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From top secret bunker to tourist attraction: take a tour inside ex-Chinese nuclear military base now open for visitors

China’s 816 Nuclear Plant in Chongqing includes the world’s largest artificial cave

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Tourists visit the 816 underground nuclear military plant in Fuling, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Photo: Xinhua
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It was once a top-secret underground base. Now China’s 816 Nuclear Plant in Chongqing has reopened as a tourist attraction after a year of renovations.

The 816 underground nuclear military plant, once a highly confidential military base, is made up of 18 artificial caves. Photo: Xinhua
The 816 underground nuclear military plant, once a highly confidential military base, is made up of 18 artificial caves. Photo: Xinhua
Twenty kilometres of roads and tunnels link 18 artificial caves, with one - 79.6 metres high - the world’s largest.
The facility opened its doors on Monday following 12 months of extensive renovations. Photo: Xinhua
The facility opened its doors on Monday following 12 months of extensive renovations. Photo: Xinhua

Up to 60,000 men worked on the construction of the plant, which began in 1966 when Sino-Soviet relations declined.

The plant, which was built to withstand earthquakes and explosions, was declassified in 2002. Photo: Xinhua
The plant, which was built to withstand earthquakes and explosions, was declassified in 2002. Photo: Xinhua

Work continued until 1984 when the project was cancelled.

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