Chongqing: The mountain city that's an economic success

Editor's note: Wang Wei is a CGTN Radio Reporter and an editor of the podcast "Round Table China."

Nicknamed "Mountain City," Chongqing's not just the place where spicy hot pot and steep hills abound; it's also a city on the rise, quickly becoming one of China's economic heavyweights. In 2024, it leapfrogged Guangzhou to claim the title of the fourth-largest city by GDP in China. It may be famous for its fiery cuisine and jaw-dropping views, but now it's also known as a manufacturing titan and a cinematic hotspot. Don't let the hot pot fool you; this city has much going for it.  

Chongqing 101: Bigger than you think, and busier

Imagine a city 67 times the size of New York City – that's Chongqing, sprawling over 82,400 square kilometers along the Yangtze River. In 2023, it was home to nearly 32 million people. The city is not just big in area. In 2024, Chongqing's GDP hit a staggering 3.2 trillion yuan ($442 billion), growing by 5.7 percent year-on-year. To put that in perspective, Guangzhou's GDP was just a smidge behind at 3.1 trillion yuan, growing at a slower 2.1 percent.  

What's driving Chongqing's growth? It's a little bit of everything

Chongqing has more going on than a steamy bowl of hot pot. From its booming film industry to its savvy tech-driven manufacturing sector, this city is stacking up its strengths.  

The local film scene has grown rapidly, with more than 100 film crews flocking to its unique landscapes and historical sites each year. Locations like the Baisha Film and Television Base, where "Back to 1942" was shot, are turning into iconic backdrops, drawing international attention. My favorite spots, such as a tube-shaped apartment block and Chaotianmen Bridge – which appeared in "Better Days" – have become cinematic landmarks, attracting fans from around the world.

Chongqing is leading the charge in intelligent manufacturing. The city's making big moves in digital technology, new energy, and innovative materials, all while upgrading its traditional manufacturing base. By the end of 2023, Chongqing had set up 144 intelligent factories and 958 digital workshops. And if you're using a laptop, chances are it was made here – almost 50 percent of global laptop production happens in Chongqing. 

When it comes to automobiles, Chongqing's steering the wheel with confidence. In 2024, it rolled out over 2.5 million vehicles, marking a 9.4% increase year-on-year. But the real star here is the rise of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). In 2024 alone, the city produced over 953,000 NEVs, a jaw-dropping 90.5 percent growth. NEV exports are booming too, with the city racking up 43.13 billion yuan in auto exports, up 94 percent from the previous year. Chongqing-based Seres, which co-develops NEVs with Huawei, delivered nearly 18,000 units in January 2025, and their flagship AITO M9 SUV is dominating the high-end market.

This is not just about building cars; Chongqing's landscape is perfect for testing cutting-edge technologies like autonomous driving. With global giants like Porsche and Audi setting up shops in the city, it's clear: Chongqing has horsepower – both literally and figuratively.

If you thought Chongqing was all about ground-level action, think again. The city's aiming for the skies with its growing aerospace information industry. Specialized industrial parks focused on satellite navigation applications and satellite internet are helping propel Chongqing into the space race, with an annual growth rate exceeding 15 percent. By 2027, the city expects to see its aerospace cluster generate a whopping 50 billion yuan in output value. Who knew that a city famous for its spicy noodles could reach for the stars?

Supportive Policies: The wind beneath Chongqing's wings

You know what they say: "Behind every successful city is a government with deep pockets and big ideas." In 2024, Chongqing's government slashed taxes and fees by 36.1 billion yuan, providing a major boost to innovation and industrial upgrades. Investment subsidies and business-friendly policies are sweetening the deal, attracting both local and international companies. It is evident that the government's backing is more than just a hot pot of ideas – it's a full-course meal of support.

Looking ahead: Chongqing's future is looking hot – in more ways than one

Chongqing's not just rising; it's roaring into the future. With a winning combination of industries like film, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, and a government that knows how to keep things simmering, Chongqing is primed for even greater things. The city's strategic location, growing population, and pro-business policies make it a magnet for investment. So, whether you're in it for the hot pot, the high-tech innovations, or the cool cinematic history, Chongqing is a city you'll want to keep on your radar.