Enormous abandoned nuclear facility in China transformed into tourist attraction

China has transformed what was once a highly-classified nuclear facility into a tourist attraction, opening the plant to overseas visitors for the first time.   

Construction on the 816 Nuclear Military Plant base began in 1966, when Soviet relations with China declined.

Around 60,000 soldiers were put to work on the project – at least 100 of whom died during construction.

It wasn't until 2010 that Chinese nationals were allowed to take tours of the abandoned facility, though the area was off-limits for foreigners.

Now, after a year of extensive renovations, the area is open to all visitors.

The former nuclear facility - which also has the title for being the world's largest man-made cave - has been equipped with sound and lighting apparatus.

The resulting experience is reportedly a little like being in a science fiction film.

Inside the plant, there are 18 caverns, the largest of which is roughly 80 metres tall – the equivalent size of a 20-storey building.

But don't think you can explore the facility by yourself.

A spokesperson with the facility told China Daily it's important to stick with the group: "A tour takes three hours. Visitors must follow the guide, otherwise they will get lost in this huge maze-like cave."