“Dig deep, prepare provisions and not to seek hegemony.” That was Chairman Mao’s slogan. It resonates even now as we stand before \u5916\u4e954\u53f7\u654c\u53f0.
This seemingly ordinary entrance belies a hidden world beneath Beijing. This entrance once led to the Underground City. This was Beijing’s Cold War secret. It was a vast network of tunnels constructed in anticipation of nuclear war.
Picture Beijing in the 1960s. Tensions between China and the Soviet Union were escalating. Chairman Mao Zedong ordered the construction of this subterranean shelter. The Underground City was designed to withstand nuclear biochemical and conventional attacks.
Construction began in 1969 and continued for ten years. Over 300000 local citizens volunteered. Even school students participated. Some portions were dug without heavy machinery. They used centuries-old city walls to supply construction materials.
The scale of the Underground City is staggering. It covers 85 square kilometers beneath Beijing’s city center. The tunnels are 8 to 18 meters below the surface. Imagine a hidden city beneath our feet.
The government claimed the tunnels could accommodate all six million of Beijing’s residents. This was in the event of an attack. The Underground City was equipped with everything needed for survival. Restaurants clinics schools and theaters were all included. Factories oil warehouses and even a mushroom farm were built. Almost 70 sites were designated for digging water wells.
Elaborate ventilation systems were installed. Some 2300 shafts could be sealed off. This would protect inhabitants from poison gases. Gas and waterproof hatches were constructed. Thick concrete gates protected against biochemical attacks and nuclear fallout.
Rumors persist about the tunnels’ true extent. Some say they connect Beijing’s landmarks. The Zhongnanhai the Great Hall of the People and military bases were supposedly linked. Some even believe every residence had a secret trapdoor nearby. The plan was to move half the population underground. The other half would move to the Western Hills.
The Underground City has never been used for its intended purpose. Yet it has never been fully abandoned. Local authorities still perform water leakage checks. They also regularly conduct pest control.
The complex was officially opened to tourists in 2000. It has been closed for renovation since at least 2008. Before its closure visitors could tour a small portion of the complex. Signposts pointed to major landmarks accessible by the tunnels. Chambers were labeled with their original functions such as cinemas and hospitals.
Portraits of Mao Zedong hung amidst murals of digging volunteers. Fading slogans reminded visitors to “Accumulate Grain”. Another slogan urged “For the People Prepare for War Prepare for Famine”. Some areas not open to the public contained rooms with bunk beds. Decayed cardboard boxes of water purifiers could also be seen.
Visitors on the official tour passed a functioning silk factory. They also got a demonstration of silk extraction. A tourist shop offered souvenirs.
\u5916\u4e954\u53f7\u654c\u53f0 stands as a silent testament to a bygone era. It reminds us of a time when the threat of nuclear war loomed large. The Underground City remains a hidden piece of Beijing’s history. A symbol of resilience and preparedness in the face of global uncertainty.