Beneath Beijing’s bustling surface lies a hidden world. It is a testament to a bygone era. This is the story of \u5916\u4e959\u53f7\u654c\u53f0, a relic of the Cold War. It embodies China’s preparation for a potential nuclear conflict.
Imagine Beijing in the 1960s. Tensions soared between China and the Soviet Union. Chairman Mao Zedong ordered the construction of the Underground City. This vast network of tunnels aimed to protect Beijing’s population. It would allow officials to evacuate in case of attack.
\u5916\u4e959\u53f7\u654c\u53f0, like other parts of the Underground City, was built to withstand nuclear, biochemical, and conventional attacks. The government claimed these tunnels could shelter all six million residents of Beijing.
Construction took place from 1969 to 1979. Over 300,000 locals volunteered. They included students. They worked without heavy machinery. The tunnels stretched beneath Beijing’s city center. They covered 85 square kilometers. They lay 8 to 18 meters below the surface.
The Underground City featured restaurants, clinics, and schools. There were theaters and factories. It even housed a roller skating rink and mushroom farms. Almost 70 sites allowed for digging water wells. Elaborate ventilation systems were installed. They had 2,300 shafts to protect from poison gases. Gas and waterproof hatches were constructed. Thick concrete gates guarded against biochemical or nuclear attacks.
Rumors suggested the tunnels connected Beijing’s landmarks. Some thought they linked Zhongnanhai and the Great Hall of the People. It was even rumored that every residence had a secret trapdoor to the tunnels. The plan involved moving half the population underground and the rest to the Western Hills during an attack.
Old city walls, towers, and gates were destroyed. Their materials supplied the construction. This included Xizhimen and Fuchengmen.
After completion, locals used the tunnels. They remained cool in summer and warm in winter. Some became cheap hotels. Others transformed into shopping centers and theaters.
\u5916\u4e959\u53f7\u654c\u53f0 and the Underground City opened to tourists in 2000. However, it closed for renovations in 2008. Before its closure, visitors could tour portions of the complex. Foreign tourists loved it. Locals had virtually forgotten it. One entrance was located at 62 West Damochang Street in Qianmen.
Inside, visitors saw signposts for Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. They saw chambers labeled as cinemas and hospitals. Portraits of Mao Zedong were displayed. Slogans like “Accumulate Grain” and “Prepare for War” adorned the walls. Some areas showed bunk beds and water purifiers. A silk factory operated within the complex. Tourists could buy souvenirs.
The Underground City, including \u5916\u4e959\u53f7\u654c\u53f0, stands as a symbol of a unique historical moment. It reflects China’s resilience. It is a reminder of Cold War anxieties. Though never used for its intended purpose, it remains a fascinating part of Beijing’s history.