Hello, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel expert with over 10 years of experience. During these years, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Next, we’ll explore the charm and cultural heritage of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. From century-old commercial legends to modern fashion trends, from iconic historical monuments to delicious Chongqing flavors, we’ll help you uncover the story of this “First Street in Western China” that blends history and trend.
Introduction
Quick Facts: Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
- Location: Yuzhong District, Central Chongqing (core of the city)
- Built: 1997 (China’s first commercial pedestrian street in western China)
- Size: 22,400 sq.m (core area); 1 sq.km (business circle)
- Peak Season: April–October (summer night views & winter New Year countdown)
- Key Tip: Free entry | Best time for night views: 7:30–10:00 pm
- Best Time to Visit: 9:00 am (avoid crowds) or 7:30 pm (neon lights & night views)
Nestled in the heart of Yuzhong District, Chongqing, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is a national demonstration pedestrian street and the iconic landmark of Chongqing. Centered around the People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei), it was built in 1997 as the first commercial pedestrian street in western China, known as the “First Street in Western China”.
Jiefangbei, 27.5 meters tall, is the only national monument commemorating China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, witnessing Chongqing’s history from the War of Resistance to liberation. Today, it blends century-old commercial heritage, international fashion, and strong local customs—with luxury brands standing side by side with time-honored Chongqing eateries, and modern skyscrapers overlooking historic buildings. It’s a must-visit spot to experience Chongqing’s “mountain city charm, river city style, and night city splendor”.
Tickets & Opening Hours
2026 Entry Policy
- Ticket Price: Free entry (no tickets required for the pedestrian street and Jiefangbei)
- Special Attractions: Raffles City viewing platform (50 RMB/~6.9 USD); themed exhibitions (30–80 RMB/~4.2–11.1 USD)
- Free Entry: All ages (no ID required for entry)
Opening Hours
- Pedestrian Street: Open 24 hours (shops: 10:00 am–10:00 pm)
- Jiefangbei: Open 24 hours (rotating stairs to the top: 9:00 am–6:00 pm, 20 RMB/~2.8 USD)
- Bayi Delicious Street: 10:00 am–11:00 pm (snack stalls open until midnight)
- Closed: Open daily (no regular closure; only closed for extreme weather or major events)
Note for International Travelers
No tickets or reservations are needed for the pedestrian street. The official WeChat mini-program “Jiefangbei Business Circle” provides English navigation and store information. You can rent a multi-language audio guide at the visitor center (near Jiefangbei) for free with a passport.
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Jiefangbei (People’s Liberation Monument)
The core landmark of the pedestrian street and the symbol of Chongqing. Built in 1945 to commemorate the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, it was renamed “People’s Liberation Monument” in 1950. The 27.5-meter-tall stone monument has 8 floors with rotating stairs to the top, offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. The clock on the monument rings every hour, a classic Chongqing sound.
Cross Golden Street
The central area of the pedestrian street, where Minzu Road, Minquan Road, and Zourong Road intersect. Lined with international luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton), fashion boutiques, and century-old Chongqing department stores (Chongqing Department Store). It’s the most fashionable spot in western China, with neon lights and giant screens creating a vibrant atmosphere day and night.
Bayi Delicious Street
A 200-meter-long food paradise adjacent to the pedestrian street, gathering all classic Chongqing snacks. Known as the “soul of Chongqing’s food scene”, it offers over 100 specialties: spicy hot pot, Chongqing noodles, suanla fen (hot and sour rice noodles), ice glutinous rice balls, and grilled squid. A must-visit for food lovers to taste authentic Chongqing flavors.
Raffles City Chongqing
A landmark skyscraper complex designed by Moshe Safdie, integrating shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The “Horizontal Skyscraper” (Crystal) connects 4 towers, offering a 360° viewing platform (50 RMB) with stunning views of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Hongyadong, and the night skyline. It’s the best spot for panoramic photos of Chongqing.
Old Chongqing Architecture Cluster
Scattered around the pedestrian street are well-preserved historical buildings from the 1930s–1940s, including European-style villas and traditional stilted houses. Highlights include the former site of the Nationalist Government and old bank buildings, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. These buildings appeared in the movie Passing By Your World, attracting many fans to check in.
Transportation
🚇 Subway (Most Convenient)
- Route 1/6: Get off at Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 5), walk 5 minutes to Jiefangbei.
- Route 2: Get off at Linjiangmen Station (Exit A), walk 3 minutes to Cross Golden Street.
- Fare: 2–5 RMB (~0.3–0.7 USD)
🚌 Bus
- Jiefangbei Station: Buses 462, 465, 612, Airport Express K01 (walk 2 minutes to the monument).
- Xiaoshizi Station: Buses 112, 135, 181 (walk 5 minutes to the pedestrian street).
- Fare: 2 RMB (~0.3 USD)
🚕 Taxi
- Destination: “Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street” (Jiefangbei Buxingjie).
- Cost: 30–50 RMB (~4.2–6.9 USD) from downtown Chongqing; 50–70 RMB (~6.9–9.7 USD) from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (30 minutes).
🚠 Cable Car (Scenic Option)
- Route: Take the Yangtze River Cable Car (10 RMB/~1.4 USD) from Xiaoshizi to Hongyadong, then walk 10 minutes to Jiefangbei. Enjoy river views and mountain city scenery along the way.
Experience & Activities
Free Walking Tours
- English-Speaking Guides: Free 1.5-hour tours (10:00 am & 3:00 pm daily) starting at Jiefangbei.
- Booking: No reservation needed; gather at the monument’s English guide sign.
- Highlights: History of Jiefangbei, stories of the War of Resistance, and hidden local spots.
Audio Guides
- Rent: Free at the visitor center (near Jiefangbei) with a passport deposit.
- Languages: 40+ languages including English, French, German, and Japanese.
Night View Photography Tours
- Time: 7:30–9:30 pm (daily; free to join).
- Meeting Point: Raffles City viewing platform.
- Highlights: Capture neon-lit Jiefangbei, river reflections, and Hongyadong’s stilted houses with local photographers.
New Year’s Countdown Event
- Time: December 31 (annual; free entry).
- Highlights: Thousands gather at Jiefangbei for the New Year countdown, with light shows, live music, and fireworks over the rivers—Chongqing’s most iconic New Year tradition.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
- No Smoking: Strictly prohibited in the pedestrian street and indoor shops (fines up to 500 RMB/~69 USD).
- Crowd Avoidance: Visit on weekdays (Mon–Thu) to skip peak crowds (Fri–Sun & holidays).
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll walk 3–4 hours on hilly streets.
- Sun Protection: Wear hats and sunscreen in summer (no shade on the pedestrian street).
- Night View Timing: Lights turn on at 7:30 pm—arrive early for good photo spots.
- Luggage Storage: Free lockers available at the visitor center (near Jiefangbei) for large bags.
- Water Stations: Free drinking water near Bayi Delicious Street—bring a reusable bottle.
Food
Inside the Pedestrian Street & Bayi Delicious Street
- Chongqing Noodles: Spicy beef noodles (15 RMB/~2.1 USD) at “Old Street Noodle Shop”.
- Suanla Fen: Hot and sour rice noodles (12 RMB/~1.7 USD) with peanuts and cilantro.
- Ice Glutinous Rice Balls: Sweet sesame-filled glutinous rice balls with ice (10 RMB/~1.4 USD).
- Grilled Squid: Spicy grilled squid skewers (15 RMB/~2.1 USD) with Sichuan peppercorns.
- Hot Pot Snacks: Mini hot pot bowls (20 RMB/~2.8 USD) with meat and vegetables.
Nearby (Within 500m)
- Xiao Bin Lou: Time-honored Chongqing restaurant famous for braised pork and spicy fish (meal for 2: ~180 RMB/~25 USD).
- Shunqing Mutton Soup: Authentic Sichuan mutton soup with chili oil (30 RMB/~4.2 USD per bowl).
- Yi Zhi Shi: Century-old pastry shop selling sweet sesame cakes and peanut brittle (10 RMB/~1.4 USD per pack).
- Hot Pot Street: 5-minute walk to “Zhazha Hot Pot”—a local favorite with spicy broth (meal for 2: ~200 RMB/~27.8 USD).
With this guide, you’ll know the best time to visit Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and make the most of your Chongqing experience—blending history, fashion, and delicious food
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.