Jiefangbei
The most prosperous commercial center in downtown Chongqing
The Liberation Monument, also known as Jiefangbei, is the only monument in China that commemorates the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It stands as a witness to Chongqing’s liberation history.
The construction of the Liberation Monument began in 1941, originally called the “Spirit Fortress” to inspire the public to resist foreign aggression. After the victory in 1945, various social groups proposed establishing a memorial to commemorate the war victory, honoring history and the sacrifices of heroes. In 1950, after renovations and renaming, it became the People’s Liberation Monument, symbolizing the determination of the Chinese people to pursue peace, freedom, and liberation.
The area around Jiefangbei has become the most prosperous commercial center in downtown Chongqing and ranks as the third-largest pedestrian shopping street in China. High-rise buildings fill the skyline, and transportation is convenient.
Whether you’re looking to shop, enjoy entertainment, dine, or find a place to stay, you’ll find plenty of great options here.
The intersection centered around Jiefangbei, including Minquan Road, Zourong Road, and Bayi Road, is the most vibrant commercial area in Chongqing. You can shop, taste various Chongqing dishes, and experience the city’s lively atmosphere.
Major shopping centers here include Guotai Plaza, Chongbai Building, Metropol Oriental Plaza, Xiexin Starlight Plaza, Bayi Plaza, and Chongqing Times Square.
Bayi Food Street is located in the bustling Jiefangbei commercial district and is known as a food lover’s paradise. Here, you can enjoy authentic Chongqing dishes like Chongqing noodles, spicy chicken, and sour and spicy rice noodles. There are also must-try local snacks for first-time visitors, such as Shan City dumplings and Jianghu cuisine. The street offers not only traditional Chongqing snacks but also many innovative and fusion dishes, giving diners plenty of options.
In addition to the shopping area, there are several attractions worth visiting near Jiefangbei. For example, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, you can find Hongya Cave, a scenic spot that combines sightseeing, relaxation, and culture. There’s also Kuaixing Tower on Zourong Road, southwest of Jiefangbei, and the vibrant Shibati, which showcases the diverse lives of Chongqing’s residents.
Table of Contents
Popular Restaurants Near Jiefangbei
Enjoying authentic Chongqing cuisine during your travel in Chongqing.
Shancheng Laotangkou 1636 Chongqing Old Cuisine (Jiefangbei Hongya Cave Location) 山城老堂口·1636重庆老菜(解放碑洪崖洞店)
- This restaurant specializes in traditional Chongqing dishes, showcasing the signature spiciness and numbing flavor of the cuisine. The wooden tables and bright lanterns create an elegant and cozy dining atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the food comes out quickly.
Laoma Pig’s Trotters Soup 老妈蹄花汤
The broth is rich, and the pig trotters are stewed until super tender—they just melt in your mouth. The peas are soft and flavorful on their own, but if you dip them in chili oil, they become a spicy Chongqing classic.
Gele Mountain Spicy Chicken 歌乐山辣子鸡
This is the restaurant’s signature dish. The chicken pieces are crispy outside and juicy inside. When you bite into the skin and fat, it bursts with flavor—so fragrant and spicy! It gets spicier with every bite, so grab a cold drink to cool down.
Clams with Pepper Chicken 花甲花椒鸡
You get a huge portion here! The combo of clams and chicken is unique, and there are green and red peppers mixed in. It’s loaded with green peppercorns and spicy peppers all over the plate.Address:
1st Floor, No. 88, Wutiandi, Bayi Road (150 meters from Jiefangbei)
八一路五一天地88号首一层（距解放碑150米）
Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Average Spend:
87 CNY (approximately $12 USD) per person
Practical Travel Tips
- Don’t buy the red fruit sold around Jiefangbei; it’s expensive and not tasty.
- Most of Chongqing’s food is spicy, so if you can’t handle the heat or have a sensitive stomach, ask the owner for “mild spice” when ordering. You can show the restaurant owner these three Chinese characters: “微微辣” (which means “mild spice”).
- Be careful about taking photos with cartoon characters or living statues in tourist areas—they usually charge for it, and they won’t tell you upfront.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open all day.
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to Jiefangbei
By Bus
- You can take bus routes 462, 465, or 601 to Jiefangbei Station.
By Subway
- Take Line 2 of the subway to Linjiangmen Station, then exit at Gate A. Jiefangbei is about 495 meters away.
How Visitors Rate the Jiefangbei
Local tourists from China
The monument itself is historically significant, towering impressively, with a beautifully designed surrounding square. We took plenty of photos in front of it for memories. At night, the light show near Jiefangbei is spectacular, lighting up the entire area and making it a great spot for families.
The only downside is the large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays, which can feel a bit overwhelming. I recommend visiting during off-peak times to avoid the rush.
