The city was founded in 1935,[3] when several local villages grew together as a consequence of the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Chirchiq River.

Chirchiq is in the middle of an intensively cultivated area, producing mainly vegetables and fruits, including melons and grapes.

A large electrochemical works produces fertilizer for the region's collective farms.

There is a ski resort near the city, named Chimgan, that attract tourists from throughout Central Asia and Russia.

There are many villages near Chirchiq, for example: Azadbash, Abay, Kyzyltu, Koshkargan, Yumalak, Tavaksay.