Chongqing - "To understand China, you need to understand the Yangtze civilization — and Chongqing is at its heart." This remark was made by David Gosset, French sinologist, expert in global affairs and international relations, and founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, in an exclusive interview with iChongqing during his visit to Chongqing for the Yangtze River Civilization Forum. It underscores how the city, shaped by the great river, embodies both the legacy of history and the vitality of modern China.
For centuries, rivers have been pathways of communication, trade, and cultural exchange. In the scholar’s words, “River civilizations are always open, because a river is a pathway — bringing people, goods, and ideas together.” Nowhere is this more evident than in Chongqing, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge in a breathtaking natural spectacle. This confluence, he observed, carries a certain “magic” that fascinates visitors and defines the city’s unique identity.
Chongqing, once China’s wartime capital, is remembered for its resilience. Today, that spirit has transformed into an unmistakable energy. With more than 30 million inhabitants and rapid urban growth, the city is often compared to Hong Kong, though on an even larger scale. For the scholar, Chongqing’s fast-changing skyline, thriving industries, and cosmopolitan character represent “a city full of openness, energy, and extraordinary ambition.”
The forum underscored that the Yangtze civilization is not only history, but also about today’s China. The Yangtze River region contributes around 45% of China’s economy and is home to 40% of its population. Understanding this civilization, he stressed, is essential to understanding modern China. Against this backdrop, Chongqing stands out as both a cultural landmark and a dynamic hub of innovation, where traditional landscapes coexist with futuristic urban development — even giving rise to what he called a distinctive “cyberpunk culture.”
Although located deep in China’s hinterland, Chongqing projects remarkable international openness. “This is not a coastal city like Shanghai or Shenzhen,” he noted, “yet it remains a very international city — energetic and cosmopolitan.” The forum itself illustrated this, drawing participants from across Europe, Egypt, South Asia, and beyond.
Beyond economic achievements, the scholar was impressed by Chongqing’s efforts to balance modernization with sustainability. He highlighted the city’s projects to protect water resources and reduce air pollution, calling them “a source of hope.” For him, China’s path to modernization is unique, marked by its determination to build an advanced economy and an “ecological civilization.”
For international audiences, Chongqing is becoming an increasingly important destination. Visitors are drawn not only to its vibrant urban life and distinctive cuisine, but also to its role as a gateway to understanding the Yangtze River civilization. “Chongqing is a unique city with unique people,” he concluded, extending an invitation for more travelers to experience the city’s openness, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Yangtze.