Part 6/11:

As the city rapidly developed in the 1980s and 1990s, sections of the underground city became markets and performance venues, offering affordable goods to locals while attracting tourists. Yet, various parts fell into disrepair, and some areas began serving as makeshift housing for Beijing’s marginalized citizens in the form of “atomic rooms.”

These cramped, damp living spaces contrast sharply with the original intentions for the underground city, revealing a striking disparity within Beijing’s urban fabric. Humanitarian photographers have documented these living conditions, showcasing the dark realities faced by many in this subterranean domain.