History of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Chongqing

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, located in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, is the city’s most famous commercial and financial hub. It is centered around the Jiefangbei Monument, a historic symbol of Chongqing’s resilience and modernization. The area has transformed from a wartime command center into a vibrant shopping and entertainment district. 📜 Early History: A Military and Administrative Hub 📅 Pre-1940s - The area where Jiefangbei stands today was originally a bustling business district during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. - During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), when Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital, this location became a political, military, and economic center. - Government buildings, military offices, and foreign embassies were set up around this district. 🕊️ 1945: Construction of the Jiefangbei Monument 📅 Post-World War II / End of Second Sino-Japanese War - In 1945, after China’s victory over Japan, the “Spirit of Victory Monument” (胜利纪功碑) was built to commemorate the war’s end. - In 1950, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the monument was renamed "People’s Liberation Monument" (解放碑, Jiefangbei) to celebrate Chongqing’s liberation from the Kuomintang (KMT) government. 💰 1980s–1990s: Chongqing’s Financial & Commercial Rise 📅 Economic Reform & Urban Development - During China’s economic reform (改革开放) in the 1980s, Jiefangbei rapidly developed into Chongqing’s financial center. - The surrounding area was transformed into a modern shopping and business district, attracting domestic and international brands. - In 1997, Chongqing became China’s fourth municipality (after Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), accelerating its urban expansion. 🚶 1997: Officially Becoming a Pedestrian Street 📅 Transformation into a Walkable Shopping Hub - In 1997, Jiefangbei became China’s first commercial pedestrian street outside of Beijing and Shanghai. - The area was closed off to vehicles, creating a large open plaza for shopping, dining, and entertainment. 🏙️ 2000s–Present: Chongqing’s Times Square 📅 Modernization & Skyscraper Boom - Jiefangbei evolved into “Chongqing’s Times Square”, featuring: - Luxury shopping malls (Chongqing Times Square, Metropolitan Plaza) - High-end hotels (JW Marriott, Westin) - Skyscrapers & LED billboards - It became one of China’s top ten pedestrian streets and a major landmark for both locals and tourists. If you stay at the hotel around Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, you can walk to Hongyadong and Shibati 😊 How to get here: 🚇 By Metro (Best Option) Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station. Exit at Exit 4 and walk about 5–10 minutes to Jiefangbei. Take Metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station. Exit at Exit A and walk about 5 minutes to the pedestrian street. Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Jiaochangkou Station. Exit at Exit 5 and walk about 10 minutes to Jiefangbei. 🚌 By Bus (Budget-Friendly) Several buses stop near Jiefangbei, including: Bus Routes: 462, 466, 0492, 0493, 301, 401, 418, 476 Get off at Jiefangbei Station or Linjiangmen Station and walk a few minutes.