One of the historical landmarks not far from Hongyadong is the Chongqing Bombing Massacre Site Memorial. This memorial was established to commemorate the innocent civilians who were killed during the indiscriminate bombings carried out by Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War, from 1938 to 1943. While it is a place marked by sorrow, it is also an essential historical site that should be remembered and preserved.
During this five-year period, Japanese forces bombed Chongqing a staggering 268 times, killing countless civilians. Among these events, the most devastating was the “6.5 Tunnel Massacre” on June 5, 1941. On that day, thousands of people seeking shelter in an air-raid tunnel in central Chongqing suffocated to death during a bombing attack.
As I looked at the photographs documenting the tragedies, I felt nauseous and deeply distressed. Seeing real evidence of these events made the experience even more striking. The memorial displays artifacts from that time, survivor interviews, and photographs. It also delivers a strong message about the importance of peace and human rights. I highly recommend visiting this memorial to gain insight into this tragic chapter of history.
Opening Hours and Admission
• Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free
How to Get There
Subway
1. Line 1/Line 6
• Get off at Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站), take Exit 3, and walk about 10 minutes.
Bus
• Bus Numbers: 111, 112, 151, 181, 261, 480
• Closest Stops: Jiefangbei (解放碑) or Hongyadong (洪崖洞).
• From the stop, it is about a 10-minute walk.
Additional Tips
The entrance and exit of the memorial are somewhat unique and unexpected—you might even wonder, “Is this the right place?” This is likely because the memorial is housed in a real underground tunnel used during that time. As expected, this is a solemn historical site, so visitors should remain quiet and respectful while exploring the space.
