Chongqing, a city known for its steep hills, winding rivers, and rich cultural heritage, has a history that stretches back millions of years. From the early human settlement of the “Wushan Man” to becoming one of China’s four major municipalities, Chongqing’s past is filled with tales of war, trade, and growth. Its strategic location and abundant natural resources have made it a focal point of Chinese civilization, shaping it into the vibrant metropolis we know today.
Ancient Beginnings (2 Million Years Ago)
Chongqing’s history begins in the Early Paleolithic period, around 2 million years ago, with the discovery of the “Wushan Man” in modern-day Wushan County. This is one of the earliest known human inhabitants in China. The region later saw the development of the “Tongliang Culture” during the Late Paleolithic period (20,000 to 30,000 years ago) in what is now Tongliang District.
The Shang and Zhou Dynasties (1600-256 BCE)
During the Shang and Zhou periods, the area around Chongqing played a key role in China’s ancient salt trade. The Three Gorges region, rich in rock salt, became a vital supplier of this valuable resource. Salt, an essential commodity in ancient times, fostered the rise of the Ba Kingdom, with Chongqing as its capital. The Ba people built an early civilization in the area, setting the foundations for the city’s long-standing significance.
Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States (770-221 BCE)
In 689 BCE, the Ba Kingdom clashed with the Chu Kingdom in the Battle of Nao (modern-day Jingmen, Hubei). Despite putting up a fierce fight, the Ba were eventually forced to retreat to the Langzhong region, marking the beginning of a series of conflicts with the Chu that would last for centuries. In 316 BCE, Qin general Zhang Yi conquered the Ba Kingdom, establishing military control over the region. This led to the construction of the Ba Commandery, with a capital city located near present-day Chaotianmen in central Chongqing, marking the official beginning of the city.
Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 CE)
In 581 CE, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty renamed Chu Prefecture to Yu Prefecture, giving Chongqing its current abbreviation, “Yu.” This name was later changed back and forth between Yu Prefecture and Ba Commandery over the years. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) saw a cultural flourishing in Chongqing, with famous poets such as Li Bai visiting the region and composing poems that praised the city’s scenic beauty and rich traditions.
Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE)
In 1008 CE, during the Northern Song Dynasty, Jiangjin County magistrate Feng Zhong established the Five Promotions Academy, the first educational institution in Chongqing. However, it was during the Southern Song Dynasty, in 1189, that the city was given the name “Chongqing.” This was in celebration of Emperor Guangzong’s dual honor of being first named Prince of Gong and later ascending the throne. The name “Chongqing,” meaning “double celebration,” has endured since then.
Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912 CE)
Chongqing faced significant challenges during the late Ming period. In 1644, rebel leader Zhang Xianzhong’s army occupied the city as part of his short-lived Great Western Kingdom. Despite the turmoil, Chongqing emerged as a key inland trading hub by the late Qing Dynasty. In 1891, Chongqing was officially opened as one of China’s first inland treaty ports, marking its integration into the global economy and expanding its role in domestic and foreign trade.
Modern Era (20th Century Onwards)
In 1929, Chongqing was officially recognized as a city. During World War II, when the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937, Chongqing gained even more prominence as the Nationalist government relocated here after the fall of Nanjing. It served as the wartime capital, or “temporary capital” (陪都, peidu), for the next eight years, becoming a symbol of resistance against Japanese aggression. The city endured heavy bombing during this period but remained resilient.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chongqing was liberated by the People’s Liberation Army, and the city government was established soon after. In 1997, Chongqing was upgraded to a municipality directly under the central government, becoming one of four such cities in China alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. This status allowed for rapid development, culminating in the creation of the Liangjiang New Area in 2009, China’s third national-level development zone, following Shanghai’s Pudong and Tianjin’s Binhai areas.