Chongqing's Int'l Consumption Center Initiative Sees 8.7% Average Growth in Retail Sales Over Three Years | Infographics

Chongqing - On September 4, Chongqing celebrated the 3rd anniversary of its International Consumption Center City initiative. 

Zhang Yongwu, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, reported that retail sales of consumer goods in Chongqing grew by an average of 8.7% over the past three years, outpacing the national average by 2.3 percentage points and leading the five pilot cities.

In July 2021, China selected Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing as the initial cities to spearhead the development of international consumption centers.

Zhang noted that Chongqing has attracted over 2,000 internationally and domestically renowned brands. Prominent commercial operators such as MixC Chongqing and Galeries Lafayette have established a presence in the city, allowing residents to access global goods locally.

Over 2,000 renowned international and domestic brands landed in Chongqing. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Chongqing has achieved notable progress in urban development and consumer experience. Over 80 new consumption landmarks, such as Cuntan International New City, Chaotianmen Square, and Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street, have been introduced. 

Zhang emphasized the development of smart business districts and stores, establishing Chongqing as a national leader in digital transformation.

More than 80 new urban consumption landmarks have been established in Chongqing. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Additionally, Chongqing has emerged as a key center for international business and tourism, with 319 Fortune 500 companies and friendly ties with 110 cities. 

The number of foreigners benefiting from the 144-hour visa-free transit increased 3.2 times in 2024 compared to 2023. Since January 2024, the city has introduced a departure tax rebate pilot, offering instant tax refunds to foreign travelers at 74 participating stores.

Chongqing is home to 319 Fortune 500 companies and engaged in international exchanges with 110 cities.

Chongqing's "Bayu" flavor continues to be a major attraction, with the hot pot industry alone generating a chain output value of 300 billion yuan (USD 42.2 billion). The local Chongqing noodles industry's annual output value exceeds 40 billion yuan. 

Chongqing's "Bayu" flavor continues to be a major attraction. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

The city's focus on enhancing its night economy and cultural consumption has earned it the title of "Global Design Capital" by UNESCO and a top spot in China's Top 10 Influential Cities for Night Economy for four consecutive years.

Furthermore, Sichuan and Chongqing have joined forces to boost the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, creating an international consumption hub with Ba Shu features. Their efforts, including the Chengdu-Chongqing Consumption Festival, have significantly energized regional markets.

Chongqing is building a comprehensive logistics hub with various port types and leading Western China in the number of open ports. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) now connects 523 ports across 124 countries and regions, enhancing Chongqing's global connectivity. 

Chongqing is building a comprehensive logistics hub. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Transportation improvements include a 538-kilometer urban rail transit network, ensuring 100% connectivity to core business districts and key attractions. 

Chongqing features a comprehensive rail transit system. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Zhang added that Chongqing will continue to optimize debut and first-store policies, aiming to attract more international and domestic brands. The city will also focus on developing commercial spaces and upgrading consumption scenes to enhance its economic landscape.