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 dawn, setting it apart from traditional theater experiences.
Running for approximately 1 hour and performed in Chinese, the show boasts exceptional stage design, meticulously crafted props, and stunning lighting. Audiences can expect a deeply immersive and unforgettablejourney into this historic narrative.
I strongly recommend you to visit Baigongguan Historical Site and Zhazidong Concentration Camp first to have a brief understand of the history, then come to Ciqikou to watch this show.
Getting to Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater
Line 1
- Take Metro Line 1
- Get off at Ciqikou Station
- Take Exit 2
- Walk for 10 minutes to arrive
Bus
- Take 202/209/237/261/501/503/504
- Get off at Jin Bi Jie 金碧街道 station
Driving
Navigate to Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater
Parking
Paid parking available at the Grand Theater.
Chongqing 1949 Stage Show Ticket and Schedule
Ticket is non-refoundable, and show time cannot be changed. Please confirm date, time and seat before making a purchase.
The official WeChat account for Chongqing 1949 regularly updates the show schedule.
Performances are typically held in the afternoon at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, with one evening show starting at 7:30 PM, offering flexibility for visitors to plan their visit.
Budget
Ticket prices vary based on seating, ranging from ¥199 to ¥389.
Sections A and B are in the rotating area, where seats move in sync with the stage, providing unique 360-degree perspectives unavailable from other sections.
The remaining seats in sections like C and D are fixed and do not rotate.
We opted for the most budget-friendly option, Section D, and secured center seats that were surprisingly close to the stage.
For the best value, Section D 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 Section A or B.
Things to Know
- Show ticket is non-refundable, non-changable. Confirm seat section, date and time before you purchase.
- Seats are assigned randomly in the chosen area. No guarantee that the seat will be next to each other on the same oder.
- 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 prior to 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 Theater
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the theater building.
Restaurant
The theater has a cafeteria which can accommodate large groups of people.
Accessibility
Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater provides accessible equipments to support people with mobility issue. It is always a good idea to bring a support person and arrive early to the place to ensure you have sufficient time to get support.
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 the Chongqing’s liberation in 1949, Lin Zixiong returns to the city with his secretary, Zhang Yunxia, an underground secret CCP member and Lin Zijie’s lover.
Zixiong visits Zhazidong 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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