Chongqing City Street
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