Jiefangbei, or the People’s Liberation Monument, is one of Chongqing’s best-known landmarks. Its history dates back to March 12, 1940, when construction began on the anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s death. Completed at the end of 1941, the monument was originally named the “Spiritual Fortress” to inspire the Chinese people in their resistance against Japanese aggression. Following victory, it was renamed the “Monument to Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.” In 1950, Liu Bocheng inscribed its present name, the “Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument.” Facing slightly northeast, the monument is an octagonal reinforced-concrete structure topped with a domed roof. It stands 27.5 meters high, with each side measuring 2.55 meters. The interior has eight levels, including the underground level, with a spiral staircase leading to the top. Clocks are mounted on the four sides facing the surrounding streets, and flowerbeds encircle the monument.

Jiefangbei bears witness to Chongqing’s history and culture while standing at the heart of its modern urban life. Today, the name “Jiefangbei” refers not only to the monument itself but also to the surrounding central business district. It has become one of Chongqing’s defining city landmarks and one of its ten major cultural symbols.

Following Chongqing’s establishment as a centrally-administered municipality in 1997, the Jiefangbei area developed rapidly, attracting a growing concentration of retail, entertainment, dining, hotel, and financial businesses. The concept of the “Jiefangbei Central Business District,” or Jiefangbei CBD, gradually took shape. Before the 1990s, Jiefangbei was among the tallest structures in the city. Today, it is dwarfed by the surrounding skyline, yet the bustling commercial and entertainment district that has grown around it has become the economic heart of Chongqing, and its prominence and standing are undisputed both in the city and across Southwest China.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Address: 177 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Getting There:

Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station; or take Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station and walk approximately 500 meters.

Bus routes serving Jiefangbei include 462, 465, 0492, 612, Night Sightseeing Route T087, High-Speed Rail Express G01 and G04, Sightseeing Bus T480, Airport Express K01, and Tourist Route 02.