Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is the unmissable centerpiece of Chongqing travel. Tucked in Yuzhong District, this vibrant thoroughfare isn’t just a commercial hub but the city’s spiritual symbol and cultural calling card. By day, it buzzes with energy; by night, it glows with dazzling lights. Wandering here, you blend modern urban rhythm with the unique charm of old Chongqing—perfect for foodies, fashion lovers, and culture seekers alike. This guide covers food, shopping, attractions, accommodation, and transport to make your Mountain City adventure smooth and fulfilling.
Core Introduction to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Located in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street centers on the Jiefangbei Monument, radiating to surrounding streets like Bayi Road and Linjiangmen. Spanning about 1.2 square kilometers, it’s Chongqing’s earliest commercial pedestrian street and one of China’s most famous business districts.
Originally named the Monument to the Victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, built in 1940, it was later renamed the Monument to the People’s Liberation. Today, it’s Chongqing’s iconic landmark—packed with tourists on holidays, and its square is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax and take photos.
As the city’s core business district, Jiefangbei boasts thousands of shops and over a hundred well-known brands, from luxury goods to affordable daily items. It’s also home to Chongqing’s most representative authentic cuisine, from street snacks to rustic Jianghu dishes. Plus, numerous cultural attractions and Internet-famous spots are within walking distance, ideal for independent travelers.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Must-Try Food inJiefangbei
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is a paradise for food lovers, offering classic Chongqing dishes, street snacks, and group-friendly restaurants—delicious options from morning till night.
Classic Chongqing Flavors
- Chongqing Hot Pot: As the heart of China’s “Hot Pot Capital,” Jiefangbei is dotted with hot pot restaurants. Peijie Old Hot Pot, hidden in an alley on Datong Road, is incredibly popular and often has long queues. Its spicy broth is rich and fragrant, with fresh, crispy ingredients like tripe, duck intestines, and beef aorta—paired with sesame oil dip to balance the heat, it’s a must-try. Yuweixiaoyu Hot Pot, featured on “A Bite of China,” offers unique fragrant broths with adjustable spiciness, suitable for all palates.
- Chongqing Noodles: Chongqing locals start their day with a bowl of noodles, and Jiefangbei doesn’t disappoint. Huashi Pea and Minced Pork Noodles on Qingnian Road is a local favorite—soft mashed peas, savory minced pork, and chewy noodles tossed in red oil, fragrant and flavorful. Try the dry-tossed version with a bowl of sweet rice cake to cool the heat. Tikan Noodles, hidden under a residential building, serves chewy noodles with abundant seasonings at affordable prices, offering the most authentic home-style taste.
Street Bites: Grab & Go
- Hot and Sour Noodles: Haoyoulai Hot and Sour Noodles on Bayi Road Food Street is legendary. The soft yet chewy noodles, perfectly balanced spicy and sour broth, plus crushed peanuts, cilantro, and fried soybeans, deliver a satisfying kick—affordable and ideal for a quick bite while shopping.
- Fried Dough Twists: Ciqikou Chen’s Fried Dough Twists has multiple branches in Jiefangbei. With flavors like original, spicy, and sweet-spicy, they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, fragrant and addictive. Grab a small bag as a snack or a gift for friends.
- Small Glutinous Rice Balls: Tiny glutinous rice balls stuffed with sesame or peanut paste, simmered in brown sugar syrup—sweet but not cloying, warm and comforting. Found in old alleys around Jiefangbei, a bowl is perfect for cold days.
- Grilled Pork Brain: For adventurous eaters, grilled pork brain is a must-try specialty. Sold at night markets near Jiefangbei, it’s marinated in chili, Sichuan pepper, and garlic, grilled until tender and flavorful—no fishy taste, a classic “dark cuisine” of Chongqing.
Jianghu Cuisine & Specialty Restaurants: Perfect for Groups
- Yang’s Longfu Restaurant: With a Republic of China-style decor, this Jianghu cuisine spot has a branch in Jiefangbei. Their signature Spicy Dry-Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender inside, with rich chili aroma and generous portions. Spicy Blood Curd and Offal Stew, loaded with ingredients, is spicy and savory—ideal for group meals.
- Laogan’s Crayfish: A summer favorite in Chongqing, their Jiefangbei branch serves fresh, plump crayfish in flavors like garlic and spicy. Pair with beer for a true Jianghu feast.
Shopping Experience in Jiefangbei
As Chongqing’s commercial core, Jiefangbei offers diverse shopping options—whether you’re chasing trends or buying souvenirs, you’ll find what you need.
Trendy Shopping Districts: One-Stop Shopping
- Bayi Road Food Street: Famous for food, it also has many affordable clothing and accessory shops with various styles, perfect for young travelers hunting for deals. There are also many Internet-famous photo spots—great for snapping pics while shopping.
- Chongqing Department Store: A local iconic department store in Jiefangbei’s core. It offers clothing, shoes, bags, cosmetics, home appliances, and more, covering mid-range consumers with high cost-performance—popular among locals too.
- Far East Department Store: Positioned as mid-to-high-end, it features international and domestic first-tier brands, with a full range of clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics. The comfortable shopping environment caters to quality-focused travelers.
- Times Square: One of Jiefangbei’s luxury shopping malls, home to brands like LV, GUCCI, and PRADA—a hotspot for fashionistas. Besides shopping, it has high-end restaurants and a cinema for a one-stop leisure experience.
Local Specialties: Bring Chongqing Flavors Home
- Chenchangyin Fried Dough Twists: A well-known brand with multiple Jiefangbei branches. Besides traditional flavors, it offers innovative ones like cheese and matcha, with exquisite packaging—perfect for gifts.
- Laochuandong Beef Jerky: A famous Chongqing specialty. With tight texture and rich aroma, it comes in spicy and five-spice flavors, available in specialty stores and supermarkets around Jiefangbei.
- Hot Pot Base: Bring Chongqing’s taste home with hot pot bases. Brands like Zhoujunji and Dezhuang are sold in Jiefangbei, with small portable packs—just add water to make authentic Chongqing hot pot at home.
- Preserved Vegetables & Bean Paste: Fuling Preserved Vegetables and Yongchuan Broad Bean Paste are classic Chongqing specialties. Affordable and available in supermarkets or specialty stores near Jiefangbei, they’re great for daily cooking.
Night View of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Must-Visit Attractions in Jiefangbei
Jiefangbei isn’t just for food and shopping—its surrounding attractions are mostly 10-20 minutes’ walk away, perfect for a connected itinerary.
Jiefangbei Monument
The core landmark of the pedestrian street, it’s a must-check-in. Standing 27.5 meters tall, the monument has an octagonal column structure with a bell tower that rings melodiously on the hour. During the day, the monument is solemn and majestic, but at night, when the lights are on, it becomes even more impressive. The surrounding LED screens and neon lights complement each other, making it a great spot for photos.
Bayi Road Food Street
More than a food hub, it’s a scenic street full of daily life. The unique buildings and Internet-famous installations like Chongqing dialect walls and old Chongqing scene reproductions let you enjoy food while experiencing the city’s local culture.
Daijiaxiang Cliff Walkway
An Internet-famous spot in recent years, about 15 minutes’ walk from Jiefangbei. Built along the mountain, adjacent to the Jialing River, it offers breathtaking views—steep cliffs on one side and river scenery on the other. Facilities like glass viewing platforms and suspension bridges allow you to overlook the Jialing River and the opposite bank. At night, lit up, it’s even more charming. There are also many cultural and creative shops and cafes nearby for relaxation.
Luzumiao Republican-Era Style Street
A historic street near Jiefangbei, preserving the architectural style of the Republic of China. Brick walls, wooden windows, and old signs exude a nostalgic charm. With cultural and creative shops, bookstores, cafes, and specialty restaurants, it’s perfect for a slow stroll and photos, letting you feel the charm of old Chongqing.
Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area
One of Chongqing’s most famous Internet-famous spots, about 20 minutes’ walk from Jiefangbei. Known for its stilted buildings built along the mountain and river, it has 11 floors, stacked in an irregular and charming way. At night, when the lights are on, the stilted buildings reflect on the water, like a fairy-tale castle—stunning scenery. The area has many snack shops, specialty stores, bars, and folk experience halls, allowing you to enjoy the views while immersing in Chongqing’s folk culture.
Transportation Guide: Easy Access to Jiefangbei
Located in Yuzhong District’s core, Jiefangbei is easily accessible by public transport, self-driving, or taxi.
Public Transport
- Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Jiaochangkou Station, exit via Exit 5, and walk about 5 minutes to the pedestrian street. Or take Metro Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, exit via Exit 5, and walk about 10 minutes. Metro is the most convenient way, avoiding traffic jams and saving time.
- Bus: Multiple bus routes reach Jiefangbei, such as Route 151, 262, 462, and 0491. Get off at Jiefangbei Station or Linjiangmen Station, then walk to the core area. Buses are cheap, and you can enjoy the city views along the way.
Self-Driving & Taxi
- Self-Driving: There are several parking lots around Jiefangbei, such as Chongqing Department Store Parking Lot and Times Square Parking Lot. However, parking spaces are tight during peak hours, and fees are high—self-driving is not recommended unless necessary.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Chongqing, with popular apps like Didi Chuxing. It takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 RMB from Chongqing North Railway Station to Jiefangbei, and about 40 minutes and 80 RMB from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport—choose based on your itinerary.
Walking & Metro Transfers
Most attractions around Jiefangbei are walkable. It’s recommended to explore the business district on foot to feel the atmosphere, and stop for food, shopping, or photos anytime. For farther attractions like Ciqikou Ancient Town, take the metro for convenient and efficient travel.
Travel Tips: Pitfall Avoidance & Notes
Pitfall Avoidance
- Food Queues: Popular hot pot and noodle restaurants around Jiefangbei often have long waits. Book in advance online or visit during off-peak hours to save time.
- Shopping Safety: When buying specialties, choose regular specialty stores or large supermarkets—avoid mobile stalls to prevent counterfeit and shoddy products.
- Attraction Check-Ins: Hongya Cave is extremely crowded at night. Arrive early or take panoramic photos from spots like Daijiaxiang Cliff Walkway to avoid being stuck in crowds.
Notes
- Climate & Clothing: Chongqing is hot and humid in summer, damp and cold in winter. Pack appropriate clothes—sun protection and cooling items for summer, warm and moisture-proof clothing for winter.
- Transportation: Known as the “Mountain City,” Chongqing has complex terrain and many stairs. Wear comfortable flat shoes for walking.
- Eating Habits: Chongqing food is mostly spicy. If you can’t handle spice, inform the restaurant for mild or no spice to avoid stomach discomfort.
- Safety: Jiefangbei is crowded—keep an eye on personal belongings, especially valuables like phones and wallets, to prevent loss or theft.
Explore Jiefangbei & Beyond: The Essence of Mountain City Charms
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is a microcosm of Chongqing—blending urban prosperity, local life, delicious food, and cultural heritage. Whether it’s your first visit to Chongqing or a return trip, Jiefangbei will bring you unforgettable experiences. Here, you can savor authentic flavors, indulge in shopping, wander through scenic spots, and feel the unique charm of the Mountain City.
For those seeking an immersive Chongqing experience beyond the culinary delights and iconic photo spots of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, consider China Dragon Travel‘s bespoke services. While renowned for its Tibet travel expertise, the agency also crafts personalized Chongqing itineraries—whether connecting classic routes like Jiefangbei, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and Wulong Karst, or diving deep into Old Chongqing’s alleyway culture. Their tailored plans combine seamless logistics with heartfelt service, ensuring your mountain city journey resonates with warmth and authenticity. May this guide inspire memorable moments at Jiefangbei, while China Dragon Travel helps you uncover Chongqing’s hidden charms for an unforgettable adventure!
