Exploring China with a Temporary Driver’s License
Boosting Domestic Demand in the Year of the Horse (Part 2)
In our last episode, we talked about how the Chinese government is using targeted measures on both supply and demand to expand domestic consumption and boost growth. As a leading consumer city, Chongqing achieved outstanding development results in 2025. In 2025, Chongqing topped the nation in total retail sales of consumer goods, surpassing Shanghai to become China’s number-one consumer city. Since the start of this year, the Chongqing municipal government has also introduced a number of policies to stimulate service consumption. From an “industrial stronghold” to a “consumption engine,” Chongqing is undergoing further transformation and upgrading. In this episode of Bridging News, let’s hear our reporter’s in-depth observations.
Cross-Border Travel’s “Two-Way Rush”
Recently, the arrivals and departures hall at Jiangbei International Airport has been filling up with faces of many different backgrounds. You can also see tourists from around the world in Chongqing’s major shopping centers. Our reporter spoke with visitors from London, Poland, and even Brazil. Some are visiting China for the first time, while plenty of Chinese travelers are preparing to explore the world — a genuine “two-way rush.” This frequent exchange of people is a lively sign of openness. In this episode, let’s hear about their travel plans!
Exploring China with a Temporary Driver’s License
At present, foreign visitors are no longer content to sit on tour buses and watch the sights — they prefer to drive themselves and tour China from north to south. This way of traveling is known as “in-depth travel.” It’s very convenient for foreigners to get a temporary driver’s license; the process is extremely efficient and can be completed in about an hour in Chongqing. With that license, they’re no longer mere onlookers, they can put their foot on the pedal and truly feel the city’s terrain and vibe. In this episode of iChongqing, follow our longtime friend Natalia for a step-by-step guide to applying for the temporary license.
Foreign Tourists Try the Ice-Cream Robot
Recently, at Guanyinqiao Commercial District in Chongqing, a robot making ice cream left overseas influencer deeply shocked. Overseas netizens said that this kind of automation efficiently handles repetitive manual tasks and also makes life more fun. In Chongqing, there are not only spectacular drone shows but also everyday conveniences brought by technology, which have quietly become part of daily life. In this episode of Trending Chongqing, let's experience the new technological experience of the mountain city brought by robot ice cream.
