Abandoned Mines Transformed into Thriving Ski Resort in Northern China
Xinhua/APP
Taiyuan: The Wujinshan Li Ning International Ski Resort in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, continues to draw skiing enthusiasts even after the eight-day Spring Festival holiday.
Once a coal-rich mining region, the Wujin Mountain area now boasts four ski resorts. “I heard from my elders that this place used to be a mine when I was young. I never imagined it could become a ski resort,” said a tourist surnamed Jiang.
Wang Fei, deputy mayor of Wujinshan, recalled that a decade ago, the town housed seven coal mines along with enterprises engaged in coal, building materials, and metallurgy.
“Excessive resource exploitation severely damaged the mountain’s vegetation, leaving many areas scarred with abandoned mines,” Wang noted. Today, remnants of old mine shafts remain visible, but the area has undergone a remarkable transformation into a thriving winter sports hub.
To restore the environment, various revegetation techniques were applied to green approximately 236,000 square meters of barren land. The resort now offers diverse snow-based activities, including snowmobiling, snowman-building, and snowball fights, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
According to Zhang Yingjie, head of Jinzhong’s Yuci District, the region is leveraging its strategic location and premium ski trails to foster an ice and snow economy. By developing a comprehensive winter sports industry encompassing tourism, culture, and equipment, the district has injected new economic vitality.
During the 2023-24 snow season, Jinzhong’s ski resorts attracted nearly 250,000 visitors, generating approximately 22 million yuan (three million U.S. dollars) in revenue—marking a 25 percent year-on-year increase. Additionally, the city has positioned itself as a hub for winter sports by hosting over 10 international skiing and cross-country competitions.
Beyond professional events, Jinzhong promotes winter sports through youth training programs and public ice and snow activities, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience.
As night falls, the Wujinshan Ski Resort becomes even more vibrant. Visitors gather around bonfires, singing and dancing, infusing warmth and energy into the chilly winter nights, solidifying the area’s reputation as a premier winter destination.
