Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre is located at Jinbi Zhengjie, beside Ciqikou Ancient Town, Shapingba District, Chongqing. Centered around the large-scale immersive live performance Chongqing 1949, it is a large-scale cultural and tourism complex that integrates red culture experience, performing arts appreciation, and historical remembrance. The theatre's architecture combines traditional Bayu (ancient Chongqing) style with modern design elements. It has a total construction area of approximately 25,000 square meters, a land area of about 18,000 square meters, and a total investment of nearly 800 million RMB. The theatre features a unique 360-degree rotating audience seating design, with 4 ring-shaped stages and over 6,000 professional stage lights, accommodating up to 1,500 spectators at a time. Through multi-dimensional presentation, it vividly recreates the historical scenes of Chongqing on the eve of its liberation in 1949, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the spirit and emotions of the revolutionary martyrs.
History and Culture
The construction of Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre is closely tied to the city's revolutionary history. The year 1949 is a landmark year in Chongqing's history — it was the year when the city was liberated, ending the Kuomintang's reactionary rule and beginning a new chapter. The theatre takes this important historical moment as its backdrop, delving into Chongqing's identity as one of the birthplaces of the "Red Crag Spirit" (Hongyan Spirit). It focuses on the heroic deeds at revolutionary sites such as Zhazidong Prison and Baigongguan Prison on the eve of liberation, showcasing the lofty spirit of revolutionary martyrs who fought bravely and feared no sacrifice for the cause of national liberation.
Through artistic expression, the performance Chongqing 1949 combines real historical events with character stories, recreating the struggles of underground Communist Party members and revolutionaries against the enemy in harsh conditions, as well as the key moments during the liberation of Chongqing. The production is not only a tribute to history but also a continuation and promotion of the Red Crag Spirit. It has become an important vehicle for spreading Chongqing's red culture, enabling audiences to deeply understand history and carry forward the revolutionary spirit through an immersive experience.
Main Attractions
Main Theatre
The main theatre is the core area of Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre. The main performance and viewing space measures 89 meters in length, 73 meters in width, and 31.6 meters in height. It features the world's first 360-degree rotating audience seating design, which slowly rotates along with the development of the plot. Combined with 4 ring-shaped stages, it offers multi-perspective, all-round viewing experiences. The theatre is equipped with advanced sound, lighting, and stage machinery systems, as well as holographic projection technology, capable of simulating special effects such as rain, snow, and smoke, creating a strong sense of time travel. The performance Chongqing 1949 is staged here, with nearly 200 actors delivering a spectacular interpretation that transports the audience back to Chongqing in 1949 to witness that magnificent and turbulent period of history.
Suggested Route：
Enter Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre → Watch the Chongqing 1949 performance (approx. 90 minutes) to experience the essence of red culture and artistic charm.
Travel Tips：
For the Chongqing 1949 performance, it is recommended to purchase tickets through official channels 1–2 days in advance. Choosing seats in the middle area offers a better viewing experience.
In summer, the theatre's air conditioning is quite cool, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket; in winter, the theatre temperature is comfortable, but do keep warm when outdoors.
The venue is suitable for children. The vivid performance and interactive experience can serve as an educational opportunity about revolutionary history, helping to foster a sense of patriotism.
Important Notes：
Security checks are conducted before entering the theatre. It is prohibited to bring flammable, explosive, or controlled items (such as knives), as well as food and beverages (except bottled water) into the theatre.
During the performance, please set your mobile phone to silent mode, remain quiet, and refrain from walking around to avoid disturbing others.
Do not touch the exhibits. Please do not damage or remove any exhibits; violators will be held liable.
Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas. Please take care of public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness; do not litter.
During holidays, visitor numbers are high. It is recommended to travel during off-peak hours or arrive early to avoid missing the performance due to long queues.
The performance includes some intense scenes (such as gunfire sounds and dramatic lighting changes). Visitors with heart conditions, high blood pressure, and infants/toddlers should watch with caution.
Transportation：
Metro: Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 to Ciqikou Station, exit from Gate 2, and walk about 10 minutes (approx. 800 meters) to reach the theatre.
Bus: Take bus routes 202, 220, 237, 503, 553, 808, etc., to Ciqikou Station, then walk 5–10 minutes to arrive.
Driving: Paid parking is available near the scenic area at 5 RMB/hour, with a daily maximum of 20 RMB. Due to heavy traffic around Ciqikou during holidays, public transportation is strongly recommended.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Directly set your destination to "Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre." There are temporary pick-up/drop-off points at the theatre entrance for passenger convenience.
Opening Hours：
The theatre is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Performance schedules vary by season and visitor flow; please refer to the day's schedule for exact showtimes.
Tickets：
Performance tickets start from 179 RMB per person.