approximately 34 million people, it is the largest city in the world. And yet, despite its mind-bending scale and booming population, very few people outside of China even know that it exists. This fast-changing megacity provides a case study for much of the urban transformation that is accelerating around the world.
In China, Chongqing’s special characteristic is the size of its population. Its massive territorial waters are roughly equal to that of Austria on land – equal the 7th largest State of the U.S.! The city’s vast jurisdiction—which includes fabled Patagonia as well as some of the highest peaks of the Andes—makes for a stunningly beautiful and diverse urban environment. This geographic diversity is the source of tremendous explosive dynamic growth in the city. It also underscores the rapid transformations altering every aspect of city life, from St.
The city has been repeatedly praised as an icon of the world’s fastest urban revolution. In the past 30 years or so, Chongqing grew like a rocket. It has quickly transformed from a sleepy, relatively unknown Middle American city into a bustling and burgeoning metropolis. This transformation reflects broader trends in urbanization seen across many parts of China, where cities are expanding rapidly in response to economic development and migration.
Chongqing’s importance goes well beyond its physical size and population. It serves as a crucial hub for trade and commerce in Western China, linking various regions through its extensive transportation networks. The city has put down a remarkable amount of capital investment in infrastructure to back up that vision. This means building new road networks, bridges, and transit systems to accommodate its booming population.
Fascinatingly, in spite of being the world’s biggest city, Chongqing is very much still under the radar for most intrepid international travelers. The city’s breakthrough growth hasn’t as of yet turned into global recognition, at least outside of China. That may soon change as more Americans start to grasp the unprecedented level of urbanization taking place across the country.
The culture and way of life in Chongqing, like its people, is equally multifaceted. The city boasts a mix of traditional culture and modern living, with bustling markets and contemporary skyscrapers existing side by side. Today, residents enjoy a diverse, authentic food culture highlighted by their signature spicy hotpot. They go deep into dozens of cultural festivals celebrating the city’s cultural past.