Chongqing, located in southwestern China, holds the title of the world's largest city by population, yet it remains largely absent from the itineraries of most international tourists. While the city serves as a massive economic and industrial hub, it has not experienced the same level of global tourism popularity as other major Chinese centers like Beijing or Shanghai.

Experts suggest that the lack of international visitors may be due to the city's geographical isolation in the mountainous interior and a focus on domestic rather than international tourism infrastructure. While the city offers unique cultural experiences, including its famous spicy cuisine and dramatic riverfront architecture, it is often overlooked by Western travelers. The SMH report highlights this discrepancy between the city's sheer size and its relatively low profile on the global tourism stage. There is no significant disagreement regarding the city's size or its status as a tourist outlier, though the reasons for this lack of international interest remain a subject of debate among travel analysts, with some pointing to branding issues while others cite logistical challenges.