816 Underground Project
World's largest artificial military cave, now open to public as industrial heritage site.
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Location
Baitao Street, Fuling District, Chongqing, China
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816 Underground Project: A Secret Nuclear Base Revealed
The 816 Underground Project, located in Fuling District, Chongqing, is a massive, formerly top-secret underground nuclear facility built during the Cold War. Constructed between 1966 and 1984, this colossal artificial cave was designed to house a nuclear reactor. Declassified in 2002 and partially opened to the public in 2010, it offers a fascinating and somewhat eerie glimpse into China's Cold War history and engineering prowess.
What to See and Do
Explore the Massive Tunnels: Wander through the vast network of tunnels, chambers, and shafts that make up this underground complex. The sheer scale of the excavation is astonishing, with some areas reaching over 70 meters high.
Reactor Hall: See the main reactor hall, which was never fully operational. The exposed concrete structures and pipes give a sense of the immense undertaking.
Exhibitions and Displays: Learn about the history of the project, the lives of the thousands of workers who built it, and the political context of its construction through informational displays, photographs, and some preserved equipment.
Unique Engineering: Appreciate the engineering marvel of building such a large-scale facility deep within a mountain, designed to withstand nuclear attack.
Best Time to Visit
The 816 Underground Project is an indoor attraction, making it suitable for visiting year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
How to Get There
The 816 Underground Project is located in Fuling District, which is about 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Fuling North Railway Station. From Fuling, you can take a local bus or taxi to the site. Many tour operators in Chongqing also offer organized day trips.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking inside the tunnels.
Bring a jacket: The temperature inside the mountain is consistently cool, even in summer.
Photography: Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of any restricted areas.
Guided tours: Consider joining a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site.
Related Tour Packages
City history adventure:Discovering the city's cultural treasures
Luxurious accommodations: Enjoy a stay in a 4-star hotel in Chongqing and a unique boutique hotel in Wuling Mountain. Cultural immersion: Experience traditional Sichuan opera face-changing and tea ceremony. Historical exploration: Delve into the fascinating history of China at the 816 Underground Nuclear Facility, a classified Cold War project. Engineering marvel: Explore the massive underground complex, a testament to human engineering ingenuity. Natural wonder: Wander through the extensive underground tunnels of the Tianxing Triple Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aquatic discovery: Visit the Baidi City Underwater Museum and marvel at the submerged cultural relics.
Chongqing Fuling One Day Tour (2-8 persons small group)
This one-day itinerary combines natural wonders and human history, with the magnificence of the Great Rift Valley and the beauty of the Wu River, as well as the mystery and shock of Project 816. Travelling in small groups, the experience is more private and flexible, making it an excellent choice for exploring Fuling!
Related attractions
Dazu Museum
Dazu Museum is a modern cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Dazu Rock Carvings. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, replicas, and interactive exhibits that provide context and detailed information about the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, including archaeological findings, historical documents, and multimedia presentations that enhance visitors' understanding of this remarkable artistic and religious legacy.
North-South Song Street
North-South Song Street is a charming cultural district that recreates the vibrant commercial atmosphere of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). This pedestrian thoroughfare features traditional architecture, themed shops, craft demonstrations, and cultural performances that transport visitors back to one of China's most prosperous historical periods, offering both entertainment and education about medieval Chinese urban life and commerce.
North Mountain
North Mountain is another significant site within the Dazu Rock Carvings complex, featuring over 6,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cliff carvings dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. These meticulously crafted stone reliefs depict religious scenes, daily life, and mythological stories, providing valuable insights into the artistic styles, religious beliefs, and social customs of medieval China in a picturesque natural setting.
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Baoding Mountain is home to the most spectacular collection of rock carvings in the Dazu Rock Carvings UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created primarily during the 12th century, these remarkable Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian stone sculptures are known for their artistic quality, rich diversity of subject matter, and harmonious integration with the natural landscape, representing the pinnacle of Chinese rock art and religious syncretism.
Changzhou Ancient Town
Changzhou Ancient Town is a well-preserved historical district showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chongqing's Dazu area. Dating back over 1,300 years, this ancient settlement features traditional architecture, stone-paved streets, ancestral temples, and cultural relics that reflect the area's evolution through the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the region's past.
