The Liberation Monument is located at the center of the Liberation Monument Commercial Pedestrian Street in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit listed in the seventh batch and one of the "Top Ten Cultural and Tourism Landmarks in Chengdu-Chongqing Region." Its uniqueness lies in being the only monument in China commemorating the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japan, serving as a spiritual symbol of the victory and carrying the collective memory of Chongqing residents as an iconic landmark of the city. The monument is a reinforced concrete structure with an octagonal shape and a helmet-shaped top, standing 27.5 meters tall. It consists of eight parts: the base, body, standard clock, observation deck, alarm bell, lighting system, wind vane, and commemorative steel pipes. The base is built with bluestones, covering an area of 642 square meters, with an 8-step marble platform above, 20 meters in diameter. The surrounding area centered on the monument forms a bustling commercial district, though no specific scenic area size data is available.
History and Culture
Construction of the monument began on March 12, 1940 (Sun Yat-sen's Death Anniversary), initially named the "Spiritual Fortress" to inspire the Chinese people's struggle for victory in the War of Resistance. The "Spiritual Fortress" was officially completed on December 30, 1941. After Japan's surrender in 1945, plans were made to build the "Monument to the Victory of the War of Resistance" on its site. Groundbreaking occurred on October 31, 1946, and the monument was completed on October 10, 1947, inscribed with "Monument to the Victory of the War of Resistance" and costing 202 million old currency. In September 1949, it was renamed the "People's Liberation Monument," with Liu Bocheng, then Chairman of the Southwest Military and Political Council, inscribing the name. The monument has witnessed Chongqing's historical changes from the War of Resistance era to the post-liberation era, embodying the unyielding national will of the rear-area people and standing as a monument to the perseverance and sacrifice during the war.
Main Attractions
People's Liberation Monument
Located at No. 177 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, this octagonal helmet-topped reinforced concrete structure stands 27.5 meters tall. The eight faces of the base feature reliefs and inscriptions, including the full text of the National Government designating Chongqing as the wartime capital. Standard clocks are installed on four faces of the monument body at 23 meters, with the alarm bell at the top. The front face toward Minzu Road bears the gilded inscription "Monument to the Victory of the War of Resistance," signed "Zhang Dulun, Mayor of Chongqing, October 31, 1946 (Republic of China Year 35)."
Chongqing Guotai Art Center
This complex houses the Tai Grand Theater and Chongqing Art Museum. The theater includes an 800-seat medium theater and two 350-seat performance halls, while the art museum hosts domestic and international art and craft exhibitions and cultural exchanges at a medium-scale level.
Chongqing World Financial Center
A comprehensive building integrating office, commercial, dining, and sightseeing functions, covering 204,600 square meters with a height of 339 meters. It consists of a 70-story Grade A office tower and a 9-story commercial podium.
Bayi Road Food Street
Featuring hundreds of Chongqing specialty snacks, the street also includes sculptures created by Sichuan Fine Arts Institute professors, serving as iconic landmarks of Bayi Road and among the first urban sculptures in Chongqing's commercial pedestrian streets.
Great Bombing Ruins
Housed in a converted air-raid shelter, this museum allows visitors to touch historical relics and experience the unyielding spirit of Chongqing residents during the bombings.
Food
Hot and Sour Noodles (Suanla Fen)
A signature Chongqing snack known for its hot and sour flavor, available at Bayi Road Food Street. The chewy rice noodles are served in a tangy, spicy broth.
Mountain City Small Tangyuan
Soft and glutinous rice balls filled with sweet fillings like sesame or peanut paste, offering a greasiness-relieving treat.
Traditional Hot Pot
Characterized by bold spicy and savory flavors, Chongqing hot pot features rich broths and fresh ingredients, embodying the city's bold culinary culture.
Chongqing Noodles (Chongqing Xiaomian)
The most popular noodle dish in Chongqing, serving as an essential breakfast for locals with its spicy and flavorful broth.
Admission
The Liberation Monument scenic area is free to visit. Some surrounding exhibition halls may require separate tickets, typically priced between 20-30 yuan.
Opening Hours
The monument is open 24/7. Surrounding commercial areas and attractions follow individual schedules; for example, Bayi Road Food Street is open from 09:00-23:00.
Itinerary Recommendations
9:00 AM: Listen to stories about the War of Resistance at the monument to understand its history.
10:00 AM: Walk to Guotai Art Center for photos of its unique architecture.
11:30 AM: Visit Bayi Road Food Street to sample local snacks.
2:00 PM: Tour the Great Bombing Ruins to reflect on historical significance.
4:00 PM: Take a shortcut to Hongya Cave.
7:00 PM: Enjoy the night view of the Two Rivers at Kuixing Tower.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Jiaochangkou Station, exit 9, and walk two blocks; or take Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station.
- Rail Transit: Take Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station and walk about 5 minutes to the monument.
Must-See Attractions
- People's Liberation Monument: Chongqing's iconic landmark and the only monument in China commemorating victory in the War of Resistance, standing 27.5 meters tall with an octagonal design and a clock-topped roof.
- Bayi Road Food Street: A paradise for Chongqing snacks, offering specialties like hot and sour noodles, Mountain City tangyuan, and skewered snacks.
- Chongqing Guotai Art Center: Known as the "Chopstick Building" for its red-black interlaced design, magical at night when lit up, housing a theater and art museum for performances and exhibitions.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes due to many stairs around the monument.
- Bring a light jacket as there is a temperature difference between indoor malls and outdoor areas.
- Keep your phone charged for photo opportunities.
- Allocate 1-3 hours for sightseeing, or a full day to explore surrounding attractions in detail.
Notes
- Secure personal belongings and stay alert in crowded areas like Bayi Road Food Street.
- Prioritize food hygiene to avoid discomfort from unclean meals.
- Maintain silence and respect historical relics when visiting sites like the Great Bombing Ruins.