Intl media delegation explores Chongqing's consumer landscape

An international media delegation experiences convenient payment systems on Ziwei Road commercial street. [Photo by Chen Hongyu]

The "Discover China: Meet Chongqing - A Global Consumer Destination" 2026 International Media Tour in Chongqing commenced on Sept 18, bringing together 33 journalists from 30 countries to explore the city's dynamic consumption scenarios.

The delegation's first stop was Liangjiang New Area, where they visited key landmarks such as the GreenHeart complex, Ziwei Road, and the hotpot venue in an air-raid shelter.

At the GreenHeart complex, participants witnessed how Liangjiang uses its unique urban geography to create a harmonious blend of commercial and natural spaces. This area, featuring art exhibitions, craft workshops, and community events, is a popular leisure hub.

Ziwei Road presented a compelling example of culture-driven community commerce. It also serves as a pioneering bilingual street for foreign card payments, with over 100 merchants equipped with cross-border payment terminals, bilingual cash registers, and English voice systems.

The air-raid shelter hotpot venue showcased Liangjiang's innovative transformation of industrial relics into unique consumer spaces. It has garnered over 20 billion views online so far.

It has also been covered by international media, with special reports published in eight languages across seven Asia-Pacific countries, reaching 97 media outlets, while social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have recorded over 100 million views.

Liangjiang is committed to upgrading its product offerings, infrastructure, and services. It plans to introduce over 200 brand flagship stores, add more than 200 tax-refund merchants, and establish centralized refund points and comprehensive inbound consumption service desks by 2026.

"Discover China" is an annual international communication initiative created by Xinhua News Agency. It aims to share the vibrant story of Chongqing's openness and vitality, showcasing the dynamic potential of China's vast market to a global audience.