Former top-secret Chinese nuclear bunker that’s the world’s largest man-made cave is now open to the public

Yan

Yang Yan, an administrator at the site, told China Daily: ‘So far, no foreigners have visited the plant. A tour takes three hours, and visitors must follow the guide, otherwise they will get lost in this maze-like cave.’

The enormous space spans more than 12 miles, with 18 main caves and more than 130 roads and tunnels, which vehicles are free to pass through. 

It was designed to tolerate thousands of tons of TNT explosives, and at least 100 workers were reported to have died during construction.

These days, it’s been renovated to feature colourful modern lighting, as well as educational displays. And visitors need not fear for their safety. 

‘This base has never been put into operation or stored any nuclear material,’ Mr Yang said. ‘There is no need to worry about radiation. It is safe to enter.’