Chongqing’s Ambitious Push to Become a Leading International Consumption Hub

Chongqing:The city is rapidly advancing its status as an international consumption center, attracting global visitors with its distinctive landscape, industrial strength, and open retail environment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chongqing's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1.67 trillion Chinese yuan in 2025, placing it at the forefront among Chinese cities, while welcoming over 500 million visitors annually.

Chongqing has maintained its position at the top of China's night-economy rankings for four consecutive years. Its robust manufacturing base, including sectors such as new-energy vehicles, motorcycles, and laptops, continues to drive the consumer market. The city hosts over 2,800 domestic and international brands and more than 2,000 first stores, with 325 Fortune Global 500 companies making their initial entry into western China via Chongqing.

The integration of commerce, culture, and tourism is a key factor in drawing international travelers. Experiences like Yangtze River cruises, low-altitude sightseeing, and hot-spring wellness are gaining popularity, alongside 17 national-level premium tourism routes promoted globally.

Chongqing engages in trade with 228 countries and regions, facilitated by the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Enhanced visa, payment, and tax-refund services also ease travel for international visitors.

Over the past five years, Chongqing has revamped 30 core commercial districts and created 100 new consumption scenes along riverbanks, cliffs, and rooftops, transforming urban spaces into unique visitor experiences. The Liberation Monument, recognized as a premier commercial district for inbound consumption, exemplifies how the city has turned its heritage into shareable visitor experiences.

Chongqing's impressive skyline, vibrant street food scene, strong manufacturing base, and improving services for international visitors are all part of its strategy to become a leading international consumption hub, inviting the world to partake in the dynamic opportunities offered by China's expansive market.