Visitors will find a unique energy and vitality to Yuzhong, the economic and commercial hub of Chongqing city. Soaring skyscrapers dominate the skyline, rising high on a peninsula that’s surrounded by the swerves of the Yangtze River. These buildings house one of China’s major business centres, Jiefangbei Central Business District, along with a huge number of banks and international companies. Yuzhong plays a huge role as financial and business hub for western China and continues to develop, with new buildings added to the skyline every year.
Yuzhong isn’t just about colossal modern skyscrapers. Historic attractions are dotted around the district, including the museum at Zhou Enlai’s old residence. Hundreds of shops are crammed into Hongyadong while a pleasant pedestrianised zone stands in the heart of Yuzhong. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and Jiefangbei Shopping Square are popular attractions for visitors, located close to the huge People’s Liberation Monument. The iconic photograph of Yuzhong’s urban landscape usually comes from the end of Foreigner Street, just across the river.
The rapidly expanding Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is 25 kilometres north-east of Yuzhong. International flights arrive at Terminal 1 with domestic flights landing at Terminal 2. The airport is on Chongqing’s modern metro system and takes visitors into the city centre and Yuzhong. The metro is efficient, making it the easiest way to get around the district. Taxis can also be found throughout Yuzhong, and many visitors take a walk along the Yangtze, admiring the rushing water of one of the world’s longest rivers.
Yuzhong stands on the site of the Old City, the convenient waterfront area where Chongqing first evolved. In the mid-20th century, the district’s name was changed to Yuzhong as the whole area underwent massive redevelopment.