Chongqing Air-Raid Shelter Hotpot Draws Global Tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Chongqing, China, is increasingly capturing the attention of international visitors who are moving beyond standard sightseeing to seek distinctive, everyday urban charm.

A prime example is the "Underground City" hotpot restaurant in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area, a former air-raid shelter that has been converted into a massive dining space with 218 tables, accommodating over 1,300 diners.

The restaurant preserves the cave's original rock walls while featuring thousands of twinkling sky lanterns on the ceiling, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere.

The novelty of the experience has fuelled a global trend, with a video featuring the air-raid shelter hotpot garnering over three million views on YouTube and attracting large numbers of international visitors.

Jonathan, a tourist from Germany, called it a really novel experience that he found through social media.

This growth in global interest led to Chongqing's ports handling a record high of over 760,000 inbound and outbound trips by foreign travellers in 2025, according to a statement.

Known as the "8-dimensional magic city", Chongqing appeals to tourists wanting an up-close urban life experience through more than 100 distinctive consumption scenarios built around its unique geography, including its rivers, cliffs, streets, caves, and skyline, such as air-raid shelters and cliffside walkways.

The city is committed to developing new consumer destinations by leveraging its mountain-city night views, waterfront stretches, back streets, alleyways, and rooftop spaces.

Furthermore, Liangjiang New Area aims to use its historical and cultural resources to create more distinct and attractive experiences, thereby unlocking the potential for differentiated consumption.

-- BERNAMA