Jiefangbei Commercial Street
Fashion Shops on Jiefangbei Street
As a landmark building in Chongqing, the People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei) is one of the must-see attractions in the city. Situated in the business center it is surrounded by shopping malls, theatres, hotels, restaurants and office buildings.
Built to inspire the Chinese people who were involved in the Sino-Japanese War, the original wooden monument was first constructed in 1940. After the war, the government had it rebuilt out of concrete. This new octagonal monument is 27.5 meters (90.2 feet) high, with four clocks near top facing in four directions and is topped off with a weather vane and a bell that rings on the hour, every hour.
Since 1949, the area around the monument has been gradually developed into the commercial center that is it today. The squares near Jiefangbei have become the location for locals holding ceremonies and festivals during holidays. After Chongqing became a municipality in 1997, the Jiefangbei Central Business District (Jiefangbei CBD) experienced an economic boom which resulted in more and more stores, restaurants, hotels and banks moving in, including large department stores selling international brands. There are 635 buildings in Jiefangbei CBD, among which 421 are used for commercial and business purposes. The offices of general-consulate of UK, Japan, Hungary, The Philippines, Cambodia, Canada and Denmark are also in the Jiefangbei CBD.
The Nengren Temple, Chongqing Catholicism Ruose Church and Huguang Guild Hall are not far from the monument.
Tourist Attractions:
The Arhat Temple (Luo Han Si) is located on Minzu Road, about 800 meters (875 yards) from the People’s Liberation Monument. It is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China and also the location of the Buddhist Association of Chongqing. The temple was built between 1064 and 1067 in the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127) and named Zhiping Temple. The temple was reconstructed in 1885, in the 11th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), during this time over 500 clay sculptures of Arhats were made and housed in the Arhat Hall, thus the temple was renamed Arhat Temple. Relics of over 400 Buddhist rock carvings from the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) were found in the temple bearing the similar style to those of the Dazu Rock Carvings.
600 meters from the People’s Liberation Monument you will find the Hongya Cave. Over looking the Jialing River where it intersects with the Yangtze River. It is a cluster of old-style buildings, and stilt houses etched into the hillside on the river bank. Hongya Cave is a fashionable destination where you can find all kinds of local specialties, dainties, handicrafts and theatres.
Dining:
Visit the Bayi Road Haochi Street (near the monument) for delicious snacks, such as Haoyoulai Hot and Sour Rice Noodles, Pangzima Salted Duck and Shancheng Sweet Rice Dumpling.
Night Life:
For the night owls, De Yi Shi Jie on Jiachangkou Dayuan Square, about 600 meters (656 yards) from Jiefangbei is the best choice. There are bars, western restaurants, tea houses and clubs.
Transportation:
A. Take Bus No. 465,601, 402, 405, 462, 413, 0493 or 463 and get off at Jiefangbei stop;
B. Take Light Rail Line 2 and get off at Linjiangmen station.
More Tourist Attractions in Chongqing:
Ciqikou Chine Three Gorges Museum People's Assembly Hall Dazu Rock Carvings
