With an area of 82,400 square kilometers, Chongqing is the largest of the four direct-controlled municipalities (the other three are Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin). Located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is one of the most notable cities for history and culture in China.
Surrounded by waters on three sides, and by the mountains on four sides, Chongqing is known as the “Mountain City”. In the meantime, Chongqing enjoys a tropical moist climate with cloudy days, less frost and snow. In spring and autumn, the city is often enveloped by heavy fog hence Chongqing wins the name of “city of fog”.
As the cradle of the Ba culture, Chongqing is the ancient capital of Ba kingdom with a history of 3,000 years. Chongqing is gifted with rich tourist items represented by the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the Mountain City and the stone carvings of Dazu.
Chongqing is a modern city as well. With high-rises and buildings in graceful disorder, Chongqing presents distinctive views different from other cities in China. Within its borders it encompasses a wealth of water reserves, mineral resources, dense forests, and abundant flora and fauna. But despite modern development, an old China atmosphere remains around the river docks and the hillside alleyways that link them to the rest of the city.
Chongqing has a number of historic and scenic attractions, including Eling Park, a beautiful spot for the panorama view of Chongqing; Three Gorges Museum, offers you an insight into culture of the Three Gorges; General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum, signifies Sino-US friendship in wartime; Chongqing Zoo, a reservation of rare and precious animals and so on.