On the fifth day of the “Hong Kong Media Sichuan-Chongqing Tour: Tale of Two Thriving Cities,” the delegation of about 30 journalists visited the “Chongqing 1949” Grand Theater to experience the historical stage play “Chongqing 1949”, which showcases the “Red Rock Spirit.” They also toured the historic Baigongguan and Zhazidong Prison sites to learn about the sacrifices of revolutionary martyrs.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
Xu Shantao, Artistic Director of the "Chongqing 1949" art troupe, introduces the performance to the visiting group. Photo by Bastillepost.
“Chongqing 1949” is a historical drama weaving four storylines: the Lin brothers’ ideological choices, the sacrifices of revolutionaries in Baigongguan and Zhazidong, underground party rescue efforts, and the hope embodied by children in prison, vividly portraying the “Red Rock Spirit.”
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"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
Xu Shantao, Artistic Director of the "Chongqing 1949" art troupe, introduces the performance to the visiting group. Photo by Bastillepost.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
Prison Cell. Photo by Bastillepost.
Xu Shantao, head of the “Chongqing 1949” troupe, explained to the delegation that the play premiered in July 2021 after a trial run, following extensive preparation. The creative team studied over 100 literary works, interviewed survivors and descendants of the 1949 “11.27 Massacre,” and collaborated with Red Rock Museum experts to integrate historical events into the production.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
"Chongqing 1949". Photo by Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
Xu emphasized that the play’s stories are grounded in real history, expanded to reflect Chongqing’s broader events. Actors underwent training, scripting, and rehearsals to craft this red-themed drama.
By Bastillepost.
By Bastillepost.
The theater employs cutting-edge technology, featuring five independent rotating rings for a 360-degree stage and audience seating, creating a dynamic viewing experience. The stage recreates 1940s Chongqing’s stilted buildings and Ciqikou Wharf, with “indoor real-scene performances” attracting young audiences.
While centered on the “11.27 Massacre,” Xu clarified the play doesn’t solely focus on it but artistically depicts events at Baigongguan and Zhazidong to honor history and preserve original aspirations. “Our happy lives today were earned through the blood and sacrifices of revolutionaries,” Xu said.
Prison Cell. Photo by Bastillepost.
When asked about taking the play to Hong Kong or abroad, Xu noted its custom stage limits touring, as replicating the theater’s effects elsewhere is challenging. However, the troupe is exploring simplified performances to maintain the spirit’s essence.
The troupe promotes on online platforms, using “Easter egg” content during special holidays. By August 2025, it performed over 3,000 shows, drawing 3 million viewers, including 5,000 from Hong Kong and 50,000 international visitors.
Xu highlighted that alongside government-backed red tourism, ““Chongqing 1949”” serves as a red-themed tourism drama. The theater is a multifaceted educational hub, integrated with other red tourism sites to form a dedicated route.
The current “Chongqing 1949” is version 3.0, refined in 2021, 2023, and December 2024 based on feedback from diverse audiences and experts. Xu hopes the play continues, allowing audiences to feel Chongqing’s historical warmth.
The delegation then visited Baigongguan and Zhazidong Prison sites depicted in the play. Baigongguan, in Shapingba District’s Gele Mountain, covers 3,000 square meters with 1,130 square meters of buildings. Originally a villa of warlord Bai Ju, it was bought by KMT agent Dai Li in October 1939, converted into a temporary prison. The ground floor’s rooms became cells, the basement a dungeon, and an air-raid shelter a torture chamber. After the 1943 U.S.-China Cooperation Institute, it became its third guesthouse, later a special prison. On November 27, 1949, KMT agents massacred nearly 30 revolutionaries here, with 20 escaping. Post-1949, it was a reform facility for KMT war criminals and was designated a national protected cultural site in 1988.
Zhazidong Prison, originally a small coal mine opened in 1920 by banker Cheng Erchang, named for its low coal yield, is secluded, surrounded by mountains and a ravine. In 1943, KMT agents seized it for a prison with outer and inner courtyards—offices and torture rooms in the outer, 16 male and two female cells in the inner, holding up to 300 prisoners. On November 27, 1949, KMT forces massacred 180 prisoners and burned the male cells, with 15 escaping. The male cells were rebuilt in the early 1960s, and the site was named a national protected cultural site in 1988.
