Jiefangbei Monument
Chongqing Jiefangbei, a 27.5-meter-tall monument at the heart of China’s wartime capital, is more than a memorial—it’s the pulse of a city. Erected in 1947 to commemorate victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War, this titanium-capped obelisk stands where Japanese bombs once fell, surrounded by neon-lit skyscrapers and bustling pedestrian streets. Designated a National Key Cultural Relic in 1996, it embodies Chongqing’s resilience, blending wartime history with modern commerce.
Historical Overview
Originally proposed in 1941 as a “Victory Arch,” construction began in 1946 using stones from the wartime ruins. The monument’s design, inspired by Roman triumphal arches, features a 4-meter-tall bronze statue of a soldier hoisting the Chinese flag. Key milestones include the 1949 reading of the “People’s Liberation Manifesto” at its base, the 1966 vandalism during the Cultural Revolution, and the 2013 restoration adding LED lighting. Today, it hosts the annual National Memorial Day ceremony and serves as a gathering point for New Year’s Eve countdowns.
Structural Layout
The monument sits at the intersection of five city axes, flanked by:Pedestrian Zone: A 30,000-square-meter plaza with interactive LED floors displaying wartime archives.
Memorial Hall: A subterranean museum showcasing artifacts like a 1942 air-raid siren and a reconstructed bomb shelter.
Commercial Zone: High-end malls (Gucci, Rolex) and street food stalls selling spicy “chongqingxiaomian.”
Cultural Corridor: Murals depicting the 1938–1944 Chongqing Bombing and a 1945 surrender document replica.
Observation Deck: A 25th-floor skywalk in the adjacent World Financial Center (tickets required).
Major Attractions
Victory Bell: Ring the 3-ton bronze bell (1945 replica) for good luck (9 AM–6 PM daily).
Wartime Tunnel: Crawl through a 50-meter recreation of the 1941 “Sixth Tunnel” air-raid shelter.
Sculpture Park: 12 bronze statues of wartime figures, including a nurse cradling an injured soldier.
Liberation Memorial Hall: Interactive exhibits on the Communist Party’s 1949 takeover of Chongqing.
Rooftop Beer Garden: Sample local craft brews while overlooking the monument at night.
AR Time Travel: Scan QR codes to view holograms of 1940s Chongqing (Memorial Hall entrance).
Suggested Itineraries
- History Buff Route (2–3 hours):
Memorial Hall (wartime artifacts) → Wartime Tunnel → Victory Bell → Liberation Memorial Hall → Rooftop Beer Garden (sunset).
Highlights: Immersive history and panoramic views.
- Family Route (4–5 hours):
Sculpture Park (statue selfies) → Pedestrian Zone (LED floor games) → Commercial Zone (shopping) → AR Time Travel → Dinner at “Hotpot Hero.”
Highlights: Kid-friendly tech and dining.
- Night Owls Route (6 hours):
Dusk: Memorial Hall → Victory Bell → Rooftop Beer Garden → Night: Pedestrian Zone (neon lights) → Late-night “chongqingxiaomian.”
Highlights: Evening ambiance and local cuisine.
Ticket Purchase
Free Access: The monument and plaza are open 24/7.
- Attraction Tickets:
Wartime Tunnel: ¥40/adult, ¥20/child.
Observation Deck: ¥80/adult, ¥50/child (includes World Financial Center access).
Memorial Hall: Free (identity card required).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 2 to Jiefangbei Station (Exit 1), 2-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 402, 462, or 871 to “Jiefangbei Central Stop.”
By Taxi: Direct to “Jiefangbei Pedestrian Zone” (drivers familiar with the landmark).
By Cable Car: From Xiaoshizi Station to Yuzhong District (¥10/person, 5-minute ride).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (Monday–Thursday) or 8–10 AM (before office crowds).
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal; summers are hot but lively.
- Essentials:
Comfortable shoes (cobblestone plaza).
Portable fan (summer), umbrella (rainy season).
Cash for street vendors (some stalls don’t accept mobile payments).
Prohibited: Smoking outside designated zones, drones without permits.
More popular itineraries
FAQ
What hidden historic buildings around Jiefangbei are worth visiting?
Look for the Old Chongqing Post Office (1930s), with its red-brick facade and vintage mailboxes; the Sichuan Hotel (1950s), showcasing Soviet-inspired architecture; and the Catholic Church of Chongqing (early 20th century), with stained-glass windows and Gothic spires—all within a 10-minute walk.
What’s the best route from Jiefangbei to Nanshan Yikeshu Viewing Platform when leaving in the evening?
Take bus 384 directly (40 minutes) to beat traffic, arriving by sunset. This route passes through old neighborhoods, letting you glimpse local life before reaching the platform for panoramic night views of Chongqing’s skyline.
What traditional festivals can be observed in Jiefangbei?
During the Lantern Festival (15th day of Lunar New Year), the square is filled with lantern displays and riddles. Mid-Autumn Festival brings mooncake stalls and folk dances, while National Day (October 1) features flag-raising ceremonies and cultural parades.
With many one-way streets around Jiefangbei, what should pedestrians note?
Follow the "blue pedestrian signs" with arrows—they guide you through shortcuts between skyscrapers. Cross streets only at marked crossings, as traffic moves quickly. Locals often use alleyways (like "Xiaoximen Alley") to cut through blocks—ask for directions to save time!
What services in Jiefangbei’s malls are convenient for foreign visitors?
Major malls like Raffles City and Pacific Department Store have English-speaking staff, tax refund desks, and currency exchange. Some even offer free city maps with English translations and charging stations for phones.
