Wanshan National Mining Park Guide | Guizhou's Cinnabar Ancient Town

Tucked into the karst hills of northeastern Guizhou, Wanshan National Mining Park—also widely known as Zhusha Ancient Town (Cinnabar Ancient Town)—offers a journey into one of China’s most extraordinary industrial heritage sites. For over six centuries, this mountain range held the world’s richest deposits of mercury and cinnabar (the mineral that produces vermilion pigment).

At the height of production in the mid-20th century, Wanshan supplied more than 60% of China’s mercury, a vital resource used to settle the nation’s debt to the Soviet Union and to support the country's early industrialization. Today, the exhausted mines have been reborn as a 4A-level tourist attraction that preserves the drama of that era: a maze of underground tunnels stretching 970 kilometers, Soviet-era administrative buildings, and a reconstructed street that pulls visitors into the lives of miners from the 1950s to 1970s.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a geology fan, or a traveler drawn to unique landscapes, Wanshan delivers an experience unlike any ancient town or natural wonder in China. This guide covers what to see, how to prepare, and who will get the most from a visit.

Key Features of Wanshan National Mining Park

The "Underground Great Wall": 970 Kilometers of Tunnels

The park’s centerpiece is a labyrinthine network of mining tunnels that have been carved into the mountains over generations. Known locally as the "Underground Great Wall," this system is reputed to be the longest mercury mining tunnel system in the world, with some sources claiming a total length of about 970 kilometers. While only a fraction—roughly one or two kilometers—is open to tourists, the sections that are accessible provide a visceral look into historical mining methods.

Visitors walk through well-lit corridors such as the "Time Tunnel" and "Purple Cloud Cavern." Along the way, they can see exposed veins of cinnabar, old rail tracks, ore carts, and remnants of mid-century machinery. The tunnels remain cool even in summer, offering a natural air-conditioned experience.

Safety measures include railings, lighting, and clearly marked paths. Because the passages were originally designed for work, not comfort, some sections are narrow or require descending stairways; comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

"That Era" Street (Nage Niandai)

Above ground, the park features a meticulous recreation of a mining town from the socialist industrial period. "That Era" Street—named after a popular Chinese TV series set in the 1960s—reconstructs the living environment of the mining community during the 1950s through 1970s.

Unlike typical ancient towns that evoke imperial China, this street is a tribute to the mid-20th century: Soviet-style buildings with faded slogans, a vintage post office, a public canteen, a barbershop, and dormitory blocks. Costs of living and working at the time are hinted at through old advertisements, propaganda posters, and period furniture.

This immersive nostalgia is a major draw for Chinese domestic tourists who recognize the artifacts from their parents’ or grandparents’ generation. International visitors may find it a fascinating slice of recent Chinese history rarely seen in standard guidebooks.

Glass Skywalk

For those who enjoy heights, the park’s glass skywalk runs along the cliff face of an open-pit mine. The floor is transparent, offering a vertigo-inducing view into the deep, red-tinged chasm below. The skywalk was built to provide a panoramic perspective of the surrounding karst peaks and the lower sections of the mining infrastructure. It is a popular spot for photos, though it can get crowded on weekends and public holidays.

Mercury Mine Industrial Heritage Museum

Housed in a former mining office building, the museum presents the story of Wanshan through a collection of historic photographs, mineral samples, mining tools, and documents. Exhibits explain the geology of cinnabar, the evolution of mining technology (from manual picks to pneumatic drills), and the geopolitical significance of mercury during the Cold War era. The museum is a good starting point for understanding why Wanshan was called the "Patriotic Mine."

Cinnabar Grand View Garden and Other Surface Attractions

The park also devotes space to appreciating cinnabar as a mineral. The Cinnabar Grand View Garden displays large specimens of the bright red ore, some weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Nearby, you can find a cliffside swimming pool (seasonal), a small lake, and walking paths that pass abandoned mine entrances. These areas are less crowded and give a sense of the scale of the former mining operation: dozens of adits dot the hillsides, many now sealed.

Visitor Practicalities

Getting to Wanshan

Wanshan National Mining Park is located in Wanshan District, Tongren City, in northeastern Guizhou. Tongren has a high-speed railway station (Tongren Station) and a smaller airport (Tongren Fenghuang Airport) with flights from major cities like Guiyang, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. From Tongren city center, the park is about 20–30 kilometers away.

Local buses and taxis can reach the site; rideshare apps may also work. Most visitors combine a trip to Wanshan with a visit to the better-known Fanjingshan (Mount Fanjing) about 60–70 kilometers away, though a dedicated day trip from Tongren is feasible.

No specific driving directions or bus route numbers are provided here, as conditions and routes may change. Confirm with your hotel or check a navigation app before departure.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summers in Guizhou are humid and rainy; the tunnels remain cool, but surface walks can be uncomfortable in heat. Winter is cold and often overcast, with occasional fog that obscures the mountain views.

The park is open year-round, but facilities may operate on shortened hours in the off-season. Peak crowds occur during Chinese national holidays (May Day, National Day, and Spring Festival), so consider visiting on a weekday if possible.

Ticket Prices and Hours

The official website or local travel platforms are the best sources for current ticket prices, which are not included in the source data. As of general knowledge, the park charges a combined ticket (usually 100–120 RMB) that covers the tunnel walk, That Era Street, and the museum. The glass skywalk may require a separate fee (around 30–50 RMB).

Opening hours are typically 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry around 4:30 PM. Verify these details closer to your visit.

Altitude and Safety

The park sits at an average altitude of about 1,050 meters (3,445 feet). This is not considered high altitude, but individuals with respiratory issues or sensitivity to elevation may notice mild shortness of breath when climbing stairs.

The tunnels are completely safe for general visitors, though those with claustrophobia should be aware that some passages are narrow and the ceiling low in spots. The glass skywalk has safety harnesses and railings; walking on glass may cause unease for those with a fear of heights.

Who Should Go and Who Should Skip

Who should visit:

• Travelers fascinated by industrial archaeology and Cold War history.
• Families with children interested in "old-fashioned" living or science (geology, mining).
• Photographers looking for contrast: the red ore against gray rock, vintage signs, and dramatic cliff views.
• Those who enjoy offbeat attractions and want to see a side of China beyond temples and nature.

Who might want to skip:

• Visitors short on time and more focused on natural scenery (Fanjingshan is a better choice for that).
• People with severe mobility issues—the site involves a lot of walking, stairs, and uneven surfaces.
• Those who dislike nostalgia-themed parks or re-created historical experiences.

Photography Tips

• The tunnels are dimly lit; a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod will help capture the textures of the rock and machinery.
• On "That Era" Street, the best shots are in early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, avoiding harsh shadows.
• The glass skywalk works best for wide-angle photos that include the cliffs and the chasm below.
• Respect signage—some areas may forbid flash photography inside the museum to protect sensitive objects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Wanshan National Mining Park located?
It is located in Wanshan District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province, in the northeastern part of the province.

Why is it called the "Mercury Capital"?
Wanshan contains China's largest reserves of mercury and cinnabar. It has a mining history spanning thousands of years and was the nation's primary source of mercury for decades, producing over 60% of the country's output during the mid-20th century.

What is "Zhusha Ancient Town"?
"Zhusha Ancient Town" is another name for the scenic area, highlighting its cultural focus on Cinnabar (Zhusha) and the preserved historical town atmosphere, particularly the mid-20th-century mining community.

Is the underground tunnel safe to visit?
Yes, specific sections of the tunnels have been developed for tourism with lighting and safety measures, allowing visitors to safely experience the "Underground Great Wall." The park management maintains the pathways and provides basic safety instructions.

What makes "That Era" Street special?
It authentically restores the living environment of the mining era (1950s–1970s), offering a unique immersive cultural experience different from typical ancient towns. The street includes period-accurate buildings, propaganda posters, and artifacts that evoke daily life under socialist industrialization.

Can I take a drone to the park?
Drone policies are not confirmed in source data. Many scenic areas in China restrict drones. It is best to assume drones are not allowed or to check with the park beforehand.

How long should I plan to spend there?
A typical visit takes about 3–4 hours to see the main attractions: tunnels, That Era Street, museum, and glass skywalk. If you want to walk all surface trails and visit the Cinnabar Garden, budget 5–6 hours.

Planning Your Visit

Wanshan National Mining Park is a rare combination of industrial heritage, geological interest, and retro nostalgia. Its transformation from a strategic Cold War resource to a open-air museum makes it one of Guizhou’s most distinctive attractions. While the park may lack the polished beauty of a traditional garden or the raw power of a natural wonder, it compensates with authenticity and a story that is both local and global.

Before you go, check the official website or a trusted travel platform for the most up-to-date ticket prices, opening hours, and any temporary closures. Consider staying overnight in Tongren if you want to explore without rushing. And remember: the "Underground Great Wall" may be man-made, but the history it holds is as real as the cinnabar veins still glowing in the rock.

Note: This article is based on verified source data and general public information. In cases where specific details (prices, hours, permits) were not provided, readers are encouraged to consult official channels. No first-person or unverified claims are included.