Details

Rediscovering the Beauty of Chongqing

It is time to rediscover the beauty of Chongqing.

As various attractions and urban landscapes of Chongqing continue to gain viral popularity online, it is important to acknowledge that, from a geographical perspective, Chongqing is far more than a fleeting internet sensation; instead, it is a city with immense untapped potential accumulated over billions of years. Now and in the future, it is time for this potential to unfold continuously.

Chongqing is a city nestled amidst parallel ridges and valleys, where over a dozen mountain ridges, sharing similar orientations, extend from the northeast to the southwest for thousands of miles. When observed from above, they resemble delicate orchestral strings interwoven across the landscape, presenting an unparalleled spectacle in China.

It is also renowned for its karst landscapes. Above ground are rare table mountains, while below the surface lie countless deep and mysterious “underground worlds”. The total area of karst formations exceeds 30,000 square kilometers, accounting for more than one-third of Chongqing’s total area.

Beyond its extraordinary mountains and waters, Chongqing thrives as a bustling metropolis. Over its thousands of years of history, the city has welcomed immigrants from all directions. Countless ordinary heroes have gathered here, transcending the geographical barriers imposed by surrounding mountains and transforming Chongqing into one of China’s most dynamic communities.

Today, Chongqing is a bold and innovative city unafraid to pursue breakthroughs and envision new possibilities. Despite its inland western location, Chongqing stands as an open gateway. It serves as the departure point for the first China-Europe Railway Express line known as Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe railway, which extends further south to the Indochina Peninsula to form the New International

Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region. Together with Chengdu, Chongqing constitutes the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone and emerges as one of the four poles in China’s economy and transportation network.

Therefore, we are eager to use this book to present the unique mountains and waters of Chongqing while providing insights into the city’s past and present. The book showcases over 200 captivating photographs that offer an immersive portrayal of Chongqing’s natural wonders and vibrant urban life, accompanied by dozens of meticulously crafted maps that delve into the city’s geography and culture.

We sincerely hope that his book will facilitate a deeper understanding of the geographical features of Chongqing among a wider range of readers.

Geng Huajun

Director of the Institute for Planets

October 29, 2023