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Chongqing (pinyin: Chóngqìng; Wade-Giles:
Ch'ung-ch'ing; Postal System Pinyin: Chungking) is the largest and most
populous of the People's Republic of China's four municipalities, which have
provincial-level status. It is the only municipality to the west of the
densely populated eastern half of China. It is the largest conurbation in
the world, with the population of 30,970,000. The placename literally means
"Double Celebration".
The municipal abbreviation, Yu, was approved by the State Council on April
18, 1997. Yu had previously been used by the Kuomintang. It is the old name
of a part of the Jialing River that runs through Chongqing with the Yangtze.
The city centre consists of the districts of
Jiangbei, Shapingba, Jiulongpo, Dadukou, and Yuzhong.
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Subdivisions
The municipality is divided in to 40 county-level subdivisions (3 were
abolished since 1997): 15 districts, 4 county-level cities, and 21 counties.
Landmarks
The city is home to one of the largest public assembly buildings in China,
the Great Hall of the People, built in modern times but in the classic Tang
dynasty style - as a large circular building. This is adjacent to the
densely populated and hilly central district, with narrow streets and
pedestrian only walkways.
There is a museum at the World War II headquarters of General "Vinegar Joe"
Stilwell. The preservation and presentation of the materials here reflect
the long and historic affection between China and the U.S., despite the
global frictions between their respective governments of the late 20th
century.
A giant ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the metropolitain area.
A modern and well stocked zoo exhibits many national and regional animals,
including the Giant Panda and the extremely rare South China Tiger.
Sports
Professional sports teams in Chongqing include:
Chinese Football Association Super League
Chongqing Lifan
Chinese Basketball Association |
