Cinnabar Ancient Town

Historical Overview

Mining in the region dates back to the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries), but commercial-scale cinnabar extraction began under the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) to produce vermilion pigment and mercury for imperial rituals. During the Qing Dynasty, the town became a state-monopolized "Mercury Bureau," employing over 10,000 workers. The 1950s–1980s saw peak production under Soviet-assisted industrialization, with tunnels extending 970 kilometers underground. Decline began in the 1990s due to resource depletion, leading to its 2001 closure and subsequent transformation into a heritage site. Key milestones include its 2012 listing as a "China National Mining Heritage Site" and 2015 opening as a tourism destination, preserving 12 historical mines and 30 Soviet-style buildings.

Structural Layout

The town is divided into three zones:Underground Adventure Zone: Features the Black Cave Mine, China’s longest publicly accessible cinnabar tunnel (3 km), with original mining tools, mercury extraction workshops, and geological displays.

Industrial Heritage Zone: Showcases Soviet-era architecture, including the Red Mill Power Station, Mercury Refinery, and Worker’s Club, all repurposed into museums and art spaces.

Ethnic Culture Zone: Highlights Miao traditions through the Thousand-House Miao Village, with stilt houses, silver ornament workshops, and lusheng (bamboo flute) performances.

Key landmarks include the Mercury Memorial Tower, Underground River Light Show, and Time Tunnel Museum tracing 1,000 years of mining history.Major Attractions

Black Cave Mine Tour: Walk through illuminated tunnels to see cinnabar veins, mercury pools, and 1950s mining equipment.

Soviet-Style Industrial Buildings: Explore red-brick factories converted into galleries displaying vintage photos and machinery.

Miao Ethnic Village: Experience traditional Miao costumes, dance, and the Silver Village showcasing intricate headpieces and jewelry.

Underground River Cruise: Sail through a 1.2 km subterranean river with colorful LED lighting effects.

Mercury Science Museum: Learn about mercury’s historical uses in medicine, alchemy, and industry through interactive exhibits.

Time Tunnel Theater: Watch a 20-minute light-and-sound show depicting the town’s rise and fall.

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Highlights (3–4 hours):

Mercury Memorial Tower → Black Cave Mine Entrance → Underground River Cruise → Soviet Industrial Zone → Miao Village Handicraft Workshop

Focus: Core mining history and ethnic culture.

Full-Day Exploration (6–7 hours):

Time Tunnel Museum → Black Cave Mine (Deep Section) → Mercury Refinery Tour → Lunch at Miao Restaurant → Underground River Light Show → Evening Lusheng Performance

Highlights: In-depth mining experience and cultural immersion.

Family-Friendly Route (4–5 hours):

Mercury Science Museum → Shallow Mine Tunnel (Child-Safe) → Miao Village Playground → Underground River Boat Ride → Soviet-Style Photo Studio

Ideal for kids with interactive and safe activities.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official WeChat account “朱砂古镇” (Zhusha Guzhen) or Ctrip/Trip.com up to 7 days in advance.

On-Site: Purchase at the main ticket office (open 7:30 AM–5 PM).

Prices:Standard Ticket: ¥120 (includes mine tour, river cruise, and Miao village).

Discounted Ticket: ¥60 (students, seniors 60–69, children 1.2–1.5m).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Add-ons: Guided tours (¥50/person), photography permits (¥20).

Transportation

By Train: Take a high-speed train to Tongren South Station, then a 1-hour taxi (¥150) or shuttle bus (¥30/person) to the town.

By Bus: Long-distance buses from Guiyang (4 hours, ¥100) or Zunyi (2.5 hours, ¥60) stop at Wanshan District, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride.

Self-Drive: From Guiyang, follow the G60 Expressway to Wanshan Exit (3.5 hours total). Parking is available at the town entrance (¥10/day).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, 15–25°C). Avoid July–August rainy season for underground tours.

Off-Peak: November–March (fewer crowds, but some outdoor areas may close).

Essentials:Wear sturdy shoes (mine tunnels are damp and uneven).

Bring a light jacket (underground temperature: 12–15°C year-round).

Photography allowed (no tripods in mines; flash prohibited in museums).

Prohibited items: Large backpacks, drones, and smoking in tunnels.

Local Cuisine: Try Miao specialties like suantang fish (Sour Soup Fish) and glutinous rice cakes at restaurants near the village square.