During World War II, the skies above Qionglai Air Base roared with the engines of American B-29 Superfortresses. These massive bombers, a symbol of American might, were stationed here at Qionglai, known then as “Kiunglai Airfield”. Their mission: to strike at the heart of Japan. Qionglai Air Base was one of four such bases in China, strategically placed to launch these daring raids. The 462d Bombardment Group, stationed at Piardoba, India, would make the perilous journey over the Himalayas, known as “The Hump”, to reach Qionglai Air Base. It was a logistical nightmare. Everything, from fuel and bombs to spare parts, had to be flown in. Sea routes were controlled by the Japanese, making supply by sea impossible. From Qionglai’s runway, in June 1944, the first American bombs destined for the Japanese Home Islands since the Doolittle raid of 1942 took flight. These missions continued until February 1945, targeting factories, military installations, and even the Omura aircraft factory. Qionglai Air Base, a silent witness to history, played a crucial role in the air war over the Pacific. It stands today as a testament to the bravery of the men who flew from here and the global reach of World War II.
Qionglai Air Base
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
After discovering the story of Qionglai Air Base in Chengdu, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Chengdu while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way.
Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Chengdu. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Chengdu directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful.
Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Chengdu. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive.
Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Chengdu. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Chengdu with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.
More Places in Chengdu
道不外求（张大千故居）
“Did you know that Zhang Daqian, the “Picasso of China,” once called Chengdu home? Today, we stand before a monument
Nonly Idea factory
“This place buzzes with creativity,” the tour guide chuckled, gesturing towards the Nonly Idea factory. The Nonly Idea factory stands