This is China Series
-
Rhythm of Chongqing. From tiny village to metropolis: China’s hidden mega-city
-
Pandaland. Helping giant panda cubs return to the wild
-
The Secrets of Wudang Wushu. Chinese Monks Perfect a Chinese Martial Art
-
Shenzhen: City of the Future. The high-tech life of China’s Silicon Valley
-
The Poetry of Chinese Carving. Turning bamboo and brick into works of art
-
The Beijing Opera. Reality and Eternity. The deep symbolism hidden on the Chinese stage
-
This is China: Yangshan City Port. The world’s biggest container port opens new Silk Road for shipping
-
This is China: Chinese Speed. China's high speed rail breakthrough
-
China on a Plate. From scorpion kebabs to Peking duck, we try authentic Chinese food for you
-
In a Siberian Tiger's Footsteps. How Siberian tiger was brought back from brink of extinction by Russia and China
-
Zhangjiajie Park: Head In The Clouds Or The Sky At Your Feet. Bai people’s timeless rural idyll in the dreamy landscapes that inspired the Avatar movie
-
Etiquette Of Giving. The good Chinese gift-giving guide, from dragons to coffins
-
The Secrets of Tibetan Architecture . An architect's quest to preserve Tibet’s architectural heritage
-
Following The Great Tea Road. Exploring tea, an ancient drink and a pillar of Chinese culture
Rhythm of Chongqing. From tiny village to metropolis: China’s hidden mega-city
Greater Chongqing is China’s largest municipality and, according to some estimates, the world. Its total area equates to the whole of Austria and it has a population of around 32 million. Its obscurity may be because, until recently, its main city was no more than a village: Chongqing’s rapid growth began in WWII, when it became China’s temporary capital, and it was only in 1997 that the city merged with neighbouring prefectures to become a major metropolis
Related: Chinese 'makers' - a new generation of inventors
Despite not yet enjoying the global recognition that it deserves, the city welcomes hundreds of millions of local and foreign tourists every year. Among its main attractions is an intricate monorail road that winds through the mountains and urban landscape offering a stunning view of the city. Another of Chongqing’s signature experiences is the famous Chinese hot-pot that was invented in the city. Hot and spicy, with a generous dose of locally grown chili pepper, it was originally designed to help boatmen endure freezing winter temperatures. Today, Chinese hot-pot is a popular dish throughout the country but still a ‘must-try’ in its city of origin.
Related: The story and legacy of the 'Silk Road'
The people of Chongqing take pride in their history, architecture and status as a major metropolis. RTD meets some of the citizens who contribute to Chongqing’s development and continue its heritage.
-
27:282085724 July 2017 00:00
-
27:30203421 April 2020 18:13
-
27:171280315 November 2019 00:59
-
27:25463714 November 2016 00:00