Humans v the city: the staggering scale of Chongqing – in pictures

Chongqing’s population is estimated at just below 10 million but that rises to more than 31 million if the built-up surroundings are included. Belgian photographer Kris Provoost finds that in a city so large, individuals can get lost

Main image: The huge expanse of high-rises in Yuzhong District tower over its residents. Photograph: Kris Provoost

  • Yuzhong District

    The orange bridge crosses straight through the densest part of the city and serves as its main artery. Multiple layers of transportation are stacked on top of each other
    The orange bridge crosses straight through the densest part of the city and serves as its main artery. Multiple layers of transportation are stacked on top of each other

  • Nan’an District

    New developments are being built at tremendous speed. High-rises are squeezed together to fully benefit from the tiny bit of space left. But at what cost?
    New developments are being built at tremendous speed. High-rises are squeezed together to fully benefit from the tiny bit of space left. But at what cost?

  • Yuzhong District

    Chongqing takes the word ‘density’ to new heights. As residential buildings rise ever higher, so too do the walkways needed to help connect them
    As residential buildings rise ever higher, so too do the walkways needed to help connect them

  • Yuzhong District

    A lonely citizen strides by while millions inhabit the buildings looming in the background
    A lonely citizen strides by while millions inhabit the building looming in the background

  • Nan’an District

    Riverbanks are used for leisure. With citizens being pushed into small apartments, every bit of open space is appreciated, even if it was never intended to be used for recreation
    Riverbanks are used for leisure. With citizens being pushed into small apartments, every bit of open space is appreciated, even if it was never intended to be used for recreation

  • Nan’an District

    As the confluence of two major rivers, Chongqing and water work in harmony with each other
    As the confluence of two major rivers, Chongqing and water work in harmony

  • Na’nan District

    The scale of the infrastructure needed to sustain the city becomes apparent when you start to notice its residents dotted around
    The scale of the infrastructure needed to sustain the city becomes apparent when you start to notice its residents dotted around
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