Chongqing holds book launch for city biography

A new book titled "Chongqing: The Biography" was launched in Chongqing on Tuesday. The book is part of a series about cities along the Belt and Road route.

The book launch ceremony of "Chongqing: The Biography" is held in Chongqing on Aug. 15, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The event was jointly hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Publicity Department of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). 

Lu Cairong, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a book launch ceremony held in Chongqing on Aug. 15, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Located at the juncture of the Belt and Road route and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Chongqing plays a unique and important role in the integrated land-sea development of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Lu Cairong, vice president of CICG, in his speech at the event. 

The book introduces mountains and waters, landmarks, as well as legends of Chongqing, telling stories of Chongqing and demonstrating the city's charm to the rest of the world, Lu said. 

Cao Qingyao, executive vice director of the Publicity Department of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, speaks at a book launch ceremony held in Chongqing on Aug. 15, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The book is a guide for readers to learn about Chongqing's natural landscapes, profound history and renowned historical figures, and to gain a glimpse into the everyday lives of local people, said Cao Qingyao, executive vice director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. 

Cao said he hopes the book will inspire more people, including scholars, artists, and writers, to explore and preserve Chongqing's culture. 

As the world's first series of biographies of major cities, the series has introduced 56 editions of books on cities of various countries including China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Italy, Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Panama.