The Great Hall of the People in Chongqing (重庆人民大礼堂) is an exquisite and intricate Eastern-style replica building. It was constructed in the 1950s and was originally named the “Southwest Administrative Committee Grand Auditorium.” In 1956, it was renamed the “Chongqing People’s Great Hall.” It is one of the city’s important landmark buildings and was once among the top ten buildings in New China. In 1987, it was ranked second among 43 contemporary architectural projects in China by the Royal Institute of British Architects in the book “Comparative Architectural History.” It is a typical example of retro-style architecture from the early period of New China’s construction.
The current Chongqing People’s Great Hall consists of the archway, the main auditorium, the east wing, the south wing, the north wing, and the People’s Square.
Travel Information about Chongqing Great Hall of the People
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: 10 yuan, but reservations must be made online in advance; the China Three Gorges Museum is free.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Access and Transportation
Location: No. 173, Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Zengjiayan Station, then walk to the site.
Attraction Ratings
- Special Features: ★★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Thrill: ★
Highlights of the Great Hall of the People
Archway
Upon arriving at the Great Hall of the People in Chongqing, visitors are greeted by an ancient and imposing archway. Adorned with eight gleaming golden characters, it reads “Chongqing People’s Great Hall.” The archway features four columns and three spans, showcasing the typical architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Constructed in a reinforced concrete structure designed to resemble wood, it boasts sweeping eaves and elegant, traditional lines, exuding a sense of timeless beauty.
Chongqing People’s Great Hall
Passing through the archway, visitors are welcomed by the magnificent Great Hall of the People. Ascending 128 steps, visitors find themselves on three levels that beautifully highlight the building’s three-dimensional aesthetics. Construction of the Chongqing People’s Great Hall began in 1951 and was completed in 1954.
The design of the Great Hall draws inspiration from the palace forms of the Ming and Qing dynasties, employing a traditional axial symmetry that creates a harmonious and striking structural balance. The layout is meticulously organized, combining ancient elegance with a vibrant atmosphere. The main dome, with its golden apex, is reminiscent of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, symbolizing the hope for national prosperity and peace.
In the center stands a circular observation tower, a miniature version of Beijing’s Tiananmen. The north and south wings feature tower-like structures similar to those found at the corners of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Surrounding the expansive courtyard, the wide front steps rise in six tiers, creating a grand entrance. Today, the Great Hall serves as an important venue for tourists, offering spaces for relaxation and hosting festive gatherings.
South and North Wings
The South and North Wings of the Chongqing People’s Great Hall feature colonnaded sloped roofs, with four corner towers at both ends showcasing double-eaved pointed designs. This architectural choice creates both contrast and harmony. The use of color is bold and striking, with vibrant hues that are both dynamic and harmoniously unified.
Overall, the design, decoration, and color treatment of the entire structure reflect the distinctive characteristics of traditional Chinese culture. The wings enhance the grandeur of the Great Hall, contributing to its significance as a cultural landmark in Chongqing.
People’s Square
People’s Square was established in 1997, coinciding with Chongqing’s designation as a municipality directly under the central government. Covering an area of approximately 240,000 square meters, it represents a significant expanse of flat land in the mountainous city of Chongqing. The square features a central area paved with granite, complemented by a circular outdoor stage with a diameter of 28 meters on the northern side, which hosts cultural performances on weekends.
At the front of the square, four large musical fountains are designed with the capability to create various water formations and patterns. The square is adorned with a variety of flowers and plants, contributing to a green area that spans 180,000 square meters. A small 1,000-square-meter section of the square is home to hundreds of pigeons that are enjoyed by the public.
Since its completion, People’s Square has become a venue for the “Chongqing Weekend Cultural Activities,” held every weekend. Each morning, hundreds of residents gather to exercise, while thousands come in the evening to dance and relax. Numerous organizations also hold various events and gatherings here. Today, People’s Square has evolved into an important cultural and recreational space in Chongqing, serving as a hub for community engagement and leisure activities.
Three Gorges Antique City
Three Gorges Antique City, also known as Taigu Plaza, is located right next to the Chongqing People’s Great Hall. It is a reputable and professional market that encompasses antique trading, exhibition, communication, auction, and appraisal.
The antique city offers a wide range of products, including calligraphy and paintings, coins, stamps, jewelry, emeralds, embroidery, bone carvings, unique stones, gold, silver, and bronze items, ceramics, antique furniture, rare books, replica furniture, and various crafts. This makes it a prime destination for collectors and enthusiasts seeking cultural treasures and valuable artifacts.
Adjacent to the antique city is the Taigu Art Corridor, a distinctive pathway for antique collection and trading, providing visitors with an additional opportunity to explore and shop for unique items.
Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum
The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum is located on the west side of People’s Square in Chongqing. Its origins trace back to the establishment of the Southwest Museum in March 1951. Following the dissolution of the Southwest region in June 1955, it was renamed Chongqing Museum. In 2000, it was officially designated as the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. This museum serves as a public cultural education institution dedicated to the preservation, research, and display of the historical and cultural heritage of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area, as well as material evidence of the human environment.
The museum is an impressive architectural structure that showcases a deep cultural significance and demonstrates a perfect integration of historical elements in its design. The curved exterior walls resonate with the circular form of the Great Hall across the way, creating a sense of cohesion and symmetry: the curves symbolize the hydraulic dam, while the circular shape represents the characteristics of ancient architecture.
Within the museum, there are over 170,000 artifacts across 23 categories, including pottery, porcelain, bronze, jade, and paintings. The museum spans four floors and houses 15 exhibition halls (three of which feature temporary exhibits), along with a souvenir shop and a panoramic cinema. It has become a must-visit attraction for both domestic and international tourists exploring Chongqing.
Useful Tips:
- The museum is closed on Mondays, so visitors should adjust their itineraries accordingly.
- If you feel unprepared with the relevant knowledge, you can rent an audio guide device at the service desk on the first floor of the museum. The audio guides are available in six languages: Chinese, Russian, English, French, Japanese, and Korean.
- The “Three Gorges Digital Panorama Film” is produced by China Central Television and the Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio. This high-tech film showcases the natural scenery and cultural customs of the Three Gorges area before the reservoir’s water level rose, serving as a permanent tribute to the landscape prior to the Three Gorges Project.