For an off-the-beaten-track tourist spot to visit within Beijing’s city centre, try to go in search of the Beijing Underground City which was built during the Cultural Revolution to serve as a bomb shelter. But it turned out to be a white elephant as it was never used. It’s a labyrinth of tunnels which will leave you lost if you navigate it on your own. Hence there are guides to bring you around.
The network of tunnels is so extensive that you can make your way to the Beijing International Airport and even neighbouring city, Tianjin, using the tunnels! The taking of photos isn’t allowed hence I’m unable to put up more photos.
It’s not THAT exciting a place as there are just pictures of military planes and tankers lining the tunnels. But it’s interesting the craziness that took over Chairman Mao when he conceived and carried out this idea of his.
Tour groups can enter free of charge without prior permission, while individual tourists are charged 20 yuan.
Address (three entrances) :
62 West Damochang Street, Qianmen, Tel. 6702-2657.
Qianmen Carpet Factory at 44 Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District, Ttel. 6701-5079
18 Dazhalan Jie in Qianmen.
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