Chongqing
is the fastest-growing urban centre on the planet. Its population is
already bigger than that of Perù or Iraq, with half a million more
arriving every year in search of a better life.
... Nowhere is the
staggering urbanisation of the world more evident than in Chongqing.
This is where the pace and scale of urbanisation is probably faster and
bigger than anywhere in the world today.
Located in the upper reaches
of the Yangtze, this former trading centre and treaty port has long
been the economic hub of western China. But after its government was
given municipal control of surrounding territory the size of many
countries, it has grown and grown, becoming what is now the world's
biggest municipality with 31 million residents (more people than Iraq,
Perù or Malaysia).