History of Chongqing
Chongqing has a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. Here's a glimpse at some of its key milestones:
Ancient Origins: The area around Chongqing was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period. The Ba people, one of the earliest known civilizations in China, established a kingdom here in the 11th century BC.
Warring States Period: During the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), Chongqing was part of the state of Ba, which later became part of the Qin dynasty.
Three Kingdoms Period: In the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 AD), Chongqing was a major city under the Shu Han kingdom.
Ming Dynasty: The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw significant development in Chongqing, with the construction of a new city wall and the expansion of trade.
Qing Dynasty: During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Chongqing continued to prosper as a commercial center, thanks to its location on the Yangtze River.
Modern Era: In the 20th century, Chongqing played a crucial role in China's modern history. It served as the wartime capital of China during World War II and was a major industrial center during the Communist era.
Today: Chongqing is a major economic and cultural center in southwest China. It is known for its hot pot cuisine, Dazu Rock Carvings, and Three Gorges Dam.