Chongqing: The Mountain Megacity of China

Chongqing is a city that defies expectations. Nestled in southwest China, this mega-metropolis is often overshadowed by more famous cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, Chongqing has a unique charm, a city that promises to leave a lasting impression. With a population of 32 million and an area almost as large as Austria, Chongqing is one of the largest and most rapidly growing cities in the world. Despite its size, many outside China have never heard of it, but it is slowly making its way onto the global stage.

A City Built on the Mountains

Often referred to as "the mountain city," Chongqing is known for its steep slopes and vertical landscape. Navigating the city is an adventure in itself, especially for those with a fear of heights or sensitive stomachs. The city's unique topography has led to an interesting architectural phenomenon—buildings and streets are stacked on multiple levels. This creates a 3D cityscape where elevators, stairs, and ramps become essential to moving around. Visitors can find themselves on an elevated "square," only to take an elevator 22 floors down to the street level below.

Navigating Chongqing’s urban maze is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a distinctive experience that sets the city apart. Gas stations exist on different levels, and local guides like Jili are highly sought after, as the city’s complex layers can be hard to navigate with just a map.

A Megacity in the Making

Chongqing's transformation from a “large village” to a sprawling megacity happened in just a few decades. In the last 30 years, the city has seen rapid urbanization, with high-rise buildings springing up almost overnight. Today, it is a concrete jungle with massive skyscrapers, busy roads, and endless construction projects. However, despite its rapid growth, Chongqing retains a sense of local flavor, especially through its extensive network of stairs—vital shortcuts for navigating the city center’s labyrinthine streets.

Chongqing’s Vibrant Nightlife

When night falls, Chongqing transforms into a buzzing hub of activity. It is a city where nightlife thrives, with bars, nightclubs, and eateries staying open until the early hours. The city's vibrant atmosphere is amplified by its nightlife, which is a major draw for both locals and tourists. Hong-ya-dong, an area that blends old and new architecture, is one such hotspot, often referred to as the "new old city." Though it may appear ancient with its traditional architecture, it is a modern, rebuilt area filled with shops and restaurants, showcasing the fusion of Chongqing’s past and present.

For those seeking a more traditional experience, Chongqing's hotpot is a must-try. A local culinary icon, hotpot is often enjoyed late into the night. The city is the capital of spicy food in China, and there’s no better way to experience this than by diving into a spicy hotpot. Chongqing’s hotpot culture dates back to the days when butcher shops along the Yangtze River would sell organ meats that were cheaper and harder to move. This was added to the hotpot broth, creating the now-iconic dish.

Living in Chongqing: A City Like No Other

For residents like Li Zicheng, a food delivery driver, life in Chongqing is a balancing act between navigating the city’s vertical streets and managing the stress of a busy job. Despite the challenges, Chongqing’s labyrinthine streets and unique urban landscape make it a fascinating place to live. Li, part of a generation that aims to live life differently from their parents, embraces the quirks of the city. However, it’s not without its hurdles, especially for delivery workers who have to navigate multiple levels just to make a simple drop-off.

Martin, a German expat who runs a German-style sausage restaurant in Chongqing, has experienced both the difficulties and rewards of life in this mega-city. After several failed business ventures, he found success with his "Sausage Brothers" concept, which now has multiple locations. Martin’s story reflects the opportunities and challenges of doing business in a city that is still growing, changing, and adapting to modern demands.

Chongqing, though home to millions of people, has a surprising amount of potential for outsiders. Martin's journey—from failed attempts at selling German beer to finally finding his niche with sausages—illustrates how perseverance and adaptation can pay off in this rapidly evolving city.

Chongqing’s Spicy Culture

Chongqing’s food scene is one of the cornerstones of its culture. The city is known for its love of spice, and that’s evident in the food on every street corner. Whether it's the famous Chongqing hotpot, mouth-watering skewers, or spicy noodle dishes, the city’s food scene is defined by its fiery flavors. The locals take their spice seriously; as they say in Chongqing, "No spice, no happiness."

For Martin and his partner Wang Sien, creating a niche with German sausages was an unexpected but successful endeavor. The fusion of Western and Chinese cultures is not just evident in food but in everyday life. Livestreaming has become a massive business, with people selling products or entertaining viewers on their phones. Martin himself participates in this trend, promoting his restaurant and other German products, showcasing how modern technology and traditional business can coexist.

The Changing Faces of Chongqing

Chongqing is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers coexist with traditional practices and ancient culture. As more people move to the city in search of work, the next generation is pushing for a new lifestyle, one that’s freer and more individualistic. Xiao Xian, a musician and member of the band "Escape the Sunset," represents this shift. She hopes to make a name for herself in the city’s vibrant music scene, an industry that thrives under the cover of night.

For many residents, whether it’s on a motorcycle or in a hotpot restaurant, Chongqing’s unique energy provides a sense of freedom and belonging. The city has grown from a sleepy village to a global megacity in just a few decades, and it’s only getting started.

Chongqing: A City Worth Visiting and Living In

Chongqing is one of the most unique and rapidly changing cities in the world. With its complex urban landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a rich culinary tradition, it’s a city that offers a lot to both locals and visitors. For anyone looking to explore the essence of modern China, Chongqing is a place that blends the old with the new, offering something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re navigating the city’s many levels, enjoying a spicy hotpot, or simply exploring its buzzing streets, Chongqing is a city that will leave a lasting mark on you.