Nanhu·Kailuan Tourist Area is located in Lunan District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The area is composed of Tangshan Nanhu Tourist Scenic Area and Kailuan National Mine Park, with a total area of 5.8 square kilometers. Among them, Tangshan Nanhu Tourist Scenic Area covers 5.4 square kilometers with more than 130 landscapes; Kailuan National Mine Park covers 0.4 square kilometers. Characterized by the perfect integration of industrial heritage protection and ecological restoration, the area demonstrates Tangshan's transformation from an industrial city to an ecological one. It has successively won honors such as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, National Industrial Heritage Tourism Base, and Dubai International Best Practices Award for Improving the Living Environment.
History and Culture
In 1876, Li Hongzhang appointed Tang Tingshu to survey the coal and iron ore resources in Kaiping Town, marking the beginning of Tangshan's modern industrial history. In 1878, Kaiping Coal Mine opened Tangshan Mine, giving birth to China's first self-run railway company—Kaiping Railway Company, and China's first mechanized cement factory—Tangshan Fine Cotton Earth Factory. Tangshan Mine experienced the development from mechanized to comprehensive mechanized coal mining. After the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake, although Kailuan suffered severe damage, workers quickly resumed production. Kailuan National Mine Park was completed for pre-exhibition in 2008 and opened to the public in 2009.
Long-term mining by Kailuan formed a 26-square-kilometer coal mining affected area, which worsened into a debris landfill after the earthquake. Since the mid-late 1990s, Tangshan has launched comprehensive management of the southern mining subsidence area. From 2008 to 2012, 30 square kilometers of ecological environment in Nanhu were restored, with more than 130 scenic spots built and a total green area of 19.5 square kilometers, making it the world's largest urban central ecological park. From 2013 to 2017, the preparation, construction, and operation of the World Horticultural Exposition were completed, creating three "firsts" and receiving 5.21 million visitors in total.
In 2021, Nanhu and Kailuan Mine Park jointly created a national 5A-level tourist area, which was officially approved in 2024.
Main Attractions
Danfeng Chaoyang
The Danfeng Chaoyang sculpture, 68 meters high and weighing 447 tons, was designed by Han Meilin, with its name derived from The Book of Songs. Featuring a phoenix as the main body, a central sphere symbolizing the "sun," and eight bronze lions at the base, it serves as the landmark of Nanhu Scenic Area.
Longshan
Longshan covers 384 mu (25.6 hectares) with a green area of 282 mu (18.8 hectares), including landscapes like Longyuan and Huaxi. Piled up with fly ash and coal gangue and then covered with soil for greening, it was named to commemorate the "Dragon Locomotive." The mountain remains evergreen throughout the year and blooms in three seasons.
Fenghuang Terrace
Fenghuang Terrace, the main viewing platform of Nanhu, was formerly a domestic waste landfill. Through mountain closure, soil covering, and other projects, the ecological environment was restored, making it a model of ecological construction. It offers a panoramic view of the entire area.
Plant Style Pavilion
As Hebei Province's first large-scale tropical plant pavilion, the Plant Style Pavilion houses 1,033 species of tropical plants, divided into five landscape areas and one science popularization area. It serves as an important venue for plant science education in Tangshan.
Kailuan Museum
Kailuan Museum houses cultural relics such as China's earliest existing stock certificate, 48 first-class cultural relics, 72 second-class cultural relics, and tens of thousands of precious collections, recording more than 20 "firsts" in modern Chinese industrial history created by Kailuan.
Underground Exploration
Transformed from old coal mine roadways, Underground Exploration truly reproduces nine real working faces from primitive to modern coal mining, serving as an underground exploration area integrating experience, display, and leisure functions.
Food
Tangshan Yan Cuisine
Tangshan Yan, a featured dining venue in the area, gathers Tangshan's special foods. For example, Qizi Shaobing (chessboard-shaped pastry) is small like a chess piece, with a crispy outer layer and fillings such as meat or sugar. Tangshan Ma Tang (sesame candy) is as thin as paper, golden in color, sweet, and crispy. Qianxi Chestnuts are plump, sweet, and soft, rich in nutrition.
Surrounding Special Snacks
Nearby snacks include Wanlixiang Roast Chicken, made from high-quality chicken with unique craftsmanship, featuring tender meat and aromatic flavor. Hao's Huoshao (crispy pancake) is crispy outside and tender inside, perfect for stuffing with braised dishes or stir-fries. Other Tangshan specialties include Ganglu Shaobing (kiln-baked pastry) and Miancha (flour tea).
Tickets
Tickets start from 10 RMB.
Search for the official WeChat public account "唐山南湖开滦旅游景区" for the latest updates or online booking. Various ticket types are available—please purchase according to your needs.
Opening Hours
Opening hours are 6:00–22:00 from January 1 to April 10 and April 12 to December 31; 6:00–17:00 on April 11. Main entrances (Tourist Center Gate, Hupanli Gate, etc.) are open 6:00–22:00; the Botanical Garden Gate is open 8:30–17:30. Vientiane Forest Hall is closed every Monday for maintenance, open 9:00–17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.
Tour Route
In the morning, visit Kailuan National Mine Park: start with Kailuan Museum to learn about industrial history, then experience the Underground Exploration Tour. Have lunch at Tangshan Yan for local cuisine. In the afternoon, head to Nanhu Scenic Area: begin at the Danfeng Chaoyang sculpture, climb Fenghuang Terrace for a panoramic view, stroll through Longshan, and end at the Plant Style Pavilion to admire tropical plants. If time allows, watch night shows like the Light and Water Dance Performance in the evening.
Transportation
- Bus: Take You 1, You 3, 79, etc., and get off at Nanhu Park Station.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Nanhu·Kailuan Tourist Area." Nearby parking lots (e.g., Nanhu Scenic Area Parking Lot) offer parking at about 10 RMB per time.
- Taxi: About 20 minutes from Tangshan Railway Station, costing around 20 RMB (fare may vary by route).
Must-visit Attractions
- Kailuan Museum: Rich collections for an in-depth understanding of modern Chinese industrial history.
- Danfeng Chaoyang: 68-meter landmark, exquisitely designed—ideal for photos.
- Underground Exploration Tour: Experience coal mining scenes and industrial heritage charm.
- Fenghuang Terrace: Ecological restoration model and best viewpoint for Nanhu's panorama.
Tour Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes—allow a full day for the large area.
- Follow the official WeChat for event info (e.g., Nanhu Spring Festival Lantern Show, Shadow Puppet Theme Park Ice-Snow Festival).
- Apply sunscreen in summer, dress warmly in winter, and follow guides during Underground Exploration.
Notes
- Wear safety gear during Underground Exploration; do not touch equipment or leave the group unaccompanied.
- Protect flowers and trees in Nanhu—no littering.
- Vientiane Forest Hall is closed Mondays; check opening hours for attractions.
- Parking may be full in peak seasons—consider off-peak visits or public transport.