Cold War Legacy: 816 Nuclear Project & Abandoned Top-Secret Military Town
Overview
An underground nuclear project during the Cold War, the world’s largest artificial cave, where 60,000 people lived their entire lives in anonymity.
Highlights
What you'll do
Stop 1: 816 Abandoned Town / Baitao Old Town
Wander through the abandoned residential area built for the 816 project's workers and their families—time seems frozen here. Soviet-style old buildings, empty factories, and overgrown streets everywhere carry an eerie yet authentic imprint of that era. Kenny will share with you here: The huge sensation this mysterious small town caused among surrounding residents when it quietly reopened to the public in the early 21st century; the fun stories of how locals used to sneak into the restricted zone back then. Kenny's childhood friend's parents worked in a nearby state-owned enterprise and witnessed firsthand the transition from military to civilian use. Expect Kenny to share his real conversations and poignant memories with these former employees' families about the warmth and melancholy of that industrial shift. [Image]
Stop 2: 816 Military Industry Exhibition Hall
Visit the exhibition hall housed in the abandoned military-factory workshops, displaying artifacts from the Third Front Construction period—including original Central Committee documents and vintage machinery—offering deep insight into the historical background and era of the 816 Project. Kenny will explain to you: The official perspective on the 816 Project, proletarian revolutionary ideals, and Cold War history—including China's attitudes toward the Soviet Union and the United States. But more importantly, Kenny will take you into the grassroots narratives of locals—how ordinary Fuling people privately discussed the project, what people from different walks of life thought, and how this secretive mega-project profoundly shaped Fuling residents' lives, economy, and collective memory over decades.
Stop 3: 1950s State-Owned Canteen – Fuling Local Lunch (Optional)
Enjoy an authentic lunch at one of Fuling's most storied old restaurants, savoring classic dishes that have barely changed in decades. Fuling was once administratively independent from Chongqing for a long time, resulting in distinct local dialect tones, cultural habits, and especially food flavors that differ subtly yet noticeably from mainstream Chongqing tastes. Kenny will chat with you over the meal about these cultural nuances, helping you truly taste the essence of “old Fuling”—pure, simple, and infused with the depth of time.
Stop 4: 816 Underground Nuclear Military Complex – The World's Largest Man-Made Cavern
Step into this colossal underground project hand-excavated during the Cold War, originally designed as a plutonium production facility. Vast halls, tunnels, reactor chambers, ventilation systems—all deeply embedded in the mountain, a truly awe-inspiring engineering marvel. Kenny will reveal to you here some of the hidden histories behind the project, along with orally transmitted details and secrets from locals that aren't found in official records. These stories are almost nowhere to be seen on Wikipedia, Reddit, or even in most Cold War academic circles—they're the real “insider legends” belonging to Fuling people.
Stop 5: Wujiang Panting scroll– Riverside Scenery & Reflection
End the day by the Wujiang River, where steep cliffs and deep gorges create breathtaking views. This is one of Kenny's favorite childhood hangouts. China boasts nearly every type of terrain on Earth, yet true fjord-like landscapes are rare. The Wujiang River's gorge comes remarkably close to Norway's iconic fjords, but appears in a subtropical, humid climate—forming a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. Kenny will share here his own childhood adventures and stories, plus thoughtful reflections on how rapid urbanization over the past 15 years has changed Fuling's natural environment—and the real, complex feelings local people have about these transformations.
What's included
Included
Meeting point
Fuling 816 Nuclear Military Plant
Important information
Frequently asked questions
We offer a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy. You can receive a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.
Unfortunately, cancellations or change requests made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time are non-refundable and cannot be accepted. This is to ensure our Local Experts are fairly compensated for their reserved time.
All deadlines are calculated based on the local time of the experience location in China.
Yes! Date and time changes are permitted and free of charge, provided the request is made at least 24 hours before your original tour start time.
- Reserve: Book your spot online (no full payment required upfront).
- Deposit: We will contact you via WhatsApp, WeChat, or Email to coordinate a small deposit. Once the deposit is received, your booking is officially confirmed!
- Balance: The remaining balance is only paid after the tour ends, ensuring you are happy with your experience.We accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Cash.
While China has modern transport, many "hidden gems" are tucked away behind language barriers. With Hey! China, your Local Expert helps you navigate local apps and discover authentic spots beyond the typical tourist path.
Absolutely! China is constantly evolving. Our Local Experts will show you their personal favorite spots and new trends that you likely missed before. There is always a new side of China to discover with us!
¥1,700
/ person
for 1 person
1
Total
¥1,700
No payment required now. We'll contact you to confirm. We accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash.