Night view of Jiefangbei Liberation Monument

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Overview

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street stands as one of Chongqing's most iconic landmarks, representing the first commercial walking street in Western China. This historic district perfectly blends traditional heritage with modern urban vitality, creating a unique atmosphere where history meets contemporary life.

Aerial view of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and Qiansimen Bridge

Getting There

The location is easily accessible via multiple transportation options:

  • Metro: Take Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station
  • Bus: Routes 462, 466 (get off at Jiefangbei Station), or routes 132, 181 (get off at Wuyi Road Metropolitan Station)
  • Taxi: Direct access, though traffic congestion during peak hours should be considered

Notable Landmarks

People's Liberation Monument

The monument, standing 27.5 meters tall, was originally built in 1940 as the "Spirit Fortress." Now it serves as a memorial to Chongqing's liberation. The octagonal concrete structure features clock faces on four sides and is surrounded by seasonal flower beds. Early morning visits are recommended for a more peaceful experience.

Guotai Arts Center

Located adjacent to Jiefangbei, this distinctive red building occupies 2.91 hectares and took six years to complete. Its design draws inspiration from the Huguang Guild Hall's traditional architectural elements. Locals affectionately call it the "Chopsticks Building" due to its unique appearance. The center regularly hosts high-quality performances and exhibitions.

Interior view of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street showing pedestrians and commercial areas

Shopping Experience

Luxury Shopping

The Golden Eagle Fortune Center, situated in the CBD's central crossroads, houses numerous international luxury brands including:

  • GUCCI (900-square-meter flagship store)
  • OMEGA
  • RADO
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Prada

Popular Fashion

For more affordable shopping options:

  • Ba Yi Plaza (八一广场): Features reasonably priced fashion brands and various dining options
  • Times Square (时代广场): Offers a mix of fashion retailers and local boutiques
  • Sun and Moon Plaza (日月光中心): Known for its diverse shopping options and local specialties like Deng Xiaosen's Braised Noodles (邓先森卤煮面)

Dining Highlights

Traditional Restaurants

  • Old Qiu Qiu (老丘丘): A 70-year-old establishment famous for:
    • Ginkgo chicken soup
    • Yu-xiang shredded pork
  • Lin Hua Restaurant (临华饭庄): Known for its authentic garlic pork slices

Hot Pot Venues

  • Dong Ma Hot Pot (董妈火锅): Famous for:
    • Freshly prepared spicy broth
    • Premium beef platter
  • Pearl Sister Hot Pot (珮姐老火锅): Renowned for:
    • Traditional iron pots
    • Signature caviar-butter broth
    • Braised pork brain

Street Food

  • Dragon Claw (降龙爪爪): Popular braised chicken feet
  • Mountain City Tangyuan (山城汤圆): Traditional sweet rice balls with sesame filling

Nearby Attractions

Hongyadong

A 15-20 minute walk from Jiefangbei, Hongyadong is a AAAA-rated tourist attraction featuring traditional Bayu architecture. The complex is particularly stunning at night when illuminated, often compared to scenes from "Spirited Away." Best viewing spots include:

Yangtze River Cableway

Located near Jiefangbei, accessible via Metro Line 6 (Shangxinjie Station). This iconic cable car system offers spectacular views of:

  • The Yangtze River
  • Chongqing's cityscape
  • Mountain city architecture

Practical Tips

  • Weather preparation: Pack accordingly for Chongqing's humid climate
  • Summer visits: Bring sun protection
  • Winter visits: Pack warm clothing for the damp cold
  • Food sensitivity: Request mild options if spicy food isn't preferred
  • Security: Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
  • Advance booking: Consider purchasing cable car tickets online to avoid queues