Chongqing - Many Chinese state-owned enterprises are prominent transportation, energy, and railway infrastructure players. The China Communication 2nd Navigational Bureau, which specializes in transportation infrastructure, is one of them. 

Since establishing its Chongqing subsidiary, the 2nd Engineering Co., Ltd., in the 1960s, the China Communication 2nd Navigational Bureau has invested over 50 RMB billion (USD about 6.85 billion) into the city. Its achievements include the construction of 17 major bridges, over 50 docks, and more than 30 highways.

Bridging News reporter recently toured several urban renewal projects in Chongqing led by the 2nd Engineering Co., Ltd., including a commercial and residential area in Qiezixi and a digital economy industrial park in Bishan District, as well as the Cuntan International Cruise Center in the Liangjiang New Area, formerly the Cuntan Port. 

These projects are key to Chongqing's urban development plans, encompassing commercial, tourism, educational, and industrial growth. Notably, the Qiezixi and Cuntan projects are part of the city's urban renewal initiative, a trend gaining momentum in many Chinese cities.

At the construction site of the Cuntan International Cruise Center, Bridging News reporter witnessed the transformation of a vertical lift complex from a former upright dock. This site is poised to become a significant tourist destination, focusing on inland waterway travel and offering comprehensive commercial services.

The rendering of Cuntan International Cruise Center. (Photo/Liangjiang New Area)

Pan Xiwei, the port engineering site manager, said that the Cruise Center aims to rival the experience of airport waiting and boarding with interior design and technical specifications upgrades. "This will be a marked change from the experience of walking to an open-air dock and crossing a floating bridge to board in the past," he added.

The engineering plan includes passenger boarding through jet bridge-like walkways, with hydraulic and pin devices automatically adjusting for seasonal water level fluctuations.

According to the China Communication 2nd Navigational Bureau, they are expanding their operations in Chongqing, spanning urban rail transport, cultural tourism integration, water and environmental protection, and smart parking. Their projects are across 26 districts and 12 counties in Chongqing, with ongoing developments like the Chongqing Zhaodu Reservoir Project and the Dazu Rock Carvings Cultural City area development.