Chongqing's underground world

Revitalized air-raid shelters become new landmarks and tourist attractions

Nestled in mountains, the city of Chongqing has a unique urban landscape with a skyline of layer upon layer of buildings on steep hillsides.

The city's uniqueness is not limited to its towering skyscrapers, steep cliffs and the convergence of two rivers. Below the surface, Chongqing's underground world reveals an equally astonishing dimension.

Within the "belly" of this mountain city, there are over 1,600 air-raid shelters built during wartime, covering a total of 1.1 million square meters and constituting a magnificent underground world.

During times of war, air-raid shelters served as a haven for the people of Chongqing. Over time, the caves in the mountains have not faded away but have become an integral part of the city, representing an inseparable memory and historical symbol for the city's people.

At the end of 2018, the Chongqing municipal office for national defense mobilization initiated a special project aimed at upgrading and repurposing the air-raid shelters. By integrating the protection and utilization of the shelters, Chongqing has empowered its residents with a new cultural and lifestyle experience.

Many of the shelters have been transformed into hotpot restaurants, educational centers, museums, convenient passageways, bookstores, art spaces and other facilities, becoming an important force for the benefit of the city's residents and making positive contributions to serving the people and the city.

The air-raid shelters hold a special place in the hearts of Chongqing people, evoking a sense of familiarity and uniqueness. With the thriving development of tourism in Chongqing, an increasing number of visitors are drawn to explore the city's special charm. Formerly dark and damp air-raid shelters have been transformed and given new life, becoming distinctive landmarks and popular attractions for tourists visiting the city.