816 Nuclear Military Plant

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816 Nuclear Military Plant

Chinese Name: 816地下核工厂
Add: : 重庆市涪陵区白涛街道 Baitao Street, Fuling District, Chongqing
Opening Hours : April 1st – October 31st, 09:00-17:00; November 1st – March 31st of the following year, 09:00-16:30
Tickets: 60 CNY /Per
Attractions Level: AAAA
Area: 45.2 hectares = 0.452km²
Climate conditions: Humid subtropical monsoon climate
Phone: 023-72779186
Official Website:
Visiting Time: 2-3 Hours

816 Nuclear Military Plant

Project 816 Underground Nuclear Facility

China’s Cold War Engineering Marvel Beneath the Mountains

Hidden deep within the mountains of Fuling District, Chongqing, Project 816 is one of the most astonishing underground structures ever built by humankind. Unknown to the outside world for decades, this massive underground nuclear facility offers foreign travelers a rare opportunity to step into a secret chapter of Cold War history—now transformed into a unique industrial heritage site.

A Monument of Scale and Secrecy

Construction of Project 816 began in the 1960s at the height of global geopolitical tension. Designed to be completely concealed inside a mountain, the complex contains more than 20 kilometers of tunnels, towering caverns up to 79 meters high, and multi-level chambers supported by gigantic concrete columns.

What makes Project 816 truly extraordinary is its sheer scale. The central hall alone is comparable in height to a 20-story building, all hidden underground. Walking through its vast interior, visitors are struck by both the ambition and the human effort behind this monumental engineering feat.

Engineering, History, and Human Stories

Today, the site has been carefully opened to the public, allowing visitors to explore selected sections safely. Informative displays explain the engineering techniques, ventilation systems, power supply design, and nuclear safety concepts used at the time.

Equally compelling are the human stories: tens of thousands of engineers, soldiers, and workers labored in secrecy for years, carving this immense space by hand and machinery. Their dedication reflects a unique historical period and offers valuable insight into China’s industrial and military past.

A One-of-a-Kind Travel Experience

Unlike traditional museums, Project 816 delivers an immersive, cinematic experience. Dimly lit tunnels, colossal underground halls, and echoing corridors create a powerful atmosphere that appeals to travelers interested in history, architecture, photography, and industrial heritage tourism.

Why Visit Project 816?

For foreign travelers seeking destinations beyond the usual tourist trail, Project 816 is an unforgettable journey into hidden history, extreme engineering, and human resilience—a place where the mountain itself tells a story rarely seen anywhere else in the world.