Air-raid shelters built during World War II in Chongqing Municipality in southwest China are being converted into trendy new venues, with markets, shops restaurants and teahouses appealing to modern consumers and history buffs alike.
Chongqing was China's temporary capital during World War II, building a large number of air-raid shelters in which people sought refuge during bombing raids. There are over 16,000 former air-raid shelters in Chongqing, covering an area of around 1.1 million square meters.
In Chongqing's districts of Yubei and Jiangbei, 18 underground shelters have been combined into a tourism project called "Underground City," covering an area of 20,000 square meters.
One of the shelters has been transformed in to a 520-meter-long hotpot restaurant, which can seat up to 1,300 diners, where the original wartime structure is brought up to date with modern graffiti.
In another modern twist, delivery robots weave through the tunnels further enhancing the striking fusion of the past and present.
"We are natives of Chongqing, and I used to play in these air-raid shelters all the time as a kid. I think eating hotpot in an air-raid shelter is a unique experience, and it really enhances the atmosphere," said Chen Zhaobo, a local resident.
"We traveled here for the first time, my mum's friends recommended this place. It was a shelter. I think it's a special experience," said a South Korean tourist.
"Combining hotpot dining with air-raid shelters makes the venue even more appealing. On busy days, the number of groups waiting to be seated can exceed 100," said Zuo Le, project executive of the "Underground City."
Chongqing has been transforming air-raid shelters into cultural and consumer spaces, including museums, exhibitions, and bookshops since 2018.
This initiative has become a key highlight in the city's tourism plan, with over one million people visiting the shelters last year.
"We're focusing on leveraging local resources to create new landmarks and consumer experiences, aiming to attract more tourists to visit Chongqing and spend money here. During the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, we received over 33 million tourists," said Wang Shunhui, director of the Consumer Promotion Division at the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.
Old air-raid shelters in Chongqing given second lease of life as trendy venues
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
