- About Chongqing
When asked what the largest city in China is, most people would probably guess Shanghai, but in actuality, the largest city in China is Chongqing, which has both the largest area and population. Of course, Shanghai is the leader economically, but Chongqing is rapidly growing, with the largest average GDP growth rate in China and a booming economy. Additionally, it is home to the only Japanese consulate in southwest China: The Japanese Consulate General of Chongqing.
Chongqing is a historical city of southwest China, with a long history, and is located at the heart of transportation along the Yangtze River. It has a bustling market town, a busy harbor, and many colorful lights and scenery to take in. Some people also believe Chongqing to be the origin of "hot pot." Chongqing cuisine uses a lot of oil and red pepper, which makes it much different from Washoku cuisine. Initially, there were many people who believed Washoku would not find a place within Chongqing.
Currently, there are over 500 Washoku restaurants in Chongqing, and they are all popular with the locals. People say that Washoku cuisine is the most beloved foreign cuisine there, and there are several reasons for that. One being that the people of Chongqing love trying beautiful foods, and that their lifestyles are slow-paced with much free time. Another reason is that people associate it with being upscale and healthy. Even if only 10% of the people of Chongqing liked Washoku, that would still be a considerably large number.
２. Geographic Information
Area：82,400㎢ (About the same size as Hokkaido)
Land: There are many mountains in the area, with ropeways and cable cars. It also has the most crossover bridges in China, and the most complicated, that some drivers never quite get used to.
Climate: Average 80% humidity, with not much sunshine in the winter. In summer, it's also humid.
Population: 30.5 million (of which there are over 1000 Japanese people, with 359 long-term residents)
Language: English, Mandarin, other
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Catholicism
Currency: 1 CNY = 17.19JPY (4/2018 exchange rate)
Distance from Japan: 5 hour flight from Tokyo
≪Food≫
・Local Cuisine: 1 day/3 meals is about 30-100CNY
・Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese food:
1 meal is about 50-200CNY
≪Housing≫
・More expensive in nicer areas
・About 1,000〜2,000CNY
・Large/Convenient places are about 2,000～5,000CNY
・1 bedroom residence is about 40㎡
≪Utilities≫
・Electric in summer: 150-200/month
In winter: 200/month
・Water: less than 30/month
・Gas: about 30/month
≪Transportation≫
・First 3km by taxi: 10CNY (varies by area)
・Bus and subway are cheaper than in Japan
☆From the outskirts, it can cost about 50CNY to return to the city
If you're looking to work in the food and beverage industry in China, Washokujob can help!