Zhusha Ancient Town: A Journey of Rebirth from "China's Mercury Capital" to "Millennium Cinnabar Town"

The Name "Cinnabar Town" – From Qin Dynasty Alchemists to "Patriotic Mercury"

The story of Zhusha Ancient Town begins with cinnabar mining over 3,000 years ago. Legend has it that Xu Fu, the famous alchemist of the Qin Dynasty, sought the elixir of immortality for Qin Shi Huang, searching here for essential ingredients. One indispensable ingredient was Wanshan cinnabar, so he stationed himself here to refine elixirs. Thus, Wanshan became known as the "Cinnabar Kingdom."

Since the Qin and Han dynasties began mining cinnabar, Wanshan's mercury mining and smelting history spans over 2,000 years. In the 1950s, it reached its golden age, becoming China's largest mercury industrial base integrating mining, smelting, and scientific research. Since the 1950s, Wanshan has produced over 30,000 tons of mercury and cinnabar, contributing more than 1.5 billion yuan in taxes to the state and making significant contributions to repaying foreign debts to the former Soviet Union, earning it the affectionate title "Patriotic Mercury" from Premier Zhou Enlai.

The Path of Rebirth – From Resource Exhaustion to Industrial Heritage Renaissance

The modern story of Zhusha Ancient Town is an epic of resource-exhausted city transformation:

Industrial Decline (2001): The Guizhou Mercury Mine was forced to close due to resource depletion, leaving behind abandoned pits and cliffs.

Awakening and Transformation (2009-2015): In 2009, Wanshan was designated as one of China's second batch of resource-exhausted cities. In 2015, Jiangxi Jiyang Group was introduced to develop the original Guizhou Mercury Mine ruins and relics in a protective, integrated manner according to 5A scenic area standards.

Artisan Reshaping (2016-Present): Following the philosophy of "repairing the old as old, protective development," a nostalgic town was rebuilt on the ruins, creating distinctive attractions including "That Era" Nostalgia Street, the Underground Great Wall, and cliffside walkways. Officially opened in May 2016, it became China's first mountain industrial civilization-themed town.

Stunning Debut (2022-Present): In 2022, it was recognized as a National Industrial Tourism Demonstration Base. Currently, efforts are underway to nominate the Wanshan cinnabar mining heritage series for UNESCO World Heritage status, already included in the 2024 "China World Heritage Tentative List."

Dive Deeper: Explore More Industrial Heritage Wonders in China >>Huangshan Scenic Area

Industrial Relics – Millennia of Echoes in the Underground Labyrinth

The core attraction of Zhusha Ancient Town is its intricate network of underground mining tunnels.

Underground Great Wall – A Rare Underground Wonder
This is Zhusha Ancient Town's most awe-inspiring visual icon. The underground mining tunnels extend over 1,000 kilometers, crisscrossing like a vast underground labyrinth. The tunnels are layered and stacked, grand and spectacular—a rare sight worldwide. Meticulously developed, these tunnels have been transformed into a "time tunnel" with dreamlike light shows, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of "miner exploration." The tunnels maintain a constant temperature of 20°C year-round, dropping to 15°C in summer, making them an excellent summer retreat.

Mercury Mine Industrial Heritage Museum – A Talking Textbook
Converted from the original mercury mine office building, the museum features 6 exhibition halls and 8 sections. Through photos, artifacts, and scene recreations, it clearly presents the complete historical trajectory of the Guizhou Mercury Mine—from ancient cinnabar mining to modern industrial rise, and then to contemporary transformation. Rusty mining equipment, ore specimens with dark red luster, yellowed production reports, and old photographs silently tell the story of that glorious mining era. Visitors call it "a talking textbook."

Heidongzi – Millennia-Old Mining Site
This site preserves traces of ancient fire-cracking techniques, bearing the earliest witness to Wanshan's mining history. Standing before it, you can almost hear the echoes of miners chiseling rock thousands of years ago.

"That Era" – A Frozen Time Capsule

"That Era" Street is the most nostalgic area of Zhusha Ancient Town, authentically recreating the lives of miners from the 1950s to 1970s.

Soviet-Style Architecture – Exotic Charm and Red Memories
Along the bluestone-paved street, brick-and-wood old houses are arranged in pleasing disorder. Soviet-style buildings, state-run photo studios, supply and marketing cooperatives, worker canteens, auditoriums, barbershops—every detail remains authentic. The stone sink at the laundry platform, the old furniture in worker dormitories—they instantly transport you back to childhood.

Immersive Experience – Tangible History
This is not just static display but a living experience. Visitors can participate in traditional games like hoop rolling and top spinning, purchase nostalgic goods at the "Supply and Marketing Cooperative," and taste period meals at the worker canteen. "Protection isn't about locking heritage away, but letting it live in the present"—as the scenic area director puts it.

Nature and Leisure – Thrills and Comfort on the Cliff

Cliffside Glass Walkway – Thrilling Views Over the Canyon
At an altitude of over 800 meters, the cliffside walkway and glass walkway allow visitors to overlook valley views from transparent paths—both thrilling and breathtaking. The faint-hearted should proceed with caution, while the bold can enjoy photo sessions.

Cliffside Swimming Pool – The Perfect Summer Retreat
Built along the cliff edge, the cliffside swimming pool features children's, shallow, and deep areas, with music parties at night. With average summer temperatures around 25°C and the underground mine dropping to 15°C, it's an ideal summer getaway.

Fangxia Yunjü – A Zen Retreat on the Cliff
A newly built high-end resort on the edge of Malaoke Mountain, offering privacy ideal for meditation and wellness. Open the window to clouds and deep valleys.

High-Altitude Experiences – The Joy of Pushing Limits
Zip-lining (357 meters with 200-meter vertical drop), rainbow slides, glass suspension bridge, bumper cars, go-karts—these projects offer visitors a variety of recreational experiences.

Photography & Exploration Tips:
The best panoramic spot is the cliffside glass walkway, capturing both canyon views and "That Era" district.
For Underground Great Wall photos, use night mode or supplemental lighting to capture the dreamlike light shows.
"That Era" Street is perfect for retro costume photos; rental is available at the scenic area.
The Cinnabar Grand View Garden features the world's largest natural cinnabar crystal.
Fangxia Yunjü is an excellent spot for sunrise and sea of clouds photography.

Five Must-Do Activities for a Complete Zhusha Ancient Town Journey

1. Traverse the Underground Great Wall, Explore Millennia-Old Mines

Time: Any time; morning offers optimal cave lighting.

Experience: Walk through over 970 kilometers of underground mining tunnels, experiencing "miner exploration" amid light shows and witnessing this rare underground wonder. Constant 20°C year-round, a summer retreat.

Tip: Floors can be slippery; wear non-slip athletic shoes. Lighting is dim; follow your guide's route.

2. Stroll "That Era" Street, Time-Travel to the Last Century

Experience: Wander among Soviet-style buildings, see old barber chairs at the state-run barbershop, counters at the supply cooperative, old furniture in worker dormitories. Dress in period costume for photos, join in retro games like hoop rolling and top spinning.

Best Time: Early morning or dusk when light is soft and crowds are thinner—most photogenic.

Deep Experience: Taste period meals at the worker canteen, experiencing the lively atmosphere of that era.

3. Challenge the Cliffside Glass Walkway, Overlook Canyon Scenery

Experience: Walk on the transparent path at over 800 meters altitude, with sheer drops below and layered mountains ahead. Children might be scared but also excited—parents should supervise closely.

Alternative: Those who prefer not to walk on glass can choose the regular cliffside walkway, still enjoying magnificent views.

4. Visit the Mercury Mine Museum, Understand the History of "Patriotic Mercury"

Experience: In 6 exhibition halls, trace Wanshan's complete historical trajectory from ancient cinnabar mining to modern transformation. See rusty mining equipment, cinnabar ore with dark red luster, listen to guides tell the story of "Patriotic Mercury."

Interactive: Digital displays throughout provide scientific knowledge about mercury mining.

5. Experience Cinnabar Creativity, Take Home a Piece of Cinnabar Memory

Location: Cinnabar Craft Industrial Park or Cinnabar Grand View Garden.

Experience: The Cinnabar Craft Industrial Park brings together 46 enterprises, with products spanning 9 categories and over 400 types including raw cinnabar, pressed cinnabar, cinnabar paintings, and cinnabar accessories. Visitors can observe the cinnabar processing and purchase pendants, bracelets, and ornaments as souvenirs.

Did You Know: The world's largest natural cinnabar crystal is here.

Suggested Itineraries

One-Day "Essence Express" Tour:

Arrive at the scenic area before 9:00 AM → Visit the Mercury Mine Industrial Heritage Museum → Enter the Underground Great Wall mine for exploration → Tour "That Era" Street for photos → Lunch at the scenic area → Afternoon challenge the cliffside glass walkway → Experience zip-lining or rainbow slide (optional) → Visit Cinnabar Grand View Garden, shop for souvenirs → Depart in the evening.
IntoTravelChina Tip: Consider purchasing the all-in-one ticket covering admission, sightseeing car, and multiple experience items—great value.

Two-Day "Deep Nostalgia" Tour:

Day 1: Industrial Heritage Deep Exploration

Arrive at noon, check into Cliff Hotel or Fangxia Yunjü

Afternoon visit to Mercury Mine Museum for in-depth understanding of Wanshan mining history

Evening enter the Underground Great Wall to enjoy light shows

Dinner at the "That Era" Worker Canteen, experiencing nostalgic atmosphere

Overnight in the scenic area, enjoying mountain tranquility

Day 2: Cliffside Scenery + Peripheral Exploration

Rise early, wait for sunrise and sea of clouds at Fangxia Yunjü viewing platform

After breakfast, challenge the cliffside glass walkway and zip-line

Morning visit Cinnabar Grand View Garden, experience cinnabar creativity

Check out at noon, continue to Fanjingshan or Phoenix Ancient Town

For a three-day trip, add Day 3: Visit Tongren Zhongnanmen Ancient City or Fanjingshan Scenic Area.

IntoTravelChina Advantage: We can reserve the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange ticket reservations, transportation connections, and experience activities, and provide detailed route maps and time management recommendations.

Expert Guidance: IntoTravelChina offers private customized itineraries with dedicated guides, transportation, and activity coordination for a deep, worry-free experience.  [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
Zhusha Ancient Town is located at the Guizhou-Hunan border with convenient transportation access.

High-Speed Rail: Take a high-speed train to "Zhusha Ancient Town Station," 11 km from the scenic area, about 20 minutes by taxi. From Tongren city center, a 14-minute direct high-speed train ride costs ¥11.

Self-Drive: Navigate to "Zhusha Ancient Town Visitor Service Center." From Tongren city center, take S201 provincial highway for about 1 hour. From Hunan, take the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway to Zhijiang Toll Station, then transfer to G320 national highway.

By Air: Fly to Tongren Fenghuang Airport or Huaihua Zhijiang Airport.

Important Return Reminder: Scenic area hours are 08:30-17:00. Check high-speed train schedules in advance; Zhusha Ancient Town Station has limited departures.

Best Time to Visit
Zhusha Ancient Town is suitable year-round, with summer for cooling off and spring/autumn for nostalgia being the best experiences.

Summer Cooling Season: Average temperatures around 25°C, with underground mines dropping to 15°C—an excellent summer retreat. Experience the cliffside swimming pool.

Spring/Autumn Nostalgia Season: Pleasant weather, ideal for strolling and photographing "That Era" Street, experiencing nostalgic atmosphere.

Winter: Misty clouds create unique scenery, perfect for exploration and seeking hidden wonders.

Accommodation Options

Within the Scenic Area:

Fangxia Yunjü: A Zen high-end resort on the cliff, offering privacy ideal for meditation and wellness. Open the window to clouds and deep valleys.

Cliff Hotel: Full panorama windows facing canyon scenery.

"That Era" Themed Homestays: Integrated into the nostalgic district, experiencing authentic period atmosphere.

Near the Scenic Area:

Wanshan Hotel: Near the scenic area, good value.

Mercury Capital Hotel: Close to the town center, convenient dining options.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Advice:
We recommend planning and booking at least 1-2 months in advance, especially for summer and holidays. Booking through us provides real-time availability and allows us to package accommodation, tickets, and transport for a seamless itinerary. Tell us your budget and needs, and we will match you with your ideal "Nostalgic Home."  [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Zhusha Ancient Town is the perfect starting point for exploring the nature and culture of the Guizhou-Hunan border area.

Classic 3-Day "Golden Triangle" Loop: Zhusha Ancient Town → Fanjingshan → Fenghuang Ancient Town. A perfect journey integrating industrial heritage, natural wonders, and ethnic culture. 

2-Day Tongren Panorama Tour: Zhusha Ancient Town → Tongren Zhongnanmen Ancient City → Jiulong Cave. Experience Tongren's historical culture and natural scenery. 

The story of Zhusha Ancient Town spans millennia of mining, the dedication of "Patriotic Mercury," and rebirth after resource exhaustion. IntoTravelChina specializes in creating deep, personalized, and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can:

Tailor-Make Your Itinerary: Design the perfect route including Zhusha Ancient Town and surrounding attractions based on your interests and schedule.

Provide One-Stop Service: Secure ticket reservations, unique accommodations, transportation connections, local guides, and activity arrangements.

Arrange Exclusive Experiences: In-depth mine exploration, "That Era" retro photography sessions, cinnabar creative DIY experiences, and more.

Let your Zhusha Ancient Town journey transcend sightseeing—embark on a time-traveling journey across millennia.

Start Planning Your Journey Now
Contact our professional travel advisors. We will provide you with a customized itinerary proposal and quote within 24 hours.  [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]