Chongqing

[Big read] From spare parts to world champions: China’s motorcycle shock rise

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO’s win in the World Superbike Championship has captured international attention towards China’s “Motorcycle Capital” Chongqing. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu speaks with motorcycle enthusiasts and industry insiders to trace the industry’s breakthrough, growth and trajectory.

Liu Liu

08 May 2026

[Big read] Pinglu Canal: Redrawing China-ASEAN trade routes

The Guangxi’s Pinglu Canal, hailed as the “project of the century”, is expected to open in September, adding a major artery to the region’s access to the sea and seen as a key to unlocking Guangxi’s development. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out from traders, shipping operators and local residents their expectations from the improved connectivity.

Lim Zhan Ting

30 Apr 2026

[Big read] From river mahjong to viral food: How influencers put Chongqing on the map

Chongqing has gained a reputation for being a city of layers — in every sense — just waiting to be discovered and savoured. In this era of social media, many influencers have played a part in boosting Chongqing’s popularity. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu explores the charm of the city.

Liu Liu

19 Mar 2026

Marking 35 years: Singapore’s grounded approach to China engagement

Singapore and China have committed to deepening their All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to China. Although Beijing would like Singapore to sign on to its Community of Shared Future vision, it seems receptive to Singapore’s preference for pragmatic cooperation that produces tangible outcomes for the two countries. ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook explains.

Lye Liang Fook

02 Jul 2025

Chongqing: At the heart of China’s logistics ambitions

The New Land-Sea Corridor has elevated the logistical importance and influence of Chongqing as China’s key western city shipping node between China and Europe and, increasingly, between China and Southeast Asia. US academic Chen Xiangming takes a closer look.

Chen Xiangming

28 Nov 2024

[Big read] Chongqing’s youths embrace thriving second-hand market 

Chongqing’s Dongjiaxi flea market has been a hotspot for the discerning consumers, in particular youths, who are seeking cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality and style. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong speaks with shoppers and shop owners to find out more about this thriving industry in the city.

Edwin Ong

24 Apr 2024

[Video] Chongqing's bustling 'underground businesses'

Dubbed the "8D magical mountain city", Chongqing is famous for its complex and perplexing urban landscape. You may have seen one of its trains passing through a residential building or the deepest metro station in China, but have you heard of its underground city?

Yi Jina

08 Mar 2024

[Video] Chongqing's Hongyancun now the deepest metro station in China

Hongyancun metro station in Chongqing has the distinction of being the deepest metro station in China. However, it takes about ten minutes to go all the way down - to the depth of 39 storeys - which raises safety concerns, alongside the convenience to nearby residents.

Edwin Ong

13 Dec 2023

Desperate parents gather in China's latest matchmaking park for the sake of their kids

Since the start of this year, hordes of parents have descended on the Chongqing People's Park matchmaking corner every weekend to find a potential mate for their children. Many parents there lament that the matchmaking corner is like a "hypermarket" where parents try to "outmanoeuvre" each other. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong believes that it is also a microcosm of the socioeconomic divide in China.

Edwin Ong

06 Jun 2023

How Chongqing's GDP surpassed Guangzhou's to become China's fourth largest city

In 2022, Chongqing became China's fourth largest city in terms of GDP, surpassing Guangzhou, which it had lagged behind despite boasting a bigger population and land mass. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong notes that Chongqing has leveraged its booming industrial sector to boost its economic growth over the past few years, but is this enough to sustain its stellar performance?

Edwin Ong

01 Mar 2023

Lockdowns or not: China's officials face new dilemma implementing anti-Covid measures

Chongqing is seeing its worst outbreak in three years, and although residential communities have been put under restrictions similar to 2020, the local authorities have not called it a citywide lockdown, leading to confusion. Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong looks at how Chongqing is handling the latest wave, including a new regional coordination strategy proposed by party secretary Chen Min'er.

Edwin Ong

17 Nov 2022

Chongqing party secretary Chen Min'er is the man to watch

After nearly five years, Chongqing party secretary Chen Min'er has delivered a good report card in terms of helping to put political blights to rest and making tangible strides in poverty alleviation. Looking ahead, Chongqing is expected to focus on high-quality economic development, whether or not Chen is parachuted out before the 20th Party Congress. Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong examines the issue.

Edwin Ong

02 Jun 2022