How did the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution affect Chongqing’s development?

During the Great Leap Forward (1958–60) and the Cultural Revolution (1966–76), Chongqing’s development experienced temporary setbacks as national energies were diverted toward these political campaigns.1

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign intended to rapidly industrialize China and boost agricultural output, often by focusing labor on heavy industry such as steel production. During the subsequent Cultural Revolution, the resulting political instability and economic policy fluctuations caused widespread disruption across urban China, leading to slower economic growth and a reduced capacity for the government to provide goods and services.234

Despite these challenges, Chongqing successfully continued its long-term modernization projects throughout these periods. Following the communist takeover in 1949, the government had prioritized restoring and expanding the city’s industrial base, which had been established in the early 20th century. Ultimately, the city managed to significantly raise its standard of living despite the interruptions caused by these national movements.1