Chongqing - Every popular city has witnessed a fusion between modernity and antiquity. Liziba Station is a super popular tourists check-in location, a subway station on Chongqing's MonoRail line 2 that runs through an actual residential building. It is a fantastic modern infrastructure to see; moreover, within a five-minute walk, you can adventure the mysterious former underground treasury of Bank of Communications nearby.
People didn't find this treasury hidden under the Liziba Anti-Japanese War Relics Park until a cat stumbled into a chimney-like vent and crawled from another. "The treasury was officially discovered during the third national cultural relic census," said Xu Xiaoyu, the Yuzhong District Cultural Relic Management Office director.
The chimney-like vent was built to ensure dryness for better preservation of valuables in the underground treasury. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
A big maze underground
The underground treasury was built by excavating the mountain wall. Winding all the way, it turns into a narrow road that only allows one person to walk, and then you will reach the entrance.
The narrow path to the former underground treasury of Bank of Communications in Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
The entrance of the former underground treasury of Bank of Communications in Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
The treasury is locked and not open to the public. It is said that the underground treasury is warm in winter and cool in summer, and the temperature in summer is about 10°C lower than that outside. For a long time, the treasury had become a good place for residents to relax and enjoy the cool air, and many residents have moved their pork there to "refrigerate."
There are more than ten circular loops in the treasury, with a width of fewer than 1.5 meters. There are long scratches about 1 meter high on the walls of the passage. According to Xu Xiaoyu, these scratches were left by nearby residents to place tables and chairs to drink tea.
In the middle of the ring road are two domes with a span of more than 60 square meters, which are very imposing. The two gates of the domes are opposite, and there are many small holes on the surrounding walls. In the center of the dome is a concrete cylinder with a diameter of 2 meters. These designs are believed to achieve better ventilation.
There is an iron staircase in the concrete cylinder, which allows people to go up and down for ventilation and maintenance. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
In addition, there are more than ten cabins in the treasury. Most of the wooden boards have been decayed, and only a few iron door frames are visible.
The ring road in the former underground treasury of Bank of Communications. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Reminds of the financial industry in Chongqing
In 1891, Chongqing opened as a port, the water transportation of the Yangtze River has stimulated Chongqing's industry and commerce. And the financial industry has prospered as follows, according to the documents of the Yuzhong District Cultural Relic Management Office.
After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, financial institutions and hot money from all over the country gathered in Chongqing. There were more than 150 financial institutions in the small area of Xiaoshizi and Shaanxi street in the Yuzhong District. The Xiaoshizi area was once known as "China's Wall Street."
The former site of Bank of Communications has a delicate and complex appearance, recalling the financial legends of Tongjie Street in the last century.
The former site of the Bank of Communications in Baroque architectural style in Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
The Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Financial Institution Building Complex is the earliest commercial and financial center established in Chongqing. The grand old site retains the architectural appearance of the financial institution at that time. They will be ready to tell the finance history of Chongqing for the residents after maintenance.