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Places in China: Chongqing Province

A project within the municipal unit of Chongqing which is noteworthy is the Three Gorges Dam and the resulting large reservoir which was created when the dam was built. Most of the reservoir is located within Chongqing Municipality.

Chongqing is the first centrally-located municipal unit in China which is under the direct control of the PRC's government. For some time, Chongqing was a part of the Sichuan Province, but it regained its municipal status in 1997. At that time, the city of Chongqing merged with Fuling, Qianjiang and Wanxian, smaller towns in the area.

Chongqing's ancient history shows the city as a major industrial centre of southwestern China in the 13th century BC when it was the capital of the Ba Kingdom. Industry is still quite important to the people of the city although their major income source is from agriculture. During the Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing was important as a port centre and as an industrial centre. Chaing Kai-shek used the city as regional capital at the time.

Whenever the Three Gorges Dam project reaches complete fruition, it will make Chongqing a central location for international trade, linking eastern China with western China. In the past, Chongqing became the first inland port in China to be open to foreigners.

The government of China sees the future prospects of Chongqing in a positive light. They are encouraging foreign investment in the area, they are constructing commuter railways there, and they have established new development zones.

The local population mix includes ninety-one percent Han Chinese with the rest being largely Tujia and Miao people. Population density figures show around 379 people per square kilometre.

The city is between two major rivers and is accessible to the outside through the reservoir as well. Airlines, railways and good major highways make accessibility very positive for this industrial/agricultural city.

Weather is a significant factor for those who do not like extremes. Chongqing has extremes in summer and winter. Summers are quite hot, giving rise to the nickname 'Furnace City". Winters are cold and wet, bringing about another nickname for the city of "Foggy City".