Chongqing's air-raid shelter-turned-bookstore becomes tourism touchstone

The owner of former air-raid shelter-turned-bookstore Junge Bookstore in Southwest China's Chongqing recently compiled a collection of intriguing notes left by foreign visitors over the past year, capturing online attention.

The heartfelt notes, penned by travelers from diverse countries such as Belgium, South Korea, Spain, France, Myanmar, and Portugal, convey appreciation and affection for the bookstore and the city.

A child from Portugal wrote, "Definitely one of my favorite places on Earth. The vibe is so cool... I'm glad my mom discovered this place on RedNote..."

According to Gou Jun, the owner, the bookstore is a nostalgic tribute to Chongqing's 1990s bookstores. It sells vintage books and maps, and regularly hosts book-sharing sessions and English corners. It has even become a popular filming location.

Three years ago, with the support of local government, the bookstore moved from its original 40-square-meter location beside a railway in the city's Jiulongpo district to a sprawling air-raid shelter 10 times larger. Its daily visitor numbers rose from several dozen per day to three or four hundred. The influx of visitors has also spurred the development of small restaurants in the surrounding area.

During times of war, Chongqing's air-raid shelters were crucial safe spaces. Today, they have been transformed into bustling centers of cultural exchange and historical preservation. These once utilitarian spaces now house hotpot restaurants, bars, music halls, wine cellars, and arts bases, breathing new life into the city's storied past.