Source: CCTV.com

12-16-2008 15:25

By Douglas Peterson

My first visit to China was in 2000 in the southwestern Municipality of Chongqing. When I arrived in Chongqing at their International Terminal, I cannot say I was overly impressed. It was an old facility and not very accommodating.

Douglas Peterson

The city of Chongqing was enormous, and I had never seen so many people in one place in my entire life. I found out later in my travels that this was the norm rather than the exception. Chongqing at this time, with the exception of the downtown area was not that developed.

At this particular time in their history, the government was in the 10th five year plan in developing the west and southwest of China. The environment left a lot to be desired as well. The thing that impressed me the most was the kindness and sincere affection of the people that I had met. This was the main reason why I decided to stay in this country for some time. Little did I know that it would be for more than eight years and still continuing.

The transformation of Chongqing over the past 8 years and China has been astronomical. Had I not had the opportunity to see it for myself in 2000, I would find it hard to believe what they have achieved over this short period of time. It has evolved into a Metropolis that extends many kilometers out from the inner city and the beautiful downtown area to the surrounding districts.

This mountain city is definitely something you would want to see. From the modern skyscrapers and elegant shops of the downtown area to the Yangtze and Jallee rivers that meet at the beautiful port area of Chou Tian Men, to the new and modern International Airport located in Jiang Bei District. The subway and monorail system. This is truly a beautiful city, especially at night when it is lit up like a Christmas tree. Many large corporations have moved their factories, warehousing and distribution, Research and Development projects to Chongqing. It is being recognized by many as the Detroit of China.

Chongqing is recognized in China as being a mountain city, for it's hot and spicy foods and for it's beautiful women. One of the things I now miss are the bang bangs. These people have bamboo poles and carry almost anything and everything imaginable on their shoulders. Up until the development of this city it was the main transportation of goods and products within the city. Unfortunately with the development, it is now becoming a lost art. The environment is improving day by day and with the continued perseverance of the central and local governments, I am sure it will improve even more in the future.