Chongqing people's auditorium
The Chongqing People's Auditorium, a landmark blending traditional Chinese palace architecture with modern Western engineering, stands as a symbol of Chongqing's cultural heritage. Built between 1951 and 1954 under the design of architect Zhang Jiade, it covers 66,000 square meters with a 65-meter-tall main hall and a 46-meter-diameter auditorium. Recognized as one of China's Top 10 Classic Asian Architecture of the 20th Century, it earned the Luban Prize and Zhan Tianyou Civil Engineering Award, and was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic in 2013. Its green-glazed tiles, red columns, and symmetrical layout reflect Confucian principles, while its steel-concrete structure showcases 20th-century engineering innovation. In 1987, it ranked second globally in the UK's Comparative History of Architecture among 42 iconic Chinese buildings.
Historical Overview
Construction began in June 1951, mobilizing over 1,000 workers. The hall initially served as the Southwest Administrative Committee Auditorium, renamed in 1956. Key events include hosting the 1949 founding ceremony of Chongqing Municipality, 1997’s direct-controlled city celebration, and annual National Day flag-raising ceremonies. In 2016, it joined the first batch of China's 20th-Century Architectural Heritage sites. Recent renovations in 2007 enhanced its acoustics, fire safety, and accessibility while preserving its historical aesthetics.
Structural Layout
The complex comprises four sections: the main auditorium, east wing, south wing, and north wing, surrounded by the 42,000-square-meter People's Square. The auditorium features a three-tiered circular hall with no central pillars, supported by a steel net ceiling, accommodating 3,388 seats. Architectural highlights include the Ming-Qing style double-eave roofs, white railings, and carved beams. The square hosts daily Tai Chi and dancing activities, while the adjacent Three Gorges Museum displays archaeological finds.
Major Attractions
- Main Auditorium: A 55-meter-high space with a 46-meter-diameter hall, featuring a rotating stage and luxury seating.
- People's Square: A cultural hub with fountains, gardens, and nightly lighting displays.
- East/South/North Wings: Historic wings repurposed as exhibition spaces and hotels.
- Three Gorges Museum: Across the square, showcasing a 1:1 dam model and relics.
- Architectural Details: Carved phoenix motifs, lotus patterns, and 25-ton chandeliers.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours): Square → Main Hall → Museum.
- Extended Route (4 hours): Add East/South Wings and Treasure Gallery.
- Comprehensive Route (Full Day): Include all wings, museum, and nearby attractions like Hongya Cave.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Chongqing People's Auditorium WeChat mini-program.
- On-Site: Adults ¥8, students/seniors ¥4; free for children under 1.2m, disabled, and military.
- Hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30); closed Mondays for maintenance.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 10 (Dali Tang Station Exit 4), Line 2 (Daxi Gou Station Exit A, 10-min walk).
- Bus: Routes 145, 181, 262, 322 to Dali Tang Station.
- Car: Parking at People's Square Garage; avoid peak hours (10:00-16:00).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for mild weather.
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays before 10:00 or after 15:00; holidays are busiest.
- Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible), stay hydrated, and bring snacks. Photography allowed (no flash indoors). Prohibited items: drones, large bags.
- Local Tips: Pair with Three Gorges Museum; evening light shows are spectacular.
Related Itineraries
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Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
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Simon
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Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
