At 24:00 on December 31, 2025, the Liberation Monument in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, rang in the New Year, heralding the arrival of 2026!

As the old year made way for the new, the pedestrian crossing near the monument was already thronged with tourists by around 7:00 PM. Despite the chilly weather, the crowd's enthusiasm was palpable as they eagerly anticipated the moment the bell would toll.

On the periphery, visitors purchased balloons for photos before releasing them into the night sky, sending their wishes aloft in hopes of a better life and good fortune in the coming year.

On January 1, 2026, the scene was one of making wishes, releasing balloons, and cheering.

A couple shared a kiss at the Liberation Monument square to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

Many visitors were buying balloons, priced at 10 yuan each, with brisk sales.

Balloons that had been released became entangled in tree branches, creating a unique spectacle against the night sky.

Event organizers provided seating in front of a parking garage for weary visitors needing rest.

Three young girls took selfies at the Liberation Monument square to celebrate the New Year.

After the countdown, roadside food stalls offering Chongqing delicacies attracted many young people.

The countdown event, themed "Gala of Light • Brilliant Yuzhong," featured five scheduled performances (at 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, and 24:00). The program was designed to build momentum progressively, gradually elevating the audience's excitement to a climax.

The Liberation Monument, fully named the Monument to the Victory in the War of Resistance and the People's Liberation, is located in the heart of the Chongqing Yuzhong District pedestrian shopping street. Its construction began on October 31, 1946, and it was completed in August 1947. It stands as a spiritual symbol of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and is the only monument in China dedicated to commemorating the Chinese nation's victory in the War of Resistance.