The Nanhu-Kailuan Scenic Area is located in Lunan District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. It consists of Tangshan Nanhu Scenic Area and Kailuan National Mine Park, with a total area of 5.8 square kilometers. Of this, Tangshan Nanhu Scenic Area covers 5.4 square kilometers and has more than 130 scenic spots; Kailuan National Mine Park covers 0.4 square kilometers. The scenic area is characterized by a perfect combination of industrial heritage protection and ecological restoration, showcasing Tangshan's transformation from an industrial city to an ecological city. It has been awarded honors such as Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, National Industrial Heritage Tourism Base, and the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment.
History and Culture
In 1876, Li Hongzhang appointed Tang Tingshu to survey coal and iron mining in Kaiping Town, beginning Tangshan's modern industrial history. In 1878, Kaiping Coal Mine first opened the Tangshan Mine. After that, China's first self-run railway company, first mechanized cement factory, and others were established. Tangshan Mine developed from mechanized coal mining to fully mechanized coal mining. After the 1976 earthquake, it quickly resumed production. In 2008, Kailuan National Mine Park was completed and opened to the public in 2009.
Long-term mining by Kailuan created 26 square kilometers of mining-affected areas. Subsidence worsened after the earthquake, and the area was once used as a dumping ground for rubble. Since the 1990s, Tangshan has launched treatment of the southern coal mining subsidence area. From 2008 to 2012, it restored the ecological environment of 30 square kilometers in Nanhu, built more than 130 scenic spots, and created 19.5 square kilometers of green area, forming the world's largest urban central ecological park. From 2013 to 2017, construction for the International Horticultural Exposition was completed, receiving 5.21 million visitors in total.
In 2021, Nanhu and Kailuan Mine Park were integrated to create a national 5A-level scenic area, and it was officially approved in 2024.
Major Attractions
Danfeng Chaoyang (Phoenix Greeting the Sun)
The Danfeng Chaoyang sculpture is 68 meters high and weighs 447 tons. It was designed by Han Meilin, and its name comes from The Book of Songs. The sculpture features a phoenix as the main subject, with a central sphere symbolizing the "sun" and eight bronze lions at the base. It is a landmark of Nanhu Scenic Area.
Longshan (Dragon Mountain)
Longshan covers 384 mu, with 282 mu of green area, and includes landscapes such as Longyuan and Huaxi. It was formed by piling up fly ash and coal gangue, covering them with soil, and planting greenery. It is named in memory of the "Dragon" locomotive. The mountain is evergreen in all four seasons and has flowers in three seasons.
Phoenix Terrace
Phoenix Terrace is a main viewing platform in Nanhu. Before renovation, it was a domestic waste landfill. Through ecological restoration projects such as sealing the hill and covering it with soil, it has become a model of ecological construction. Visitors can overlook the entire scenic area from here.
Botanical Exotica Hall
Botanical Exotica Hall is the first large tropical plant conservatory in Hebei Province, with 1,033 species of tropical plants. It is divided into five landscape areas and one science popularization area. It is an important venue for plant science education and study tours in Tangshan.
Kailuan Museum
Kailuan Museum houses cultural relics such as China's earliest stock certificate. It has 48 Grade-One cultural relics and 72 Grade-Two cultural relics. More than 10,000 treasures record more than 20 "firsts" in China's industrial history created by Kailuan.
Underground Mine Exploration
Adapted from old coal mine tunnels, Underground Mine Exploration recreates nine working faces from primitive to modern coal mining. It is an underground exploration area integrating experience, exhibition, and leisure.
Suggested Itinerary：
In the morning, visit Kailuan National Mine Park. First, tour Kailuan Museum to learn about industrial history, then experience Underground Mine Exploration. At noon, enjoy local specialties at Tangshan Banquet. In the afternoon, go to Nanhu Scenic Area. Start from the Danfeng Chaoyang sculpture, climb Phoenix Terrace to overlook the panorama, stroll on Longshan, and finally visit Botanical Exotica Hall to admire tropical plants. In the evening, you can watch night programs such as the light and water dance show.
Tips：
The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers and reserve a full day for visiting. Follow the scenic area's official WeChat account for information about lantern festivals, ice and snow seasons, and other activities. In summer, take sun protection measures; in winter, keep warm. During Underground Mine Exploration, follow the guide's instructions.
Precautions：
Safety equipment must be worn during Underground Mine Exploration, and equipment must not be touched without permission. In Nanhu Scenic Area, protect flowers and plants and do not litter. Wanxiang Forest Hall is closed on Mondays; pay attention to attraction opening hours. During peak season, parking lots may be full, so it is recommended to travel off-peak or take public transportation.
Transportation：
Bus: Take Tourist Route 1, Tourist Route 3, or Bus 79 and get off at Nanhu Park Station.
By car: Navigate to "Nanhu-Kailuan Scenic Area"; there is a Nanhu Scenic Area parking lot nearby, with a parking fee of about 10 yuan per time.
Taxi: About 20 minutes from Tangshan Railway Station, costing about 20 yuan.
Opening Hours：
From January 1 to April 10 and from April 12 to December 31, opening hours are 6:00–22:00; on April 11, opening hours are 6:00–17:00. Main entrances such as the Visitor Center Gate and Hupanli Gate are open from 6:00 to 22:00; the Botanical Garden Gate is open from 8:30 to 17:30; Wanxiang Forest Hall is closed on Mondays and open from 9:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday.
Tickets：
Tickets start at 10 yuan.