CHONGQING — In southwest China's Chongqing, World War II air-raid shelters that once provided refuge during Japanese bombings now serve a variety of modern urban purposes, including markets, restaurants, and bookstores. A notable example is the recent transformation of a shelter near Hongtudi Metro Station into the "Pack Basket Market," a venue supporting local farmers.
According to Namibia Press Agency, these shelters, embedded in Chongqing’s hilly terrain, have been repurposed to blend historical significance with contemporary utility. The "Pack Basket Market" offers local farmers like Luo Qingxiu from Shichuan Township, a platform to sell their produce directly to city residents. Luo, for instance, sold over half of his 100 kilograms of homegrown corn within the first hour of market operation. This innovative setup not only aids local farmers but also provides urbanites access to fresh, affordable produce in a climate-controlled environment.
The transformed shelters have become attractions in their own right, drawing both locals and tourists to their unique blend of history and modernity. Among the popular spots is a vast underground hotpot restaurant adjacent to the market, which spans 5,000 square meters and houses 208 dining tables. The restaurant retains the historical ambiance of the shelter, complete with visible concrete walls and rusty steel reinforcements, offering diners a glimpse into the past while they enjoy their meal.
Chongqing’s adaptation of these shelters goes beyond commercial uses. With the city’s summer temperatures often soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, these shelters have also been repurposed as free cooling centers. Since mid-July, the city has opened 39 shelters across 11 districts to the public to provide relief from the heat, hosting nearly 260,000 visitors by mid-August.
These shelters, which cover more than 1.1 million square meters and number over 16,000, represent a key part of Chongqing’s history as China’s temporary capital during WWII. Today, they not only commemorate the city’s resilience but also meet modern needs, demonstrating a unique integration of history and contemporary urban life.