Stroll through a cultural and creative market, interact with NPCs, and enjoy drama performances with an anti-war theme—doesn’t that sound like a delightful new theatrical experience? On August 15th, the Chongqing People’s Art Theater held a brand launch event titled “Your Chongqing Visit Is Only Half Complete Without Kangjian Hall” at the Chongqing Anti-War Drama Museum. Starting now, Kangjian Hall will host regular performances of anti-war plays, along with activities such as recreated scenes from the plays, drama workshops, city walks, and cultural markets, allowing visitors to experience the power of theater at this cultural landmark known as the “Sacred Hall of Chinese Drama.”

A New Chapter of Integrated Development

Kangjian Hall was established in 1941 under the advocacy of historical figures such as Zhou Enlai, Guo Moruo, and Yang Hansheng. As the spiritual stronghold of Chinese drama during wartime, it premiered 33 classic plays, including “Returning Home on a Snowy Night,” “Peking Man,” and “The Flower of the Brothers,” leaving behind the legacies of artistic giants like Cao Yu, Lao She, Qin Yi, and Zhang Ruifang, as well as the famous story of Zhou Enlai attending performances seven times.

After over 80 years of history and with significant investment from the Chongqing municipal and district governments, Kangjian Hall has been revitalized through heritage restoration, the establishment of the Chongqing Anti-War Drama Museum, restagings of classic plays, and the creation of a drama-themed cultural district. It has become a key hub for preserving anti-war drama history and connecting it with modern cultural tourism.

The newly launched slogan, “Your Chongqing Visit Is Only Half Complete Without Kangjian Hall,” emphasizes that the profound anti-war drama culture embodied here is an indispensable part of understanding the soul of Chongqing.

Chongqing is a city rich in history and culture, and Kangjian Hall, revered as the “Sacred Hall of Chinese Drama,” symbolizes the cultural resistance spirit of Chongqing as the wartime rear area. It is a living fossil of anti-war history. The history and culture of anti-war drama represented by Kangjian Hall deserve global recognition and should be an essential part of any visit to Chongqing. Without experiencing this cultural heritage, one cannot truly understand the city.

Following the brand launch, the Chongqing Anti-War Drama Museum will host regular theatrical activities, introducing a “3+1 Phenomenal IP Play Rotation” model. Classic plays such as “Foggy Chongqing,” “Returning Home on a Snowy Night,” and “River Street Teahouse” will be staged semi-annually at Kangjian Hall. Additionally, short plays like “The Monkeys” will be performed every Thursday and Friday, allowing audiences to experience art in its historical setting. The Kangjian Hall Drama Cultural District will blend Republic of China-era street scenes, recreated settings from plays (such as the “July 7th Restaurant” and “River Street Teahouse”), drama workshops, city walks, and cultural markets, creating an immersive cultural experience.

“The Monkeys” and “Foggy Chongqing” Form a Performance Matrix

Alongside the brand launch, the classic satirical comedy “The Monkeys” premiered at Kangjian Hall, marking the beginning of a new era for this “never-ending drama ark.” The play, alongside “Foggy Chongqing,” will now be regularly staged here.

“The Monkeys,” written by Song Zhidi in

Chongqing People’s Art Theater

The Chongqing People’s Art Theater, established in 1945, is one of China’s leading regional theaters known for its contributions to modern Chinese drama and cultural performances. It gained prominence for staging influential plays, including *The Fog of Chongqing*, which reflects the city’s historical and social themes. Today, it remains a key cultural institution, promoting theatrical arts and preserving Chongqing’s heritage.

Chongqing Anti-War Drama Museum

The Chongqing Anti-War Drama Museum, located in Chongqing, China, commemorates the city’s role as a cultural hub during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). It showcases the wartime theater movement, highlighting how drama and performance were used to inspire resistance and patriotism. The museum preserves historical artifacts, scripts, and photographs, honoring the artists who contributed to China’s anti-war efforts.

Kangjian Hall

Kangjian Hall is a historic building located in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it served as a residence for imperial concubines and later as a storage place for important artifacts. The hall reflects traditional Chinese architectural styles and is part of the palace complex’s rich cultural heritage.

Returning Home on a Snowy Night

“Returning Home on a Snowy Night” (《风雪夜归人》) is a famous Chinese play written by Wu Zuguang in 1942, set in the early 20th century. It tells the tragic love story between a Peking opera performer and a concubine, exploring themes of social inequality and personal freedom. The work is celebrated for its poetic dialogue and critique of feudal society, becoming a classic in modern Chinese theater.

Peking Man

The Peking Man site, located near Beijing at Zhoukoudian, is a significant paleoanthropological site where fossils of *Homo erectus pekinensis* were discovered in the 1920s and 1930s. Dating back roughly 750,000 years, these fossils provided key insights into early human evolution and tool use. Unfortunately, the original fossils were lost during World War II, but the site remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important symbol of human prehistory.

The Flower of the Brothers

“The Flower of the Brothers” (likely referring to *La Flor de los Hermanos* or a similar cultural reference) is a symbolic monument or artistic tribute honoring brotherhood, unity, or fallen siblings, often tied to Latin American history or folklore. Its origins may stem from indigenous legends, revolutionary movements, or memorials for solidarity, though specific details vary by region. The name evokes themes of kinship and resilience, making it a poignant cultural or historical landmark.

(If you meant a specific site, please provide additional context for a more accurate summary!)

Foggy Chongqing

Foggy Chongqing, a major city in southwestern China, is renowned for its persistent fog and mist, which inspired its nickname. Historically, it served as the provisional capital of China during World War II and is now a bustling metropolis known for its spicy cuisine, mountainous terrain, and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The fog, caused by its humid climate and industrial activity, adds a mystical charm to its vibrant urban landscape.

River Street Teahouse

The River Street Teahouse is a charming cultural site located in Savannah, Georgia, known for its historic setting along the Savannah River. Housed in a restored 19th-century warehouse, it offers traditional tea service and reflects the city’s rich maritime and mercantile history. The teahouse provides a glimpse into Savannah’s past while serving as a cozy retreat for visitors.