Principal Theaters in Downtown Chongqing

Amidst the dynamic pulse of Chongqing's downtown area lies a collection of distinctive theaters, each offering a window into the rich tapestry of the city's cultural life. These venues not only showcase the artistic prowess of local and visiting talents but also foster a vibrant space for cultural exchange. Join us as we explore the diverse and enriching cultural experiences these theaters bring to the heart of Chongqing.

1. Chongqing Great Hall of the People

The Chongqing Great Hall of the People, which started construction in June 1951 and was completed in April 1954, is a landmark featuring ancient Chinese architecture. This majestic structure combines traditional Chinese palace styles with Western designs, making it famous for its architectural beauty.

The auditorium, inspired by Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen and its colonnaded extensions, covers a total area of 66,000 square meters, with the main hall occupying 18,500 square meters and standing 65 meters tall. The circular hall, surrounded by four levels of balconies, can seat over 3,400 people, making it Chongqing's largest theater. It has hosted international cultural groups and serves as a vital venue for Chongqing's cultural exchanges and major meetings like Chongqing's "Two Sessions" almost every year.

In 1997, Chongqing became the fourth municipality directly under the Central Government, leading to the creation of People's Square in front of the auditorium, now a key spot for public gatherings and celebrations.

Address: No.173 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

2. Chongqing Grand Theater

Situated in Chongqing's Jiangbeizui Central Business District, opposite the Chaotianmen Dock, the Chongqing Grand Theater stands out for its unique location and sculptural design, resembling a "glass time ship" with its light green organic glass facade, symbolizing a voyage from the past to the future. With an investment of nearly 1.6 billion yuan and a total floor area of 100,000 square meters, it is China's second most prestigious theater after the National Grand Theater, offering the highest grade of facilities in Chongqing. The theater, which can accommodate over 3,000 people across seven floors above ground and two below, hosts a variety of performances, including operas, dance dramas, ballets, and symphony concerts. It also provides services for rehearsals, meetings, and cultural exchanges, catering to a broad audience and tourists seeking entertainment and leisure.

Address: No.2 East Road, Wenhua Street, Jiangbei District, Chongqing.

3. Chongqing Guotai Arts Center

Located in the core area of Jiefangbei in Chongqing, the Guotai Arts Center operates in complementarity with the Chongqing Grand Theater, with a total building area of over 30,000 square meters. 

The Guotai Arts Center mainly consists of the Guotai Grand Theater and the Chongqing Art Museum. The Guotai Grand Theater officially opened in 1937 and hosted 94 drama performances from 1937 to 1943. It served as a bastion for the resistance against Japanese aggression and cultivated elites in the theater industry. In 2007, the site was demolished and transformed into the current Guotai Arts Center. The Chongqing Art Museum is positioned as a medium-sized venue that primarily hosts domestic and international craft and art exhibitions and various cultural and artistic exchange activities.

The Guotai Arts Center adopts a traditional Chinese national style, reflecting the rich culture of Bayu. The main body of the art center is red, symbolizing a burning "bonfire" or a sailing warship.

Address: No.3 Linjiang Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

4. Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater

Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater is the first in China named after a play located in the Ciqikou area of Shapingba, Chongqing. It blends seamlessly with traditional neighborhoods, featuring a modern, large-scale steel structure that mirrors Chongqing's mountainous terrain.

The theater's story is set on the eve of Chongqing's liberation in 1949, capturing the heartfelt stories of those eagerly anticipating the dawn of a new era. Designed with a deep appreciation for revolutionary history and local culture, it offers a unified audience and performance space, with all related facilities tightly integrated into the storyline.

Address: Right side of Jinbi Street bus station, Tongjiaqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing.

5. Chongqing Sichuan Opera Art Center

Chongqing Sichuan Opera Art Center, with a total investment of about 45 million yuan, its design, resembling plum blossom petals, includes a main theater, a tourist theater, a cultural exhibition hall, and a museum, all reflecting traditional architectural features and Sichuan Opera's local culture. The main auditorium's bell-shaped layout enhances acoustic performances, featuring balconies and boxes that add to its retro cultural charm. The tourist theater combines traditional performance stages with tea lounges for a more immersive experience, offering a quaint and intricate venue where melodies resonate. The center's architecture draws inspiration from traditional guildhalls in the Sichuan and Chongqing areas, incorporating iconic architecture.

Address: No. 2 Jinshan Avenue, Yubei District, Chongqing.

6. Chongqing Shi Guangnan Grand Theater

Shi Guangnan Grand Theater, located in Chongqing's Nan'an District, covers an area of over 10,000 square meters, has seven floors, and can accommodate 1,300 people for performances. It hosts a wide range of performances with world-leading facilities, including operas, dance dramas, ballets, symphonies, and galas. The theater is named after the respected and prolific Chinese composer and musician Shi Guangnan(1940-1990), born in the Nan'an district of Chongqing in 1940.

Address: No. 7 Yanyu Road, Nan'an District, Chongqing

7. Chongqing Kangjiantang Theater (Anti-Japanese War Drama Theater)

Kangjiantang Theater is a beacon of Chinese stage drama, nestled in Chongqing's lush Zhongshan First Road and vibrant local community. Constructed during wartime to house the city's thriving drama scene, it opened its doors on April 5, 1941, quickly earning the title "Sanctuary of Chinese Drama." Following its role in premiering numerous classical plays, it underwent a renovation in 2018 to preserve its legacy, adding modern facilities and the  Anti-Japanese War Drama Museum. It's also Chongqing's first night museum, open from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Tuesday to Saturday. A visit to Kangjiantang offers a unique blend of historical exploration and theatrical art, making it a prime spot for those intrigued by Chinese drama or seeking an exceptional play.

Address: No. 181, Zhongshan First Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing.

This article is updated on March 12, 2024.