Top 10 Mines in China: Bronze-Age Copper to Modern Coal
China's mining heritage stretches across millennia — from Bronze-Age copper workings to the great Tongling smelters and the modern coal cities of Shanxi.
Tonglushan Ancient Copper Mine, Hubei
A Bronze-Age copper mine, in use from 1200 BC, with the world's earliest preserved deep-shaft workings — now a museum.
Yangshuo–Pingshan Tin Mine, Yunnan
Historic Yunnanese tin workings, with the city of Gejiu as its centre.
Datong Coal Mining Cultural Park, Shanxi
A converted Datong colliery with underground tours and a coal-civilisation museum.
Fushun West Open-Pit Mine, Liaoning
Once the largest open-pit coal mine in Asia; now closed and partially turned into a viewing platform.
Kaiping Coal Mine Heritage, Hebei
Tangshan's 1878 coal mine — the first modern coal mine in China — now a museum.
Dexing Copper Mine, Jiangxi
A working open-pit copper mine; the largest in China, with a public observation deck.
Wanshan Mercury Mine, Guizhou
The historic 'mercury capital of China'; closed in 2002 and now a national mining park.
Anshan Iron Mine, Liaoning
Historic iron heart of north-eastern China, with a steel-and-mining museum.
Jinchang Nickel and Copper Mine, Gansu
A modern mega-mine with limited visitor access; the city was built around it.
Tongling National Mine Park, Anhui
Twenty-six centuries of copper mining in one preserved landscape.
Planning your route
These ten sites span very different climates, languages and accessibility levels. Group them by region, allow a full half-day for each underground descent, and be ready for cool temperatures (around 8–12°C in most galleries). Local guides are often retired miners — their commentary is the single best part of any visit.
From reading to planning
Every site mentioned here, with opening hours, accessibility notes and links to nearby attractions, is on our interactive map.