Visitor Attractions in Chongqing >

Jiefangbei Central Business District & Liberation Monument

解放碑 (Jiefangbei, "Liberation Monument")

Jiefangbei CBD is the vibrant business district of Chongqing, which is growing nestled into the heights between the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. In the heart of this fast-developing commercial center, with many shops, offices, hotels and restaurants, is a pedestrian zone that opened in 1997 around the People's Liberation Monument. The monument, which was built in 1945 and was originally intended to commemorate victory over the Japanese, now symbolizes the Communist takeover of 1950.

All along the pedestrian zone, which leads away from the monument in all directions, one encounters a building boom:

Buildings are raised in record time here, with construction taking place by day, by night, and on weekends:

These two skyscrapers will not be standing alone in the rain for long:

Just outside the pedestrian zone, you encounter wonderful, modern architecture, such as here at the Cathay Pacific Arts Center:

The Chongqing skyline is a bit uneven. However, it is safe to assume that with land prices rising, the number of older and less lofty buildings will decrease rapidly. Several high-rise projects are currently being launched:

A number of the buildings are brightly lit in the evenings:

Most evenings, the streets are filled with lively nightlife. Many shops are open until late at night, and the many restaurants and bars attract additional visitors:

The advancing commercialization of life is impressive, and can be seen in the shrill, animated billboards - even around the People's Liberation Monument:

How to get there

Take the CRT Line 2 to either the Linjiangmen or Jiaochangkou Station, from which it is a 10-minute walk. In the vicinity are located Hongyadong, the Yangtze River Cableway, and the Luohan Temple.