Fuling 816 Nuclear Military Plant, a monumental relic of China’s Cold War-era defense history, is a declassified underground nuclear facility in Chongqing. Built over 18 years (1966–1984), it once served as a top-secret site for plutonium production and is now a striking museum showcasing China’s industrial prowess and patriotic resilience.

Kenny will be your guide there. He grew up nearby and even knows some former workers from the nuclear facility, so he knows the area inside out. He can also use the facility as a backdrop to explain all kinds of questions related to modern Chinese history. On top of that, he’s also a musician and rapper.

View his interview here:

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Highlight

Personalized storytelling: A Fuling local who lived in Europe shares 816 Town childhood memories, blending Chinese and Western views.

Authentic local experience: The area is home to descendants of Mao-era (1960s) relocated technicians, with an untouched-by-mass-tourism immersive visit.

Meaningful interactions: Engage with the local community where dialects baffle translation apps, with a guide bridging the gap.

Breathtaking landscapes: Journey through Chongqing’s rugged terrain and the Wujiang River, with scenic viewpoints.

Weather-proof adventure: With much of the tour indoors, the nuclear facility’s 20°C offers a year-round comfortable experience.

Itinerary & Timeline

Plan A:
Departure: 7:00 AM from your hotel
Stop 1: Arrive at 816 Town around 9:30 AM. Explore the town for 1 hour.
Stop 2: Visit the 816 Military Industry Exhibition Hall for 1 hour.
Stop 3: Arrive at the 816 Family Settlement Community around 11:30 PM for lunch.
Stop 4: Arrive at the 816 Nuclear Military Complex around 12:30 PM. Explore for 2 hours.
Stop 5: Arrive at Wujiang Painting Scroll around 2:45 AM. Enjoy the stunning views of the Wujiang River and the traditional Chinese palace-style architecture amidst blooming peach blossoms.
End of Tour: Return to Chongqing at your hotel around 5:00 PM.

Plan B:
Departure: 9:30 AM from your hotel
Stop 1: Arrive at the 816 Family Settlement Community around 12:00 PM for lunch.
Stop 2: Arrive at 816 Town around 1:00 PM. Explore the town for 1 hour.
Stop 3: Visit the 816 Military Industry Exhibition Hall around 2:00 PM for 1 hour.
Stop 4: Arrive at the 816 Nuclear Military Complex around 3:00 PM. Explore for 2 hours.
Stop 5: Arrive at Wujiang Painting Scroll around 5:15 AM. Enjoy the stunning views of the Wujiang River and the traditional Chinese palace-style architecture amidst blooming peach blossoms.
End of Tour: Return to Chongqing at your hotel around 7:30 PM.

Stop 1: 816 Town Ruins (1 hour)

This lost town disappeared from the map for nearly 30 years, and residents were forbidden to leave. It was originally a mechanical processing plant for the 816 nuclear project. After its closure in 1996, the site remained abandoned until it was declassified in 2010 and resumed use. Today, buildings and public canteens from the Mao era are preserved here.

Stop 2: 816 Military Industry Exhibition Hall (1 hour)

A museum in abandoned military – factory workshops shows artifacts from the Third Front Movement. It has original CCP Central Committee documents and period mechanical equipment. It helps visitors understand Mao – era China’s use of Soviet – style military production against the USSR.

The museum is little renovated, keeping a 1960s look. This gives an immersive feel. With few visitors, it offers a meaningful historical exploration.

Stop 3: Lunch in the 816 Family Settlement Community (1 hour)

Enjoy authentic Fuling cuisine in the residential area of 816 workers, which is completely different from the urban flavor of Chongqing. After the 816 project was turned over to civilian use, the town also became prosperous.

Stop 4: 816 Nuclear Military Complex (2-2.5 hours)

In the 1950s Cold War, after the Sino – Soviet split, China decided to build a plutonium production reactor independently as a safeguard against potential Soviet nuclear strikes.

60,000 workers spent years excavating the world’s largest artificial cavern, building a nuclear reactor complex inside a mountain for concealment.
In the 1990s, due to changing international relations, the project was halted. By 2010, it transformed into a tourist attraction open to all.

Today, the water diversion tunnels with neon lights and the vacant reactor hall under green lighting create a unique atmosphere. The preserved propaganda slogans recall the sacrifices of workers.

Stop 5: Wujiang Painting Scroll

A scenic spot with blooming peach blossoms, it’s a natural treasure. From the viewing platform, you can admire the Wujiang River’s green waters and rolling mountains. There are also some traditional Chinese palace – style buildings, making it perfect for photos.

Photography: Eyes of Chongqing Rooftop