Chongqing - The Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in Southwest China witnessed a net inflow of 280 million person-times in the first three quarters of 2023, according to a report on the analysis of high-frequency big data for integrated development of the economic circle (2023) revealed recently.

This figure surpasses the annual statistics of the past three years and signifies a significant demographic and economic shift in the region.

Net population inflow surge indicates a thriving economy   

The net population inflow represents the differential between the permanent resident and the household populations, indicating an influx when the former surpasses the latter. This phenomenon is commonly seen in economically prosperous cities, where superior public resources and employment opportunities become magnets for the population.

In 2022, the net inflow in Sichuan and Chongqing was 210 million, marking a 28.4% increase from 2020. The 2023 data further accentuates this trend, highlighting increased mobility within the region and with neighboring provinces, particularly Guangdong, Guizhou, and Yunnan. This inter-regional movement strongly indicates the growing economic ties and shared prosperity.

Intra-regionally, the population flows between Sichuan and Chongqing have significantly rebounded, reaching 200 million from January to September 2023. This recovery is a clear sign of these two urban hubs' deepening economic and social integration.

Transportation accessibility is key to mobility, and in 2022, Jiangbei International Airport is expected to be China's second busiest, handling 21.67 million passengers. Meanwhile, Chengdu's Shuangliu and Tianfu Airports are projected to rank sixth and tenth nationally, showcasing the region's airport development. 

The net population inflow of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in the first three quarters of 2023. (Graphic/ Zheng Ran)

Electronic info manufacturing cluster hits 10.9% of China's total

The report highlights the revival of Chengdu-Chongqing's offline shopping districts. These commercial areas have seen a strong rebound in foot traffic, averaging 2.53 million daily visitors in the first three quarters of 2023, a 13% increase from the previous year.

The shopping visitor's data of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in the first three quarters of 2023. (Graphic/ Zheng Ran)

The close ties between Chengdu and Chongqing go beyond consumer behavior. The Chengdu-Chongqing region's synchronized industrial growth is highlighted by its electronic information advanced manufacturing cluster, valued at 1.68 trillion yuan in 2022. This accounts for 10.9% of China's total, ranking it among the world's top ten in this sector.

Furthermore, the tourism sector in Sichuan and Chongqing has experienced a remarkable upswing, particularly in natural scenic spots. The average daily number of visitors in 5A scenic spots reached 230 thousand from January to September, a 31.4% increase from the previous year. 

The tourism sector's data of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in the first three quarters of 2023. (Graphic/ Zheng Ran)

A booming economy is generating more jobs, attracting a surge of job seekers to the Chengdu-Chongqing area. The rise in gig jobs like ride-hailing and food delivery reflects this economic growth, especially in urban centers like Yuzhong District.

The data from the first three quarters of 2023 illustrates a dynamic and rapidly evolving Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. With significant population movements, Sichuan and Chongqing are well on their way to becoming major economic powerhouses in Southwest China.