Nicknamed \"Mountain City,\" Chongqing's not just the place where spicy hot pot and steep hills abound; it's also a city on the rise, quickly becoming one of China's economic heavyweights. In 2024, it leapfrogged Guangzhou to claim the title of the fourth-largest city by GDP in China. It may be famous for its fiery cuisine and jaw-dropping views, but now it's also known as a manufacturing titan and a cinematic hotspot. Don't let the hot pot fool you; this city has much going for it. 🌶️🏞️
Chongqing 101: Bigger than you think, and busier
Imagine a city 67 times the size of New York City – that's Chongqing, sprawling over 82,400 square kilometers along the Yangtze River. In 2023, it was home to nearly 32 million people. The city is not just big in area. In 2024, Chongqing's GDP hit a staggering 3.2 trillion yuan ($442 billion), growing by 5.7 percent year-on-year. To put that in perspective, Guangzhou's GDP was just a smidge behind at 3.1 trillion yuan, growing at a slower 2.1 percent. 📈
What's driving Chongqing's growth? It's a little bit of everything
Chongqing has more going on than a steamy bowl of hot pot. From its booming film industry to its savvy tech-driven manufacturing sector, this city is stacking up its strengths. 🎬🔧
The local film scene has grown rapidly, with more than 100 film crews flocking to its unique landscapes and historical sites each year. Locations like the Baisha Film and Television Base, where \"Back to 1942\" was shot, are turning into iconic backdrops, drawing international attention. My favorite spots, such as a tube-shaped apartment block and Chaotianmen Bridge – which appeared in \"Better Days\" – have become cinematic landmarks, attracting fans from around the world. 🌉🎥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
