Chongqing 1949 Stage Show

About Chongqing 1949 Stage Show

The Chongqing 1949 stage show vividly brings to life the historical backdrop of Chongqing’s liberation in 1949.

This powerful performance captures the unyielding spirit and resilience of Chinese Communist Party members imprisoned at Baigongguan Historical Site and Zhazidong Concentration Camp, showcasing their courage during a pivotal moment in history.

The production stands out with its innovative rotating stage and dynamic audience seating, which seamlessly sync with the performance.

This unique setup offers a 360-degree view, immersing spectators in the gripping tension of Chongqing’s liberation, setting it apart from traditional theatre experiences.

The Chongqing 1949 stage show lasts approximately 1 hour and is performed in Chinese, with real-time English translation available via synchronized headphones (obtain from theatre staff).

The show boasts exceptional stage design, meticulously crafted props, and stunning lighting. Audiences can expect a deeply immersive and unforgettable journey into this historic narrative.

I strongly recommend you to visit Baigongguan Historical Site and Zhazidong Concentration Camp first to have a brief understanding of the history, then come to Ciqikou to watch this show.

Getting to the Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre

Chongqing 1949 Show Time

Chongqing 1949 Seating Plan

The audience seating is divided into two main areas: the Rotation Zone and the Fixed Zone.

In the Rotation Zone, seats rotate together with the stage, even though the massive stage itself is already rotating. This creates a breathtaking 360-degree viewing experience that cannot be matched from any other section.

The remaining seats in Fixed Zone (VIP Seats, Supreme Seats, Guest Seats, etc.) are stationary and do not rotate with the stage. These seats still offer excellent views, but without the dynamic 360-degree movement.

We opted for a budget-friendly option, Guest Seat, and secured center seats that were surprisingly close to the stage.

For the best value, Guest Seat is an excellent choice, offering a great view without breaking the bank. However, if you’re eager for the full immersive experience with rotating seats, splurge on honoured guest seat in rotation zone.

Things to Know

• The show ticket is non-refundable, non-changeable. Confirm seat section, date and time before you purchase.
• Seats are assigned randomly in the chosen area. No guarantee that the seats will be next to each other in the same order.
• Ensure you leave the right phone number to receive your digital ticket or QR code.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show.
• Check-in starts 40 minutes before the scheduled time.
• If your seat is located in the rotating section, for safety reasons, arriving late means you won’t be able to get in.
• Food is not permitted.
• Pets are not permitted.

Facilities at Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre

Chongqing 1949 Stage Show Plot and Background Story

The Chongqing 1949 stage show’s complex narrative and fast-paced flow, combined with potential language barriers, can make it challenging for foreign audiences to follow. Even I struggled to keep track of the characters and events during the performance.

To make it easier for you, here’s a simplified overview of the key characters and plot, with some historical context.

Key Characters

• Lin Zixiong (Eldest Brother): Deputy Director of the Nationalist Southwest Administrative Office.
• Zhang Yunxia: Lin Zixiong’s secretary, a secret CCP member, and Lin Zijie’s lover.
• Lin Zihao (Second Brother): A CCP member with the Second Field Army’s Southwest Service Corps.
• Lin Zijie (Youngest Brother): A CCP member imprisoned at Zhazidong Concentration Camp.

Shortly before Chongqing’s liberation in 1949, Lin Zixiong returned to the city with his secretary, Zhang Yunxia, an underground secret CCP member and Lin Zijie’s lover.

Zixiong visits Zhazidong (the prison where CCP members are) to urge his youngest brother, Zijie, to sign a confession and betray the CCP, but Zijie refuses and secretly reveals the camp’s location to Zhang Yunxia.

When Zhang tries to pass this intelligence to the CCP’s underground network, she finds it destroyed by a traitor’s betrayal, with the only contact arrested by the Nationalists.

Meanwhile, news of the People’s Republic of China’s founding reaches the prisoners (CPP members), who celebrate by singing the new national anthem and crafting a flag (using their own imagination based on limited information — red with five stars).

As the People’s Liberation Army approaches Chongqing, Chiang Kai-shek, in desperation, orders the city’s full destruction and the execution of all prisoners at Baigongguan and Zhazidong.

Unable to deliver her intelligence, Zhang Yunxia infiltrates Zhazidong to free the captives.

During the massacre, Lin Zijie leads a resistance, but both he and Zhang sacrifice their lives.

Lin Zixiong witnesses Zijie’s death and later faces his second brother, Lin Zihao, in a tense standoff.

Moved by Zihao’s determination and the workers’ sacrifice to protect the city’s infrastructure, Lin Zixiong surrendered.

After watching the show, you can continue to explore Ciqikou Ancient Town.

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