Zhazidong Prison History & Tours: Chongqing Revolutionary Site
Zhazidong Prison, located near the foot of Gele Mountain in Chongqing, is a historic site that holds deep significance in China's revolutionary history. Originally a small coal mine established in 1920 by a local businessman named Cheng Erchang, it was named "Zhazidong" due to the poor quality of coal produced there. In 1943, the site was covertly converted into a secret prison by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) with the help of the Sino-American Special Technical Cooperative Organization (SACO). It became infamous for holding and torturing over 300 Communist prisoners during the Chinese Civil War.
The prison was divided into an inner and outer courtyard. The outer courtyard housed the detention room, office, and torture chambers, while the inner courtyard contained 16 male cells, 2 female cells, and a lookout place. The prisoners, including notable figures like Jiang Jie and Hua Ziliang, endured harsh conditions and brutal torture. On November 27, 1949, just two months after the founding of the People's Republic of China, KMT agents set fire to the male prison wards, killing all but 15 prisoners who managed to escape.
Today, Zhazidong Prison has been transformed into a museum， serving as a memorial to the revolutionary martyrs who fought against oppression. It is a place where visitors can learn about the struggles and sacrifices of those who were imprisoned here. The site includes replicas of the original cells, torture devices, and other exhibits that reflect the grim conditions of that time. It is a poignant reminder of the past and a symbol of the resilience and courage of the revolutionaries.
Zhazidong Prison is located at Lingyun Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission but requiring an online reservation. Visitors can reach the site by taking subway Line 1 to Shijingpo Station and walking, or by taking a bus to Donghua Hospital Station or Yingshanhong Station. The site is not only a historical landmark but also a cultural symbol, attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year.