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A desolate city with dilapidated streets and no sign of vitality. If this sounds familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen a scene like this in the miniseries Chernobyl. This gripping series dramatizes the 1986 nuclear disaster in Soviet Ukraine, exploring its human and environmental impacts and the courageous efforts to contain the catastrophe.
Are you fascinated by the immense power of nuclear energy and eager to know more about nuclear power plants? If so, you should visit the 816 Nuclear Military Plant in Chongqing. This site features a nuclear project built using the same design drawing as the Chernobyl plant. Here, you can see exactly the same settings as those portrayed in the series and explore nuclear engineering in a safe environment.
Nestled deep within the mountains of Chongqing lies one of China's most fascinating and mysterious attractions: the 816 Nuclear Military Plant. Concealed within a vast cave system, this once top-secret military installation was the world's largest underground nuclear facility. Built during the Cold War era, it remains shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, offering a unique glimpse into a hidden chapter of China's history. Today, the 816 Nuclear Project stands as a stark reminder of a bygone era, now open to the public as a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of peace.
The 816 Nuclear Military Plant is situated in a remote area surrounded by lush green mountains and dense forests, providing a stark contrast to the industrial and concrete interior of the facility itself. The journey to the site is a scenic adventure, winding through rolling hills and serene landscapes that showcase Chongqing’s natural beauty. The dramatic transition from the verdant countryside to the cavernous halls of the facility creates a surreal experience for visitors.
Main Attractions
Main Tunnel and Reactor Chamber
The entrance to the 816 Nuclear Military Plant is unassuming, almost hidden within the mountainside, giving no hint of the vast underground complex that lies within. As you step inside, you are greeted by the cool, dimly lit tunnels carved deep into the rock, leading to an intricate network of chambers and passageways. The cavernous spaces, some reaching up to 79.6 meters in height, are awe-inspiring, with their stark concrete walls and reinforced structures telling a story of Cold War tension and technological ambition.
Underground Labyrinth
The main attraction of the 816 Nuclear Military Plant is the massive underground reactor chamber, designed to house a nuclear reactor that was never completed. This vast space is awe-inspiring in its scale, with towering concrete walls and a ceiling that stretches high above. The chamber's unfinished state offers a haunting glimpse into the past, as it stands frozen in time, a relic of a bygone era.
Military Museum
The 816 Nuclear Military Plant now includes a museum dedicated to its history and the broader context of China's nuclear program during the Cold War. Exhibits include declassified documents, photographs, and artifacts that provide insights into the strategic importance of the facility and the daily lives of those who worked there. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations help bring this fascinating history to life.
Visitor Route
Entrance Hall: Visitors will first enter the Entrance Hall, where the historical background of the 816 Nuclear Military Plant is presented through photographs and exhibits.
Screening Room: Watch a documentary about the 816 Nuclear Military Plant to learn about the story behind the construction.
Main Tunnel: Follow the Main Tunnel deep underground to experience the grandeur of the project.
Reactor Chamber: This is the core area of the entire project. Visitors can learn about the working principles of a nuclear reactor here.
Control Center: Visit the Control Center and imagine the tense atmosphere when staff worked here years ago.
Living Quarters: Includes dormitories, a canteen, and other living facilities, showcasing the daily life of the builders.
Ventilation Tower: Tour the Ventilation Tower to understand the ventilation system of the underground project.
Generally speaking, the 816 Nuclear Military Plant in Chongqing offers a unique travel experience that combines history, mystery, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about China’s hidden past, it provides a rare opportunity to explore a once top-secret military installation. This underground marvel, now a symbol of peace, invites visitors to reflect on the past while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Chongqing’s mountainous landscape.
