A show of courage

"As a private entrepreneur who was born and raised in Ciqikou, I feel a responsibility to create a historical show to present what has happened here and pay tribute to the Party, which has held our motherland together by breaking free of imperialist powers and bringing its people a good and prosperous life," Song says.

The performance project, with a total investment of 800 million yuan ($123.9 million), took nearly three years to complete.

"The show is totally created by nongovernmental organizations, including the investors, the creative team and the performers. It is the best manifestation of ordinary people's love for the Party and for their country," says chief director Li.

In recent years, the emerging red tourism trend has not only enriched people's historical understanding, but has also boosted related businesses, bringing significant benefits to local economies.

"Red tourism shows such as Yan'an Nursery School in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, and There's a Mao Zedong in China in Shaoshan, Hunan province, have proved to be huge successes. A ticket is hard to get," says Li.

"We are creating a classic cultural tourism show rather than a short-term program. The show needs to be perfect to survive."

Chongqing 1949 will officially open to the public on Aug 1.