Chongqing

Chongqing is a sprawling southwestern municipality built across steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, giving it the nickname the mountain city. Its urban core holds around 16 million people, and its dramatic, multi-level terrain of bridges, tunnels, and cliffside buildings is unlike anywhere else in China. The climate is humid subtropical, with famously hot, humid summers and mild, often foggy winters. Landmarks include the glowing Hongya Cave stilt complex, the old Yangtze River cableway, Ciqikou ancient town, and the light-rail line that runs straight through a residential tower at Liziba. The city is the birthplace of fiery Chongqing hotpot, alongside spicy xiaomian noodles and laziji chicken. A distinctive metro and monorail system, Jiangbei International Airport, and high-speed rail connect its complex geography and the wider region. For an international student, Chongqing offers low living costs, dramatic scenery, and an intense, unforgettable urban experience.