Chongqing City Street

Stop 6: Chongqing "An Inland Port"

Focus Question: How has Chongqing's location helped influence its culture and development in relation to greater China and the rest of the world?
Portfolios Questions: Why do people live and move where they do? & How has the quest for resources affected human history?

Geography: The municipality of Chongqing has a registered population of 31,442,300 (2005). It is located at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River.

Google Earth picture of Chongqing. The larger river is the Yangtze and the other is the Jialing.
A picture of Chongqing's skyscrapers at the confluence of the two rivers.

Background: Chongqing was known once the home of the Ba people, originating in the 11th century B.C. In 1891, Chongqing became the first inland port open to foreigners, with ships using the Yangtze River to transport goods to Shanghai and then out to the rest of the world as it is done today. Once the Three Gorges Dam flooded the Three Gorges, trading increased, making Chongqing a major shipping center in China.
During World War II, Japan invaded China (Sino-Japanese War) and colonized and controlled much of the eastern coast cities of China. The Republic of China's government moved its capital to Chongqing, given its inland protected location (The mountainous Three Gorges area made it difficult to move large ground forces or navies inland). Japan didn't invade Chongqing, but bombed its war-time factories and industry repeatedly. Chongqing is thought to be the most bombed city in history. Now it is known for its thriving economy and connection to the western part of China. It is still growing.

The Inland Trade Economy:

Vince Carter's Nike advertisement symbolizing the trade between the West and the East.

If it wasn't for the sales people, couldn't this store fit into any American shopping mall?

Chongqing's World Trade Center.

The Disney Store in Chongqing. Globalization has brought Mickey Mouse to the Chinese.

Photo Gallery:
The City of Chongqing (People, Streets, Etc...)

Article:
Turning Up the Volume (EuroBiz)

Websites for More Information:
Chongqing - Wikipedia

Chongqing News

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