Some display areas of “City Memory Gallery” (Photographed by Guo Xu)

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- There are gramophones that once belonged to the previous Italian Embassy, coffee cups used in the bar of the previous American Embassy, leather hats owned by fighter pilots, etc. Recently, at Longmenhao Old Street in Nan’an District, the construction of the 11 exhibition halls of “City Memory Gallery” has been finished. Inside, visitors were appreciating the relics that once appeared in Longmenhao’s history.

Longmenhao Old Street once thrived when Chongqing was developed as a port city. Over 20 national, municipal and regional relic sites and relics protection units scattered on the Street. In addition, it was the cradle of Chongqing’s modern industry and commerce, as well as the location of the Embassy and Consulate of Italy, Belgium and many other countries.

Some time-honored exhibits (Photographed by Guo Xu)

“This Old Street has witnessed the vicissitudes of Chongqing. Although the bluestone slates and grey-brick walls bear the marks of history, we still hope to create a gallery for visitors from places outside Chongqing to learn Chongqing’s history more directly.” According to the PIC of Longmenhao Old Street, things encompassing all dimensions of life will be exhibited in “City Memory Gallery”, as long as they carry the historical elements of Nan’an, including poems and lyrics.

Entering the Reception Room, visitors will see a Longmenhao Panorama and maps of different times to clearly know about Chongqing’s vicissitudes.

Books among exhibits (Photographed by Guo Xu)

“This projector was once put in the temporary office building of the American Embassy.” The PIC of Longmenhao Old Street said that this equipment was brought to Longmenhao in January 1945. “After being repaired by experts, this equipment could play silent films smoothly. In our newly-planed “Silent Film Trip”, more movie fans can appreciate movies in the original form.”

In the deepest part of Liwai Lane, there is a noticeable board, saying Longmen Old Tea House. Entering the Tea House, visitors can find elements possessed by any Chongqing old tea houses, including stairs, open-air tea house, square table, long stools and so on. 

Clock and telephone exhibits (Photographed by Guo Xu)

It is known that “City Memory Gallery” consists of 15 exhibition halls, including Reception Room, Suiyue Marriage Registration Office, Banshan Cottage, Longmen Old Tea House and others, which stretch through the whole Liwai Lane. Currently, apart from the 11 established halls, there will be a “Red Memory” Hall, carrying forward the revolutionary spirit; a “Hard Times” Hall, presenting the construction and development of Nan’an and Longmenhao; an “Open-seat Pants Age” Hall, memorizing the childhood; and a “Banshan Cottage” Hall, promoting traditional Chinese Medicine. It is projected that they will be opened for the public on the New Year Eve of 2021. (Translated by Zhou Tuo, Fathom Language Limited)