In Beijing, there is the Underground City or also known as Dixiaa Cheng that is one of the tourist attractions. This is actually a shelter that was prepared against bombs. It is made up of a lot of tunnels under Beijing; the tunnels are networked. It was made in the 1970s as a means of preparation for what could have been a war with the Soviet Union. This article hopes to enlighten readers on what Beijing's Underground City is all about.
This was carefully designed. They were able to prepare this city complete with ventilation; the ventilation was made so that it could keep out chemicals and other substances from entering. It is estimated that around 300,000 people were needed to make this. This included adults and children. Amazingly, the tunnels were also built by the sweat of the brow as people used their hands.
Almost 40% of the people lived underneath; the rest moved to the hills. The people were so scared and paranoid that they lived this way. Rumor has it that that Mao Zedong had a special passage for him and his family to use if ever they needed to escape from Beijing.
The Underground City was opened in 2000. Tourists were able to visit some parts of this city until it was closed in 2008 for more renovation. Visitors could only enter through one entrance even though there are several entry passages. The network of the tunnels can actually lead to many other landmarks like the Forbidden City and has several exits. Underneath there are also some places that are labeled to teach tourists what the certain place was used for. Places such as the movie house and hospitals can be seen. Restaurants, schools, and other institutions were also included in its design. Mao Zedong's portrait also hangs.
A factory for silk is also found below and tourists get an overview of how silk was produced through the cocoons of a silkworm. Tourists can buy souvenirs too. Tourists can also find bunk beds and remains of what could have been stored underneath. Documentary films are available for tourists. The films show how the population was able to raise some of their food such as chicken and mushroom. The tour of the Underground City is circular and many parts of the tunnels have been closed off; tourists are not permitted inside. There are also some special rules such as no picture taking.
Although this is a tourist attraction, the locals are not allowed to go inside and many of them have already forgotten about this city. Some young couples like to hide out in the tunnels and the children who enjoy the thrill of playing in the dark also hide out there. Some parts of it above the ground have been made into hotels and shopping malls. The government has made sure the Underground City is clean.
Learning a nation's history first hand is a great learning experience and quite an adventure too! For more information on what else you can explore in Beijing, look for a Beijing tour. Visit this website to get help or information on Beijing tours.
Article Source: Lian_J_Plameras
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