Reliving Chongqing’s wartime past
A film-set remake of China’s scenic former capital proves a hit with TV drama fans and history buffs alike. Tan Yingzi reports.
Surrounded by two rivers, the mountain city of Chongqing attracts droves of tourists with its blend of 360-degree landscapes, spectacular night views and delicious spicy food.
But just a one-hour drive from the city’s downtown lies another side to Chongqing at Liangjiang International Movie City, which preserves its illustrious past as China’s wartime capital during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
In 1937, the Kuomintang government led by Chiang Kai-shek established Chongqing as China’s capital and the southwestern city began to play a critical role in the Asian theater of World War II.
During that time, the inland city witnessed a sudden influx of government officials, bankers, businessmen, scholars, diplomats, writers and other social elites from the rest of China.
The former Soviet Union was the first country that submitted a request to set up an embassy in the wartime capital. The Soviet move was followed by similar requests from more than 30 other countries, including the United States.
The city soon became the new center for the country’s politics and culture, and quickly developed into a dynamic metropolis.
Opening last December, the movie city features a replica of six Chongqing main street blocks from the 1930s containing over 220 historical buildings, as well as riverside neighborhoods featuring wooden houses and docks from the era, and sections of the city’s ancient walls.
The shops, cafes and restaurants around the scenic area offer authentic food and drinks from the 1930s, while a range of cultural activities are offered to help evoke memories of the old days.
A trip to the movie city is like traveling back in time.
To enhance the experience, many visitors rent period costumes used in the dozens of TV dramas and movies shot there. Visitors can dress up as generals, soldiers, policemen, students or even movie stars to start their role playing adventure as they walk around the city.
The 1942 Historical Block, the setting for numerous movies and TV dramas, is the most popular highlight. The grand two-story building on a plaza called the President’s Mansion hosted the Kuomintang government in the wartime years. Visitors can learn about the history of the city and the war there.
The office building of Xinhua Daily is a good place to learn more about the Communist Party of China during the war. The newspaper, founded by former premier Zhou Enlai in 1938, was the Party’s first official national newspaper.
The Monument of Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was once the tallest building in Chongqing and has been a prominent landmark since 1947. It is the only monument in China to commemorate the victory and although the movie city features a faithful replica, the original still stands on the Liberation Square in downtown Chongqing.
The nearby Camera Museum is an interesting place to visit and features dozens of old models from all over the world.
In addition sightseeing, to visitors can taste all kinds of local delicacies from the vendors and shops lining the streets, such as Chongqing noodle, rice cake and hotpot.
After lunch at Chaotianmen Port, people often rent a boat or relax on a river cruise.
At the Cathay Theater, a famous cultural center in wartime Chongqing, visitors can watch screenings of foreign movies shown in China during the 1930s.
If you are lucky, you can catch a traditional local wedding ceremony taking place on the streets.
On one of Chongqing’s many rainy days, you can join the locals at one of the city’s many tea houses. Records show that in 1938 there were about 3,000 tea houses in Chongqing.
Featuring square wooden tables and long benches, traditional tea houses serve up infusions in a covered bowl through a series of specific rituals.
After a tea break, the Six Countries restaurant is a good place to sample local dishes such as chili chicken.
Nightlife in the movie city is vibrant too. The famous Queen’s Dance Hall was a major social meeting place in the wartime capital and visitors can still listen to old songs and dance on the beautifully preserved floor there.
If it’s getting late, you can stay at the Flying Tigers Inn named after the legendary US armed force volunteers who fought the Japanese in defense of China.
“Movie city reflects the deep culture and history of this ancient city,” says Zhou Yong, director of the Chongqing Research Center for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the Unoccupied Area.
“Chongqing is a great city which witnessed victory in the war against the Japanese invasion and is an important part of modern world history.”
Since its opening, Liangjiang International Movie City has attracted over 5 million visitors.
“Today I brought my son here to educate him about the history of our hometown,” says Tang Li, 49, a local businesswoman.
“Movie city is also a good place to show friends from other places in China the authentic culture of Chongqing.”
Movie city reflects the deep culture and history of this ancient city.” Zhou Yong, director, Chongqing Research Center for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the Unoccupied Area