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From Bunkers to Boutiques: Chongqing’s Underground Revival
How do you turn history into hype? The sprawling metropolis of Chongqing has an answer: repurpose its network of abandoned WWII-era air-raid shelters into lively consumer hubs! Once used to protect residents during wartime, these underground spaces now pulse with cafes, shops, and cultural hotspots.
Built as a temporary capital during WWII, Chongqing constructed over 1,000 shelters to withstand bombings. Fast-forward to today, and these tunnels are rewriting their story. Our reporter Gong Ming explored the \“Underground City,\” where cozy bookstores nestle in arched stone corridors and pop-up markets thrive under vintage vaulted ceilings.
Local authorities say the project boosts urban renewal while honoring history. One shelter-turned-art-gallery displays wartime photos alongside modern installations, creating a \“time-travel vibe,\” as one visitor put it.
With consumer activity surging in these transformed spaces, Chongqing’s blend of past and present is proving to be a win-win. After all, who knew bunkers could brew such great lattes?
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
Once used to protect residents during wartime, these underground spaces now pulse with cafes, shops, and cultural hotspots. 
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