Nanhu & Kailuan Scenic Area
Spot Introduction
Nanhu & Kailuan Scenic Area is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating industrial heritage, ecological leisure, and cultural exhibition. Originally a coal mining subsidence area of Kailuan Coal Mine, Nanhu has been transformed into the largest urban central lake park in North China through ecological restoration. The Kailuan National Mine Park, on the other hand, exhibits the industrial civilization history of the century-old coal capital.
Established in 2008, the scenic area was renovated from the former Kailuan coal mine subsidence area, covering a total area of 28 square kilometers. As the main venue of the 2016 Tangshan International Horticultural Exposition, Nanhu Scenic Area demonstrates a model for the transformation and development of resource-based cities. Once a coal mining subsidence area formed over 130 years of mining by Kailuan Coal Mine, it has now become a city green heart integrating ecological protection, entertainment, and cultural exhibition after more than ten years of ecological restoration.
The most distinctive feature of the scenic area is the perfect combination of industrial heritage protection and ecological restoration. Kailuan National Mine Park has preserved the industrial sites of the century-old coal mine, including old mine shafts, steam locomotives, miners’ living areas, etc., vividly reproducing the history of modern industrial development in China. Through water system management, vegetation restoration, and other measures, Nanhu Ecological Park has transformed the once “city scar” into a “city green lung,” becoming a model case of ecological restoration.
The scenic area hosts various special activities every year, such as the Industrial Culture Festival, Ecological Photography Exhibition, Science Popularization Education Week, etc. Among them, the “Kailuan Industrial Culture Festival” held every May is the most famous. Through live performances, cultural relic exhibitions, interactive experiences, and other ways, it allows visitors to deeply understand China’s industrial development. Additionally, the scenic area has established multiple science popularization education bases, regularly carrying out environmental protection themed educational activities.
Spot Introduction
As a national 4A tourist attraction, Nanhu Kailuan Tourist Area is not only a tourist destination but also an important window showcasing China’s industrial civilization and ecological restoration achievements. It has witnessed the transformation of Tangshan from a “coal capital” to an “ecological city,” providing valuable experience for the transformational development of resource-based cities.
Must-see Attractions
Nanhu Ecological Park
- The largest artificial lake in the city
- Wetland bird watching area
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
Kailuan National Mine Park
- A hundred-year-old mining area site
- Industrial heritage exhibition
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
Tangshan Industrial Museum
- Exhibition of the development history of the coal capital
- Interactive experience projects
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
Binhu Commercial and Leisure Area
- Distinctive dining street
- Cultural and creative business district
- Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes
Visiting Suggestions
Best touring route
- Nanhu Ecological Park → Kailuan National Mine Park → Industrial Museum → Binhu Commercial Area
- It is recommended to visit industrial heritage in the morning and ecological parks in the afternoon.
Visiting schedule arrangement
- It is recommended to make an appointment to visit the Industrial Museum.
- You can enjoy the night view of Nanhu in the evening.
- There will be special cultural activities on weekends.
Practical tips
- The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus.
- You need to wear comfortable shoes in the mine park.
- It is recommended to bring a camera to record industrial relics.
Transportation Guide
- Bus: Multiple lines such as 27, 31, and 32 are available.
- Subway: Line 1, Nanhu Park Station
- Self-drive: You can park in the Nanhu Park parking lot.
- Sightseeing bus: There is an environmentally friendly sightseeing bus service in the scenic area.
Recommended Gourmet Around
- Nanhu Gourmet Street
- Kailuan Theme Restaurant
- Tangshan Special Snacks
- Binhu Dining Area
Special Reminders
- Some areas of the mine park require an appointment.
- Pay attention to sun protection as there are limited sunshade facilities in the scenic area.
- Pay attention to safety in the industrial heritage area.
- Life jackets must be worn when rowing in the lake area.
- The road may be slippery on rainy days.
- It is recommended to bring drinking water.
- This is a comprehensive scenic area suitable for the whole family to visit.