Chengshuidong Tourist Area

Chengshuidong Tourist Area

Chengshuidong Tourist Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

　Chengshuidong Tourist Area (formerly the PLA “131” Project) is situated in Gaoqiao Town, Xian’an District, Xianning City, Hubei Province. It is 80 km north of Wuhan, 150 km south of Yueyang City in Hunan Province, and 14 km from downtown Xianning. It neighbors the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, Hangzhou-Ruijiang Expressway, Da-Guang Expressway, and National Highway 107. The under-construction Wuhan-Xianning Intercity Railway, Wuhan-Xianning Expressway, and the outer ring road of the Wuhan Metropolitan Area further establish a fast and convenient tourism transportation network leading to the site.

The “131” military project has a specific historical background: in the late 1960s, relations between China and the Soviet Union were extremely tense. In response to Chairman Mao’s calls to “dig deep tunnels, store ample grain, and never seek hegemony” and “prepare for war,” a nationwide wave of constructing wartime defense projects emerged. A decision was made to build a command center for operations along the southern line of the Yangtze River in the heartland of Central China to meet urgent wartime needs. Then-Chief of the General Staff Huang Yongsheng personally selected the site, and construction began on January 31, 1969, after he signed the order—hence the name “131 Project.” This project is a typical representation of China’s national defense engineering, consisting of both underground and surface sections, divided into three zones: A, B, and C. The original planned investment was 300 million yuan, but construction was halted following the “September 13 Incident,” with actual investment reaching as high as 130 million yuan. The main structures comprise a 56-acre courtyard complex above ground and an underground command center spanning 768 meters in total length.

The surface facilities consist of multiple buildings that complement and enhance one another, forming a large courtyard complex. The Special No. 1 Building served as the residence for Mao Zedong and [name redacted], the Special No. 2 Building was for Marshal [name redacted] and Ye Qun, and the Special No. 3 Building was for General Huang Yongsheng. In addition, there are barracks for the guard unit and related living facilities. The architectural style features grey-tiled buildings with blue bricks—an unadorned yet elegant and dignified exterior, contrasted with high-end and exquisite interiors and meticulous craftsmanship, which were considered top-tier in China at the time.

The underground facility has a construction area of 3,288 m², comprising a 456-meter-long main tunnel and two branch tunnels for ventilation and communication. Each entrance and exit is equipped with large lead doors designed to shield against nuclear radiation, poison gas, and shock waves. Inside, there are 131 rooms of various sizes and functions, including the No. 1 Room for Mao Zedong, the No. 2 Room for [name redacted], the room for then-Chief of the General Staff Huang Yongsheng, the operations command room, the communications command room, mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, power generation and distribution rooms, and living service areas. Each room is fitted with a numbered telephone jack, enabling direct communication with major military regions across the country. The facility also includes water storage tanks, warehouses, dining halls, kitchens, as well as heating, dehumidification, ventilation, communication, and disinfection systems.

The “131” military project was handed over to the former Xian’an Regional Administrative Office in 1981. The original military code name was no longer used, and it was renamed “Chengshuidong” after the local geographical name. Substantial funding from central, provincial, and municipal governments was invested to renovate and upgrade the existing facilities, with numerous tourism service and reception amenities added. It has since been developed into a national AAA-level tourist area integrating sightseeing and leisure vacation. Major attractions include the “131” Underground Military Fortress, the Special No. 1 Residence of Leader Mao Zedong, General’s Mountain, the General’s Cemetery and its exhibition hall, the Chairman Mao Badge Exhibition Hall, and the Bonsai and Flower Garden. Supporting services include guest rooms, restaurants, and meeting rooms.

Surrounded by mountains and lush forests, Chengshuidong Tourist Area boasts picturesque scenery, the sounds of birds and fragrant flowers, fresh air, and a pleasant climate. Since its opening to the public, it has received nearly ten million visitors. Central leaders such as [names redacted], Wang Renzhong, [names redacted], Wang Ping, Wu Xiuquan, [names redacted], Ye Xuanping, Re’di, Wang Wenyuan, [names redacted], and military figures including General Han Xianchu, [names redacted], General Wang Ping, Lieutenant General Zhang Caiqian, [names redacted], General Liu Jingsong, General Yu Linxiang of the Armed Police, General Fang Fenghui, General Ou Jingu, Lieutenant General Zhang Yuzhong of the Armed Police, and Lieutenant General Zheng Weiping, among others, have visited. Mao Zedong’s second son, Mao Anqing, his daughter-in-law Senior Colonel Shao Hua, as well as many renowned directors and film stars, have also toured the area.

Gaoqiao Town: Located in the southeastern part of Xian’an District, Gaoqiao Town administers 20 administrative villages, 177 villager groups, and one neighborhood committee, covering an area of 93.6 square kilometers with a population of 23,000 and arable land of 26,000 mu.

The town enjoys excellent geographical conditions. As early as the Han Dynasty, it served as a riverside hub for trade and commerce among residents from Xian’an, Tongsan, and Echeng (counties/cities), as well as a major market for agricultural produce from the bordering regions. It has long been known as “the marketplace of E, Xian, and Tong, connected by a single bridge spanning two counties.”

The area is rich in tourism resources. It is home to Baiyan Spring, one of the four famous springs in Xian’an… More details about Gaoqiao Town++