Chongqing - When Tesla CEO Elon Musk extolled the virtues of China's infrastructural prowess, particularly that of Chongqing, on social media, his message transcended mere acknowledgment of a city's achievements. 

This sentiment was further amplified when his mother, Maye Musk, retweeted a captivating image of Chongqing's "8D mountain city," captured by photographer Lu Jinjin, propelling Chongqing into the limelight of global discourse. The Musk family's commendations of Chongqing underscore not only the city's leading presence on social media but also unearth the multifaceted allure that Chongqing holds worldwide.

Elon Musk commends Chongqing's monorail Line 3 on social media. (Photo as a social media screenshot)

The impact of Chongqing on the digital global stage is formidable. As delineated in the Chinese Cities of Global Online Influence 2023 report by Beijing Normal University, Chongqing is ranked fifth nationwide in the comprehensive index of overseas network communication strength. This accolade cements Chongqing's status in the top ten for an impressive five years running. On a prominent international social media platform, dialogues centered around Chongqing surged to 330,000 mentions, with buzzwords such as "night scenes," "rail transit," and "cyberpunk" resonating strongly with the audience.

Elon Musk's mother, Maye Musk, also shared photos of Chongqing's "8D mountain city" on social media. (Photo as a social media screenshot)

The global fascination with Chongqing is not solely attributable to its distinctive urban topography. The city, a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge technology and deep-rooted cultural heritage, radiates a dynamic and pioneering spirit. Selim Belortaja, the Ambassador of Albania to the People's Republic of China, extolled Chongqing as "a pearl of China." Likewise, British ex-pats Richard and Frank, both long-term residents of Chongqing, express unreserved admiration and affection for the city. Similarly, a Jordanian student in Chongqing finds himself captivated by the city's singular charm, frequently recommending it to his peers back home.

Baijusi Temple Yangtze River Bridge (Photo/Qian Bo)

This global magnetism of Chongqing is not only echoed in the accolades of international figures but is also substantiated by empirical data. In 2023, the Chongqing Municipal People's Government's news office announced that the city had attracted an impressive 74,000 talents from outside the city. During each extended holiday season, Chongqing consistently ranks as a favored destination on major travel platforms.

Shibati Old Street ( literally means eighteen steps in Chinese) (Photo/Zhou Xuan)

In delving into the root causes of Chongqing's worldwide acclaim, the city's "people-oriented" development ethos cannot be ignored. Yu Zeyuan, Dean of the International College at Southwest University, highlights that Chongqing's urban evolution harmonizes with natural environments while meticulously catering to the essentials of human existence. This philosophy has garnered widespread acceptance among the local populace. Chen Xiang, a professional in the technology sector, interprets Musk's commendation of Chongqing's rail system as a testament to the principle that technology ought to enhance the quality of human life.

Chongqing Rail Transit frequently receives praise (Photo/Zhou Xuan)

The narrative of Chongqing is, without a doubt, a tale centered on humanity. This narrative extends its reach not only to its residents but also to individuals from afar and the international community—this ethos of prioritizing the human element in development positions Chongqing as a globally revered city.