Chongqing – As the 33rd National Book Expo gets underway in Chongqing from July 25 to 28, the city is making literary headlines in an entirely new way: it has become the subject of a groundbreaking international publication.

Dr. Ali Cheshmehzangi, Professor and Head of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) at the University of Queensland, has been recognized by Stanford University as one of the world’s top 2% scholars for four consecutive years. Ranked among the top 25 global experts in urban sustainability, he has authored City Walks in Chongqing: Mapping a Multi-layered, Multi-identity, and Multi-locality City that Never Sleeps— the first academic English-language monograph dedicated solely to walking through and reflecting on the city of Chongqing. Published by the renowned academic press Springer, the book marks a major step in showcasing the complexity of Chinese urban life to a global audience.

Combining immersive fieldwork with deep academic insight, Dr. Cheshmehzangi captures the city’s dramatic verticality, layered urban textures, and vibrant street culture. His writing offers a multidimensional perspective on one of the world’s most unique and sprawling metropolitan regions — positioning Chongqing not merely as a destination, but as a subject of serious study and reflection.

As the Book Expo shines a national spotlight on Chongqing’s cultural energy, this international release opens a new window for global readers to experience the city through the footsteps and lens of a world-leading expert.

This summer, as readers across China celebrate the power of books, Chongqing is also being read by the world.

(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to the report)