As a result, the city of Chongqing has changed from an ancient military strategic pass into a city open to the outside world that holds a strategic position connecting the central and western parts of China, from an ancient regional trading center into an economic center on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, from a city of entrepot trade of the 19th century into the largest multi-functional modern industrial and commercial city in west China, and from a port city in the east part of the Sichuan basin into a municipality directly under the central government that stands in the hinterland of China but faces different parts of the world. The rapid rise of Chongqing in western China, with its glorious past and fast changing present, has left its mark in the history of development of China and has become the center of focus of world attention.
At the turn of the century, Chongqing is again placed by history at the starting line for a new race. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam and the resettlement of a large number of residents for the purpose of new development in the dam area has added new drive to the development of the city; the establishment of the new municipality directly under the central government has opened up a hew horizon for the city’s development; and the great development of the western regions of China has opened up a new chapter in its development. Chongqing today, with its advantages in its geographical, cultural and social environment, is becoming an irresistible attraction and is showing its greatness and charms to the outside world.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located 21 km (about 13 miles) northeast from the suburb area.
