Chongqing People's Great Hall: A Frozen Epic of the Mountain City, A Blossoming Architectural Treasure

Located on Renmin Road in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, the People's Great Hall stands as a solemn guardian of time. Since its completion in 1954, it has conveyed the history and glory of the mountain city through its unique architectural language. It is not only a landmark of Chongqing but also a classic masterpiece in the history of modern Chinese architecture. The Soul of Architecture: A Stunning Fusion of Tradition and Modernity Designed by architect Zhang Jiade, the Great Hall was constructed between 1951 and 1954, embodying the dedication of countless builders. Its overall layout adheres to the classic principle of symmetry along a central axis in traditional Chinese architecture, resembling an unfolding traditional painting from afar. Its exterior draws inspiration from Ming and Qing dynasty palace architecture while incorporating practical modern design elements. The roof is covered with nearly ten thousand peacock-blue glazed tiles, which reflect a gentle luster under sunlight, giving the building a radiant armor-like appearance. The eaves feature "flying eaves and upturned corners," with each corner curving upward like a phoenix ready to take flight. This design not only showcases the dynamic beauty of Chinese architecture but also effectively channels rainwater. The intricate decorative details are equally awe-inspiring: the walls are adorned with golden dragon and phoenix patterns and He Xi-style paintings. The dragon motifs are majestic and vigorous, while the phoenix designs are graceful and lively. The color combinations exude grandeur and elegance, embodying the regal aura of palace architecture. The dougong structures, layered and intricate, serve both as decorative elements and functional components, skillfully transferring the roof's weight to the columns, achieving a perfect balance of practicality and aesthetics. The interior space breaks away from tradition by incorporating Western large-span architectural techniques. The circular dome, standing 55 meters high with an inner diameter of 46.33 meters, has no supporting columns underneath yet can accommodate thousands of people simultaneously. The inner side of the dome is painted in light colors and complemented by a ring-shaped skylight, allowing natural light to evenly illuminate the space during the day without the need for artificial lighting. The result is a bright and transparent environment, making visitors feel as if they are under an expansive sky. During the day, marvel at the exquisite flying eaves and dougong structures of the People's Great Hall. At night, unwind at the 7 Days Inn near Shiqiaopu Metro Station. With convenient metro connections, your travel becomes smoother, offering a hassle-free stay and carefree exploration—this is the perfect rhythm for a Chongqing trip.