2017 map of Chongqing’s ten landmarks. (Picture provided by Chongqing Municipal Geographic Information Center)

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- We all saw the development of Chongqing in 2017. Chongqing has changed with each passing day. We know that it is a city of green mountains and clean rivers as well as convenient traffic. At the beginning of the year 2018, the 2017 Map of Chongqing’s Ten Landmarks was released. Let’s go to review the fast development of Chongqing once again.

1. Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone was established

The official establishment of China (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone was announced on the morning of April 1, 2017. It comprises of three sub-zones including Liangjiang, Xiyong and Guoyuangang, covering a total area of 119.98km2. The establishment of the Free Trade Zone marks a new milestone for Chongqing’s opening-up and development.

2. World-class dinosaur fossil coenosis was found in Pu’an, Yunyang

June 28, 2017, Information Office of Chongqing Municipal Government announced that a world-class dinosaur fossil, coenosis, was found in Pu’an Township, Yunyang County. It is the first dinosaur fossil coenosis of higher biodiversity in Chongqing and the quantity of dinosaur fossils found has now exceeded the sum of finds the over years throughout Chongqing.

3. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport T3A and the third runway came into use

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport T3A and the third runway came into use on August 29. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the first airport having three terminals and three runways in operation at the same time in Central and Western China. The passenger throughput capacity of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport was increased by a factor of three.

4. Bulletin of the First Census on Geological Conditions of Chongqing was published

Bulletin of the First Census on Geological Conditions of Chongqing was published on September 18. It is one of the most important achievements of Chongqing in the first 3-year-long census on geological conditions. Through this census, Chongqing accurately mastered its geological conditions for the first time. The census also provided basic data support for socio-economic development decision making in Chongqing.

5. Lanzhou – Chongqing High-speed Railway opened

Lanzhou – Chongqing High-speed Railway was opened to traffic on September 29. The opening of the railway greatly shortened the haul distance between Chongqing and China’s Northwest Region. It is a major railway connecting the Southwest and Northwest of China.

6. Five regions of Chongqing got out of poverty

The country’s Office of Poverty Alleviation announced on November 1, that Wanzhou District, Qianjiang District, Fengdu County, Wulong District and Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County have gotten out of poverty. The number of national-level poverty-stricken counties has been reduced from 14 to 9 so far.

7. Chongqing released the first list of famous historical and cultural villages

The Chongqing Municipal Planning Bureau announced the first 28 historical and cultural villages on November 29. Those villages intensively display the rural traditional culture, regional customs and ethical characteristics in Chongqing and have high value in history, culture and society. This list also closes a gap in Chongqing’s municipal-level famous historical and cultural villages.

8. Line 5 (Phase I North Section) and Line 10 (Phase I) began trial operation

Line 5 (Phase I North Section) and Line 10 (Phase I) began trial operation on December 28. When easing the traffic pressure and improving rail transit, Chongqing’s rail transit operating mileage increased to 264km, maintaining its first ranking in Central and Western China.

9. Chongqing’s ecological protection index ranked the first nationwide

China released the green development index of all provinces, regions and cities on December 26 for the first time. Chongqing ranked the first in China in the ecological protection index ranking.

10. Chongqing started operating its four expressways

Chongqing maintained its fast development in expressway construction in 2017 and four expressways were opened. So far, the total mileage of Chongqing’s expressway opened to traffic has topped 3,000km and Chongqing has had 19 outbound expressways. (Translated by Xu Mengmiao, Fathom Language Limited)