Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall opened 1954 as the city's largest gathering venue, built in a hybrid style — Soviet-era political grandeur fused with a copy of Beijing's Temple of Heaven triple-eaved roof. The 4200-seat hall is still used for performances and city assemblies. The plaza in front (People's Square) is free and a popular evening hangout, with the Three Gorges Museum facing it across the plaza. Entry to the hall lobby is free with passport (¥10 for the interior auditorium tour). The complex is the canonical 'old-Chongqing-civic' photo and pairs with the Three Gorges Museum (across the plaza) for a half-day. Best at golden hour or after dark when the building is uplit.