The place most people first visit in Chongqing is Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街). In our opinion, Jiefangbei is much more than a square in the center of the city. It is the literal center of Chongqing’s modern city life, so much so that it is one of the top attractions in Chongqing on TripAdvisor. A blend of history, shopping, food, and neon lights, here’s our complete guide to visiting Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street in Chongqing.
On our last visit to Chongqing, Nicole and I showed our parents around the Jiefangbei area, and it quickly became one of our favorite parts of the city.
Built in 1945, Jie Fang Bei is a large pedestrian square with a 27.5 metres high People’s Liberation Monument which celebrates the victory of World War II.
About Jiefangbei
In Chinese, Jiefangbei means “Liberation Monument”. It is the name of the monument in the center of the area, but it also refers to the surrounding commercial pedestrian street.
At the center of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is the People’s Liberation Monument (人民解放纪念塔), a 27.5-meter tower that was constructed in 1945 to celebrate the end of World War II and China’s successful resistance against Japan.
Compared to the ancient temples and city walls that date back centuries in China, Jiefangbei’s monument is pretty young. However, the surrounding pedestrian street has been redeveloped and is now one of the most recognizable modern landmarks of Chongqing.
Fun fact: Chongqing is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in southwest China. Chongqing is so big, it’s a municipality by itself. That’s a city that’s so big, it gets treated like a state or province.
Why Visit Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street?
Jiefangbei is more than a monument. The surrounding streets are a pedestrian zone where you can expect:
- Shopping malls, markets, and endless streets filled with international and local brands.
- Bright neon signs and modern architecture, making it a photographer’s paradise at night.
- Multiple cafés, tea houses, and snack stalls where you can rest and recharge.
- A constant flow of locals and travelers to keep the place buzzing with energy.
- If you love cityscapes and urban culture, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street truly shows off the best of Chongqing’s dramatic growth over the past two decades.
Travel Tips for Visiting Jiefangbei
Best time to visit: Spend the late afternoon in Jiefangbei and stay until the evening. Daytime shopping and strolling along the streets are great, but the illuminated neon lights after sunset are absolutely stunning.
Getting there: You can easily take the metro, taxi, or bus to Jiefangbei. Simply get off at the Jiefangbei metro station, and you will be steps away from the pedestrian street.
Where to stay: Staying in a hotel near Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street makes getting around the rest of Chongqing a breeze. We stayed at The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square, where we had immediate access to the center of the city.
Eat at Hao Chi Jie (好吃街) Nearby Jiefangbei
One of our favorite parts of visiting Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is visiting the local food spots. A few blocks away is a street called Hao Chi Jie (好吃街), which translates to “Delicious Food Street”.
This narrow alley is lined with food stalls dishing out some of the best Chongqing street food in town. It is not one of the top-rated tourist attractions in TripAdvisor, but it easily became one of our favorite food spots in Chongqing.
Some of the local snacks we enjoyed included:
Suan La Fen (酸辣粉) – Hot and Sour Sweet Potato Noodles
Made of chewy sweet potato noodles in chili oil, vinegar, and vegetables, Suan La Fen is spicy, sour, and so addictive. It’s a must-try Chongqing classic.
Grilled Meat Skewers with Chili Powder
Chinese-style satay on steroids, if you ask us. These meat skewers are super smoky and juicy, coated in a peppery chili powder. Just be prepared for spice.
Cold Drinks & Dessert
After all those spicy dishes, you will want to cool down with a nice, refreshing herbal tea or some local dessert. We were walking around and found a small dessert spot called Dessert Stop. It was the perfect antidote to Hao Chi Jie’s spice, serving chilled desserts and sweet treats.
Where to Sit Down and Eat at Hao Chi Jie
Trust me, you’ll be standing in line for most of this place and gawking at the food, but you’ll be so glad you tried each and every vendor. You’ll work up an appetite trying all of the food at Hao Chi Jie and one of the food courts at the end of the street has benches and shared tables. Stop there if you picked up food from other vendors to snack and enjoy your hard work.
Nearby Attractions Around Jiefangbei
Jiefangbei is located right in the heart of Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, so it is centrally located and a great starting point to explore Chongqing. Some nearby attractions include:
Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) – A riverside complex known for its stilted architecture and night views.
Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头) – The intersection of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River, where you can take boat cruises.
Raffles City Chongqing – A futuristic shopping and lifestyle complex with skybridges.
Should You Visit Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street?
If you only have a short time in Chongqing, then the answer is a resounding yes. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street may not have the same ancient history as some of the older attractions in China, but it epitomizes modern Chongqing culture. Whether you want to see a cross-section of families, couples, and travelers, Jiefangbei has it all.
It was, without a doubt, one of the most fun ways we’ve experienced urban Chongqing. From day to night, from bubble tea runs to street food feasts, Jiefangbei shows off Chongqing’s modern energy like no other attraction.
Getting to Jiefangbei
Address: JieFangBei ShangQuan, Yuzhong Qu, Chongqing Shi China 400065
Jiefangbei is a pedestrian-friendly area, so wear comfortable shoes when you visit. The metro is the easiest way to get there, but taking a taxi or bus is also convenient.
Final Thoughts
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is where you find the heartbeat of modern Chongqing. Shopping, snacking, or simply people-watching, this district has a glimpse of the city’s energy.
If you want to see the Chongqing skyline, taste authentic street food, and experience the city’s modern nightlife, Jiefangbei is a place that should absolutely be on your itinerary.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street: Why It’s a Must-Visit in Chongqing