 On March 14, 1997, The Chinese Government decided to make the city of Chongqing, originally included as a part of Sichuan province, a municipality directly under the central government. So Chongqing became the fourth city to gain this status, after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. This decision drew the world’s attention, but the region has had further focus with the construction of the Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River and the West China Development Project.
Chongqing lies in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, linking central China to the western regions. In Chinese, Chongqing means "double happiness." The area has a history of more than 3,000 years.
 Chongqing is described as a city set on mountains, with a river looping around it. It is surrounded by mountains, and has rivers to the north, south and east. The buildings within the city are concentrated in the few flat areas found in the mountainous region.
Therefore a series of stone stairways and ladders linking the mountainous areas and the river are the unique spectacle rarely seen in other Chinese cities. Boat transportation is the main means of moving both passengers and freight within Chongqing.
The total population of Chongqing is 30 million, covering an area of 82,417 square kilometres, this is 5 times the size of Beijing and 14 times the size of Shanghai.
 When talking about Chongqing, the world－famous Three Gorges Project is always a point of interest. This water control project on the Yangtze River is a strategic plan to harness and develop the Yangtze River. The three aims of the project are flood control, electricity generation and navigation improvement. The dam is now under construction.
The construction of the Three Gorges Project has drawn attention from both within China and abroad, with many people now visiting the area.
Lu Youmei is the General Manager of China Three Gorges Project Corporation. Since 1956 he has been working on various water control projects in China. He believes this project is a necessity for the region.
If one travels down the Yangtze River from Chongqing, you will see China's famous three gorges. The cruise covers a distance of 200 kilometres, through the three gorges of the Qutang Xia, Wu Xia and Xiling Xia. In these gorge areas the river is quite narrow, between 200－300 metres, at the narrowest point it is less than 100 metres. This area is stunningly beautiful.
 The cliffs and precipices along the middle section of the Yangtze River are called the three gorges. It is one of the most beautiful sections of the river and has even been proclaimed as one of the most magnificent natural areas of China. The gorges are located between Fengjie in Chongqing to Nanjinguan in Hubei Province. In this area the river carves a path through the surrounding cliffs and mountains.
The Lesser Three Gorges is lush with vegetation, and supports a healthy monkey and bird population. The natural scenery here appears to be tranquil, but the locals are often reminded that nature can never be tamed. They often have to battle with the torrents and rapids of the river as they make their way up and down stream to their villages.
The people of Chongqing rely heavily on the surrounding mountains to aid their agriculture and the passing rivers for their transportation.
 For a long time Chongqing has been the transportation hub for the villages and cities along the Yangtze River, as well as the southwest regions of China. The municipality has more than 10 ports and docks. An export passage along the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Shanghai and then overseas has been established. When the Three Gorges Project is completed, ships weighing up to 10,000 can travel up to the city from Shanghai.
Chaotianmen Port is one of the main distribution centres for goods coming into and out of Chongqing. Every day these goods from all over China are distributed to the western areas from this port. The constant flow of goods and commodities in Chaotianmen Trade Market is helping economic development in this western region.
Another distinguishing feature of Chongqing is its cuisine, which is well known throughout China.
Chongqing hotpot is the most famous dish of the region. The heavy oil and spices in the hotpot are definitely an accustomed taste, but the locals just love it.
Chongqing is in a mountainous region, with a distinctive winter and summer period. Chongqing people believe a spicy diet will help their bodies cope with the temperature extremes.
 The villages in Chongqing municipality still rely primarily on traditional agriculture for their income. However some farmers are now trying to improve their income, by adopting modern agricultural techniques and promoting a diversified economy.
More and more farmers are migrating from their villages into the city in search of employment. Apart from manual labour, many farmers are becoming involved in the food and beverage industry and small commodities industry. Even some farmers have joined the taxi drivers in the city.
Carma Elliot is the Consul General of the British Consulate General in Chongqing, she has seen many changes in the region during her term.
 The government of Chongqing is also confident about the region's future as more and more foreign investors are flocking into the city.
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