Chongqing , which lies in southwestern China on the upper reaches of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River, is the largest industrial and commercial center in the southwest and a land and water communications hub on the upper reaches of the Changjiang River. It has 40 districts, cities, and counties under its jurisdiction, a population of 30.2 million, and an area of 82,000 square kilometers. In 1997, Chongqing was made the fourth municipality directly under the central government. Camellia is the city flower and Ficus Lacor, the city tree.
The urban area of Chongqing is located on the tip of an offshoot of the Huaying Mountains, slanting from west to east. Chongqing is surrounded by mountains on all sides and by the Changjiang and Jialing rivers on three sides. It is called the "mountain city." The city has a humid, cloudly climate with a long rainy season but scarce snow and frost. Mist lingers on in spring and autumn, hence it is also called "misty Chongqing." The annual mean temperature is 18.6c.
Chongqing features convenient water, land, and air transport facilities. There are more than 50 airlines leading to Nagoya, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Lhasa, and other places. It is the meeting place of the Chengyu (Chengdu-Chongqing), the Xiangyu Xianfan-Chongqing and Yuhuai (Chongqing-Huaihua) railroads. There are more than 100 houseboats suitable for both foreign and home tourists and over 80 star-class hotels. Chongqing is the best point to start a boat excursion and tour the world-famous Three Gorges on the Changjiang River.
Chongqing features a picturesque landscape, an enchanting night view, cultural sites from the Three Kingdoms period, exquisite stone sculptures in Dazu, the magnificent yet treacherous Three Gorges, and remains of the Far-East Headquarters during World War 11. Its more than 300 scenic spots at the 20-odd scenic areas attract numerous Chinese and overseas tourists.