4 hrs (240 km /149 mi) by bus southeast of Chengdu; 2 hrs (1800 km / 1116 mi) by plane southwest of Beijing; 1025 km (636 mi)northwest of HongKong.

Chongqing is located within southeast China's Sichuan Province but since 1997 it has been a independent metropolis under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. Squeezed along the confluence of the Yangtze River and Jailing River, this famous "Mountain City" or "Foggy City" is home to some 6 million people, while approximately 30 million people live in the counties and districts surrounding the old city.

Called Yu for short, Chongqing was established some 3000 years ago at the time of the Ba Kingdom. As an inland port it was opened to foreign trade in 1890 and played a key role in the economy of the southwest region. During World War II, it was the provisional capital of China (1938-1945). The Japanese bombed the city heavily and only the long foggy winters saved the city from worse damage. Chongqing or "Chungking" was known to most of the world as heavily bombarded yet brave city. Many places of interest here are related to its wartime struggles and or the revolution led by the Communist Party leaders who later took the control of China.

Today Chongqing is an important industrial city and a popular tourist destination. The renowned Three Gorges - one of the natural wonders of the world - are just 20 hours sailing away, so Chongqing is the start or end point for most Yangtze river cruises. The streets are staggered one above the other on the hills that overlook the river, making the city a magnificent sight to behold. The night scene of the city is very charming. At night, house lights shine over the rolling hills like sparkling stars, making the hills a glittering scene, the bridge a rainbow, and ships flying sparks on the rivers.The city's streets are full of life and character and there are plenty of opportunities to taste spicy Sichuan food and Chongqing's hotpot.