The majestic construction of the People's Great Hall (rén mín dà lǐ táng 人民大礼堂) is the landmark of Chongqing (chóng qìng 重庆). The whole building displays elegant design, superb craft and the harmonious disposition of colors. Especially the dome above the front gate, a typical architectural creation in Chinese antique flavor, is highly praised by the tourists from abroad and home. 

As one of the largest public assembly buildings in China, the Great Hall of the People was designed by Zhang Jiade (zhāng jiā dé 张家德) based on traditional Chinese architecture that was in fashion in Ming (míng 明), Qing Dynasties (qīng cháo 清朝), though built in modern times. 
 
 

Chongqing People’s great hall began to construct under the charge of Deng xiaoping (dèng xiǎo píng 邓小平), Liu bocheng (liú bó chéng 刘伯承) in June, 1951, and in April, 1954 was completed. In the book "History of Comparative Architecture" published byThe Royal Institute of British Architects in Great Britain in 1987, the Auditorium was put in the second place in a list of 43 best Chinese buildings constructed after liberation.

The entire complex is a cluster of attached buildings: the Great Hall, the North Wing and the South Wing on each side of the hall. And in 1986, East Wing was added. After its erection in 1953, it was named the Sino-Soviet Building except the red star topped the dome which was the copy of that of the Kremlin. In 1955, it changed its name to People's Great Hall.

 

 People's Great Hall  (main building)

A column-supported building with big dome 55m high and flanked with wings is its centerpiece. At first glance The round roof topped with a green glazed tile dome makes the building look like the Temple of Heaven (tiān tán 天坛) in Beijing. Under the dome it houses a theatre with 4000 seats where conferences and performances are held, as for its north and south wings(now with the east wing) the hotel is roofed. Furthermore, the building's pillars are ornately sculptured.

Front Gate of People's Great Hall

the porch in front of the hall with its red columns and white marble rails reminds people of the Tian'anmen (tiān ān mén 天安门) in Beijing. The building is 65 metres high, with a construction area of 185000 square metres, built in the traditional Chinese palace style, imposing, beautiful and magnificent.                                

 

People's Square

In front of the People's Great Hall is the Chongqing People's Square (chóng qìng rén mín guǎng chǎng 重庆人民广场). In May 1997, People’s Square was completed, covering an area of 25000 square meters, of which 15000 square metres is planted with trees and flowers. The ground of the square is paved with smooth and shinning marble tiles. There is a large magic music fountain, at the southern end of the square stands a stage for performances in the open air.

The entire structure is nestled amidst lush trees and ornamental landscape. In the early Morning the square is bustling with people. You can witness elderly people practicing their Taiji (tài jí 太极), or martial arts. Many people go the square to dance, or just to people watch. At night the entire structure is lighted up, making it a wonderful photo opportunity. In the numerous beautiful lights, you can see thousands of people dancing on the square. It can give visitors a glimpse into Chongqing's resident's daily lives.
 

People’s Great Hall
Location: Shang qingsi (shàng qīng sì 上清寺). It is very adjacent to the densely populated and hilly central district. 
Ticket: free
Attraction nearby :  China Three Gorges Museum, just opposite.                                     Opening Hours : All the time
Recommended time for a visit : two hours, best at night
Tansportation: bus No. 103, 104, 105, 111, 112, 122, 215