Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has recently gained global attention, especially through tweets by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, who highlighted landmarks such as Raffles City Chongqing, Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge, and the monorail's seamless track switching.

This recognition reflects the Chongqing government's efforts to make the city a global consumption hub, showcasing its unique identity as a "Mountain City," "River City," and "Bridge Capital of China."

Chongqing's economic indicators are impressive, with total social retail sales reaching 1.51 trillion yuan (USD 213.6 billion) in 2023, marking an 8.6% year-on-year increase. This growth surpasses the national average by 1.4 percentage points, highlighting consumption's fundamental role in the city's economic expansion.

The city boosts its allure with iconic business districts like Jiefangbei-Chaotianmen and Guanyinqiao and major projects like MixC Chongqing Phase II and InCity Chongqing, reinforcing its commercial prominence.

By revitalizing its cultural scene with new landmarks and consumer experiences, featuring unique commercial streets like Sandongqiao PARK and five night-time economy zones, including Shancheng Alley and Ziwei Road, the city also boasts its cultural and tourism allure.

Data from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce shows the city's food and beverage revenues grew by 20.6% in 2023, affirming its status as a top national cultural and tourism consumption city and a leader in China's night economy for four straight years.

Chongqing's dedication to innovation is shown in its rapid expansion of the first store economy, launching 469 new quality first stores in 2023, up 240% from the previous year. Attracting over 1,800 famous global and local brands, the city's appeal is highlighted by the popularity of products like Huawei-backed AITO M7 and AVATR vehicles and local specialties like Fengjie navel oranges, Fuling pickles, and Wushan crispy plums.

The city's international profile is growing, with 14 foreign consular organizations and extensive global exchange networks. Chongqing has leveraged initiatives like the China (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Project on Strategic Connectivity to expand its global reach. The city's transportation network, including a 500-kilometer urban rail transit system and connections to over 480 ports in 120 countries via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, is a cornerstone of its development strategy.

"Looking ahead, Chongqing aims to become an international consumer innovation leader," said an official from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

He added the city's focus on quality, expansion of consumption, and innovation in new consumption forms is set to enhance its vitality and position it at the forefront of international fashion trends.