Nanhu Kailuan Tourist Area

Historical Overview

Founded in 1878 under Li Hongzhang’s leadership, the Kailuan Coal Mine was China’s first mechanized coal mine and a cradle of modern industry. It witnessed pivotal moments:

• 1878–1900: Rapid expansion under Tang Tingshu, reaching an annual output of 780,000 tons by 1899.
• 1900–1945: Foreign control during the Boxer Rebellion and Japanese occupation, with production peaking at 6.65 million tons in 1942.
• 1949–present: Nationalization and technological upgrades, including post-1976 earthquake reconstruction.

The Nanhu Lake area, shaped by 130 years of mining, underwent a dramatic ecological restoration starting in 1996, winning the Dubai International Award for Best Practices in 2004.

Structural Layout

The scenic area is divided into two core zones:

1. Kailuan National Mine Park (Industrial Heritage Zone)

• Underground Mining Tunnels: Experience 19th-century mining life in restored 1.2-km tunnels.
• Steam Locomotive Park: Admire vintage locomotives, including China’s first steam engine, the "Dragon Flag."
• Kailuan Museum: Houses 30+ "China’s Firsts," such as the first standardized railway and first electric power plant.

2. Nanhu Lake Ecological Zone

• Dragon spring Bay: A 3.6 km² wetland with biking trails and birdwatching (215 species recorded).

• Danfeng Chaoyang Square: Iconic 68-meter phoenix sculpture symbolizing Tangshan’s rebirth.

• Cloud Phoenix Island: Non-heritage cultural hub featuring Pingju Opera and shadow puppetry.

Major Attractions

1. Well No. 1 at Kailuan Mine: A 1878-era vertical shaft, now a living museum of industrial archaeology.

2. Nanhu Night Light Show: Summer evening performances with drone swarms and water screen projections.

3. Shadow Puppetry Park: Interactive rides like "Giant Shadow Puppet" and "Jumping Clouds" (tickets from ¥10).

4. Railway Origin Museum: Traces China’s first standard-gauge railway, built in 1881.

5. Botanical Pavilion: Tropical and desert plant exhibits spanning 2,200 species.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 Hours)

Kailuan Museum → Underground Tunnels → Danfeng Chaoyang Square → Dragon Spring Bay → Return
Highlights: Industrial history, iconic landmarks, and lake views.

Family-Friendly Route (4–5 Hours)

Shadow Puppetry Park → Steam Locomotive Park → Cloud Phoenix Island → Nanhu Night Light Show
Highlights: Cultural interactions, vintage trains, and evening entertainment.

Comprehensive Route (Full Day)

Start at Kailuan Mine Park → Explore all museums and tunnels → Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf → Nanhu Lake cycling → Sunset at Dragon Spring Bay → Evening light show.

Ticket Purchase

• Free Entry: Nanhu Lake main area (some attractions require tickets).

• Paid Attractions:

  • Underground Tunnels: ¥138/adult, ¥70/child.
  • Shadow Puppetry Park: ¥49 (1 adult + 1 child).

• Booking: Official WeChat mini-program or Ctrip.

Transportation

• From Beijing:
  • High-speed Rail: 1 hour to Tangshan Station, then taxi (20 mins).
  • Self-drive: 2.5 hours via G1 Jingha Expressway.
• Local Transport:

  • Bus: Routes 31, 66, or 79 to "Nanhu Visitor Center."

  • Scenic Shuttle: Free transfers between Kailuan and Nanhu zones with same-day tickets.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–October (summer nights ideal for light shows).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends host 20,000+ visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy shoes (20,000+ steps daily).
  • Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
  • Prohibited: Drones, large bags.
• Local Cuisine: Try "Tangshan Fish hotpot" and "Lotus Seed Soup" near the lake.