Shelter Bar

防空洞酒吧; Fángkōngdòng Jiǔbā

The bar is unique. Entering through the doors, there is a jazzy scene with plenty of comfortable places to lounge. Sometimes they even have video games set up. But the thing that sets this bar apart from other bars lies through the doors next to the bar. Passing through them, you go down some steps about 2 m (6 feet) and enter through three doors, each of them 7 cm (3 inches) thick. This second bar and dance floor lie 3-6 m (10-20 feet) beneath the Zoo in an old bomb shelter build in the 1970s when Mao was frightened by the prospect of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Try to make yourself heard over the blaring music as large, ominous ventilation pipes hang over you. It is not the best place to hang out, but you have to see it at least once if you are in town.

• family

Address

295 Yuantong East Road (圆通东路295号; Yuántōngdōnglù)

Getting there

near the back entrance of the Zoo, north side of Yuantong Mountain