Chongqing, China’s largest megacity with over 32 million residents, has emerged as a global model for sustainable urban development through the innovative application of digital technologies. This was highlighted during the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance, held in the southwestern municipality on October 29. The event, themed ‘People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future,’ attracted approximately 1,200 participants, including UN representatives, foreign diplomats, officials, and industry leaders. Anaclaudia Rossbach, UN undersecretary-general and executive director of UN-Habitat, praised Chongqing’s advancements in housing, governance, infrastructure, and public services, calling them a blueprint for other megacities worldwide. The two-day event featured forums, exhibitions, and field visits focusing on urban renewal, community governance, ecological restoration, and industrial heritage protection. Chongqing, designated as China’s fourth municipality in 1997, has transformed from an outdated industrial base to a hub of intelligent manufacturing and international exchange. In 2023, the city partnered with Alibaba to launch China’s first large AI model for urban operations and governance. A voluntary local review shared during the event detailed Chongqing’s decade-long progress in leveraging digital technologies for urban transformation. Vice-Mayor Xu Jian emphasized the city’s enhanced competitiveness and growing global reputation. This year’s observance marked the first time the event was hosted in China’s less-developed central and western region, underscoring the nation’s commitment to balanced regional development.