Overview
Chongqing, a mountainous city in western China, issued a press release on 9 October 2026 outlining its accelerated push to become a global consumption hub. The city highlights its unique landscape, strong manufacturing base—producing new‑energy vehicles, motorcycles and laptops—and an open, inclusive retail environment that together drive a surge in consumer activity.
Retail Performance
In 2025, Chongqing’s total retail sales of consumer goods reached RMB 1.67 trillion, placing the city at the top of all Chinese cities in terms of retail volume. The city also welcomed more than 500 million visitors during the year, underscoring its growing appeal as a shopping destination.
Brand Presence and First‑Store Expansion
Over 2,800 domestic and international brands have established a presence in Chongqing, complemented by more than 2,000 first‑store openings. Notably, 325 Fortune Global 500 companies selected Chongqing as their initial foothold in western China.
Night‑Economy and Consumption Scenes
Chongqing has retained the number‑one position in China’s night‑economy rankings for four consecutive years. The municipality has upgraded 30 core commercial districts and created 100 new consumption scenes along riverbanks, cliffs and rooftop terraces, turning everyday urban spaces into distinctive retail experiences. Iconic sites such as the Liberation Monument have been recognized as top inbound‑consumption‑friendly districts.
Immersive Experiences and Tourism Integration
The city has repurposed renovated air‑raid shelters into “Mountain City Cave Havens,” housing bars, restaurants and immersive performances. A flagship cave hot‑pot restaurant can seat more than 1,300 diners at a constant 25 °C. Tourism offerings—including Yangtze River cruises, low‑altitude sightseeing, and hot‑spring wellness—are flourishing, with 17 national‑level premium tourism routes promoted internationally.
International Trade and Visitor Services
Chongqing now conducts trade with 228 countries and regions, facilitated by the China‑Europe Railway Express and the International Land‑Sea Trade Corridor. To ease travel for foreign guests, the city provides streamlined visa, payment and tax‑refund services.
Strategic Outlook
Over the past five years, the city’s concerted effort to blend commerce, culture and tourism aims to cement its status as a truly international consumption centre, inviting global visitors to experience the vitality of China’s vast market.
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