[2025 Tongren Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhusha Ancient Town (Updated Jun)

Discover Wanshan Cinnabar Ancient Town Still undecided about your holiday destination? Wanshan Cinnabar Ancient Town is the perfect choice! This place holds a 2,000-year history of cinnabar mining and was once the "Mercury Capital of China" that played a crucial role in repaying the country's debt to the Soviet Union. Now transformed, it has become a captivating AAAA-level scenic spot where nature and history collide, offering an unparalleled travel experience. Core Attractions, Every Step a Scene - "That Era" Pedestrian Street: Step onto this street and you'll feel like you've entered a time tunnel, perfectly recreating the mining town life of the 1950s-70s. Soviet-style architecture, green trains, supply and marketing cooperatives, post offices… nostalgic elements are everywhere. Vintage bicycles and black-and-white TVs make every photo a retro masterpiece, instantly transporting you back in time. - Underground Great Wall (Mine Cave Adventure): The 970-kilometer-long mining tunnels are like a real-life maze, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. Inside, mining tools and miners' living scenes are meticulously recreated, along with a dazzling "Time Tunnel" illuminated by colorful lights—prepare to be amazed at every turn. If you're brave enough, don’t miss the 126-meter-long, 100-meter-high glass suspension bridge and the 1,055-meter cliffside glass walkway. With a bottomless abyss beneath your feet and breathtaking canyon views ahead, it’s a thrill that will make you scream! - Cinnabar Grand View Garden: Curious about the entire process of cinnabar mining and refining? Want to learn about its history, medicinal uses, and artistic value? This is the place! The museum’s precious cinnabar collections will immerse you in the charm of cinnabar culture. - Soviet Experts' Building & Industrial Heritage Museum: The Soviet Experts' Building bears witness to the era of Sino-Soviet cooperation, while the Industrial Heritage Museum showcases artifacts and footage that vividly depict miners' lives and the development of the mercury industry, taking you back to those passionate years. - Natural Scenery: Tired of cultural sights? The natural beauty awaits. The Fairy Stone on the cliff comes with its own mysterious legend, and on clear days, you might witness the sea of clouds—a dreamy spectacle that feels like stepping into a fairyland. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip - Tickets & Opening Hours: The combo ticket is a great deal at around ¥100 (including "That Era," Underground Great Wall, Cinnabar Grand View Garden, and shuttle bus). Single attraction tickets start at ¥50. Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some night activities extending into the evening. For the best experience, plan a two-day trip: explore the mines and nostalgic streets on day one, and enjoy the natural scenery and cultural sites on day two. - Transportation Guide: High-speed rail is super convenient—get off at Tongren South Station or Cinnabar Ancient Town Station (the latter is closer, just a 10-minute taxi ride). For self-driving, take the Yutong or Tongda Expressway to Wanshan Town and follow the signs. Inside the scenic area, shuttle buses (5-minute ride) and shared e-bikes (¥15/15 minutes) make getting around a breeze. - Accommodation Suggestions: For a unique experience, stay at the Cliff Hotel—some rooms are built right on the edge with stunning views, though they might be a bit humid or windowless (prices start at ¥250). If budget allows, highly recommend "Fangxia Yunju" for its top-tier scenery, though it’s pricier (starting at ¥1,600). Budget-conscious travelers can opt for state-run guesthouses or Dongfanghong Hotel (starting at ¥360)—ask for details on-site. - Food Recommendations: Don’t leave without trying local delicacies! Must-try: the spicy and flavorful lamb foot hotpot at "Guai Ge Yang Jiao"—though the gaminess might not be for everyone. There are also many farmhouse restaurants inside and outside the scenic area offering Eastern Guizhou specialties like clear-soup beef hotpot—don’t miss out! Handy Tips for a Worry-Free Trip - Clothing: The mines are cold and damp—bring a jacket. For the glass walkway, wear non-slip shoes for safety! - Shopping: Cinnabar jewelry makes for beautiful souvenirs, but prices vary widely. Inside the scenic area, it’s about ¥6/gram, but you can bargain at local stalls for ¥4.5/gram—just be sure to check the quality. - Nearby Attractions: Just 1.5 hours away is Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site worth visiting. Two hours away, the ancient town of Fenghuang offers a taste of Western Hunan culture—perfect for a side trip. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set off on this incredible adventure to Wanshan Cinnabar Ancient Town!

🔥Featured Highlights 1⃣ Oriental Elegance Aesthetics: Every step offers a new view—perfect for Hanfu👘 photoshoots, ethereal drum experiences, leisure reading📖 corners, and calligraphy stations. Snap🤳 away for insta-worthy shots! 2⃣ 101 Rooms: Family-friendly🧸 themed rooms, suites, movie-viewing king beds… Starting from 30㎡, unbeatable value for money😍😍! 3⃣ Rooftop Garden🌸 THE BEST: Starlit🌃 cocktail parties, tea-time gatherings🎉—romance level maxed out🌌. 4⃣ Prime Location: Just 15 mins by taxi to the high-speed rail🚄 station, 13 mins to Zhongnanmen Ancient Town, and 1-hour direct to Fanjingshan Mountain! 🍜 Foodie Radar ✔ Nearby Guizhou snacks to devour: mung bean noodles, fried rice cakes, rice tofu, and all kinds of local delights! 📌Tips ▪ Free parking + laundry + gym—a lazy traveler’s dream! ▪ Team meetings? A 180-person conference room is ready!

#Zhusha Ancient Town Zhusha Ancient Town (朱砂古镇), also known as Wanshan National Mine Park, is a unique destination in Wanshan District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province, China. Once home to China’s largest mercury mine, the town has transformed into a cultural and historical site, preserving its rich industrial heritage and offering visitors a glimpse into its past.  ⸻ 🏭 Historical Significance Zhusha Ancient Town was historically significant for its cinnabar (mercury ore) mining, with operations dating back to the Qin Dynasty. At its peak, the Wanshan mercury mine contributed over 80% of China’s mercury production, playing a crucial role in the nation’s economy and even aiding in repaying foreign debts in the 1960s .  ⸻ 🏞️ Attractions & Features • Mercury Mine Industrial Heritage Museum: Showcasing the history of cinnabar mining and smelting processes. • Underground Great Wall: A vast network of tunnels used during mining operations, now open for exploration. • “That Era” Nostalgia Avenue: A street preserving the lifestyle and architecture of the 1950s-1970s, featuring Soviet-style buildings like state-run photo studios and supply cooperatives .  • Natural Scenery: The town is surrounded by lush mountains and features attractions like Xianren Cave and the Yunnan Ladder.  ⸻ 🧭 Visitor Information • Location: Wanshan Town, Wanshan District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province, China.  • Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00 (Tickets available until 16:30). Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Seriously, everyone! Tongren, a small city hidden in Guizhou, has completely captivated me. It's so much fun that I don't want to leave! Now, I'm sharing my travel guide with you without reservation. Save it now🌟 🏨 Top Accommodation Choice: Pinman Yun Hotel 📍 Prime Location, Worry-Free Travel Starting from Tongren High-Speed Rail Station, a taxi ride of about 15 minutes will take you to the hotel, seamlessly connecting you to vacation mode. 🛏 Diverse Room Types, Utmost Comfort With a total of 101 rooms, from cozy nests for solo travelers to romantic spaces for couples and warm suites for family gatherings, you can choose whatever you want and enjoy your stay. 🎨 Oriental Charm, Poetic Residence As a masterpiece of art and culture hotel under the Pinman Group, it adheres to the concept of "Clouds Rising and Flourishing - Elegant Oriental Charm" and interprets traditional Oriental elements with modern techniques. As soon as you enter the hotel, you feel like you have fallen into a dreamlike realm of Oriental aesthetics. The guest rooms are full of details, with separate wet and dry bathrooms and high-quality toiletries, making your stay extremely enjoyable. 🍱 Sumptuous Breakfast, Energetic Start The buffet breakfast restaurant can accommodate 100 people at the same time. The dishes are so rich that you will be dazzled. One bite will start your energetic day. In addition, there are also a leisure book bar, gym, laundry room, and garden terrace. If you are driving, don't worry, there is a free parking lot here, which is super considerate. ⛰️ Nearby Attractions ✨Zhongnanmen Ancient City (1.9 km from the hotel): A Ming and Qing dynasty block with more than 500 years of history. The ancient streets and alleys are full of charm. The lights are beautiful at night, and you can also eat delicacies such as mung bean noodles and Shefan (glutinous rice cooked with seasonal wild vegetables). ✨Mount Fanjing (about 60 km from the hotel, about 1.5 hours' drive): A 5A-rated scenic spot and famous Buddhist mountain. The Mushroom Rock and Red Cloud Golden Summit are very shocking. Overlooking from the top is very fulfilling. Remember to book tickets online 3 days in advance. ✨Zhusha Ancient Town (about 50 km from the hotel, about 1.2 hours' drive): Once a mercury mining industrial site, you can learn about the history of cinnabar mining. The nostalgic buildings are very photogenic, and you can also experience the mining train. The pastoral scenery of Yun She Village nearby is beautiful, and the folk customs are strong. Tongren, where natural scenery and human history are perfectly intertwined, don't hesitate, arrange it quickly, and come to Tongren to encounter a good time💕

🌈Tongren, Guizhou, is located on the mysterious Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and is famous for its abundant natural resources and long history and culture. Tongren is a famous cinnabar producing area in China and even the world. Cinnabar is undoubtedly a shining pearl of Tongren. ✨Tongren City is located in the northeast of Guizhou Province, in the heart of the Wuling Mountains. The natural environment here is unique, with beautiful mountains and rivers and abundant mineral resources. In the Tongren area, many places produce cinnabar, among which Wanshan District and Jiangkou County are the most famous. The cinnabar crystals in these places have a tight structure and bright color, and are known for their high quality and large quantity. They have been highly regarded since ancient times. 🔴Historical Status of Cinnabar In ancient China, cinnabar was widely used in religious, cultural and medical fields due to its unique color and efficacy. Cinnabar was regarded as a treasure by the royal family and was even included in the list of tributes. Many emperors and generals loved cinnabar, believing that it could bring good luck and longevity. Cinnabar occupies an important position in Taoist culture. The Taoist classic "Baopuzi" records the magical effects of cinnabar, making Taoists highly admire cinnabar. 🔵Folklore In Tongren City, there are countless folklores about cinnabar. It is said that in ancient times, a ferocious monster wreaked havoc on the villagers. A Taoist priest used cinnabar to draw a talisman to drive away the monster, so that the villagers could live in peace. Since then, every Spring Festival, every household in Tongren City will light cinnabar to ward off evil and pray for peace and good fortune in the new year. This traditional custom is still passed down in the streets and alleys of Tongren City. 🟣Medicinal Value Cinnabar has the effect of calming the mind and calming the spirit, and is very effective for insomnia and dreaminess. In traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, a moderate amount of cinnabar is often added to achieve the purpose of calming the mind and relieving anxiety. The heat-clearing and detoxifying effects of cinnabar are widely recognized. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, cinnabar is yang in nature and can dispel heat toxins from the body. It has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on hot diseases such as colds and coughs. Modern medical research shows that mercuric sulfide in cinnabar has good anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. This makes cinnabar have high research and development value in the field of antiviral drugs. 🏮In addition, traditional Chinese medicine classics such as "Compendium of Materia Medica" also record the medicinal value of cinnabar in detail. These classics show that cinnabar has a certain therapeutic effect on auxiliary treatment of nervous system diseases and cardiovascular diseases. 🚗Transportation: To get from Tongren City to Cinnabar Ancient Town, you can choose to drive yourself or take public transportation. By car, drive in the direction of Jiangkou-Tongren, the whole journey is about 32 kilometers. By public transportation, you can take a bus to Cinnabar Ancient Town from the passenger station or train station in Tongren City. 📝Recommended Must-Sees: 🏡Cinnabar Ancient Town is a nostalgic mining town that preserves old buildings from the 1950s to 1980s. Here, you can visit the Mining Park and Dansha Valley Trail, and experience the historical weight and natural beauty. 💛Wanshan Mercury Mine Industrial Heritage Museum showcases the distribution of mercury resources in the world and China, as well as the history of mining and smelting in Wanshan Mercury Mine. It is a good place to learn about local history and culture. ❤️Cinnabar Grand View Garden is a place to comprehensively introduce and display cinnabar culture. You can appreciate precious cinnabar cultural collections here. 💜Special Souvenirs: In Cinnabar Ancient Town, you can buy some cinnabar crafts as souvenirs, not only as a memory, but also as a gift to friends and relatives. ✨In short, cinnabar in Tongren, Guizhou attracts worldwide attention for its high quality and rich cultural connotation. It not only occupies an important position in history and culture, but also shows great potential in modern medicine. In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology and the in-depth research of natural medicines, the value of cinnabar will be further explored and utilized.

In the depths of Guizhou, there is a time machine—Zhushaguzhen, which takes you back to the 1950s in a second, allowing you to experience the elegance of those years! 🚀 🏮Zhushaguzhen, a secret realm that transcends time🏮 This place was once the largest mercury mining base in New China, and now it has transformed into a 4A-level tourist attraction. The 105 square kilometers of land are full of stories. In 2012, it was even included in the preliminary list of China's World Cultural Heritage! Here, the dedication of the pioneers is witnessed, and the glory of the country is remembered. 🌟 📍Location: Zhushaguzhen, Wanshan District, Tongren City, Guizhou Province 🚄How to get there: Direct high-speed train, self-driving is also convenient with parking available! 🎫Ticket price: 130 yuan per adult, free for children under 1.2 meters (includes entrance ticket, 'That Era' ticket, Zhushaguan Garden ticket, and sightseeing car ticket, all in one!) 🎬'That Era', memories of those years🎬 Here, you can not only see 'antiques' like thermos bottles, teacups, food coupons, sewing machines, bicycles, and dolls, but also experience the nostalgic charm of photo studios, supply and marketing cooperatives, post offices, workers' night schools, infirmaries, and blacksmith shops. 💾 🔥Must-visit attractions, don't miss them!🔥 🏠'That Era': Step into grain and oil stores, post offices, wedding rooms, bookstores, barber shops, infirmaries, and night schools, each place is a mark of time, making you feel like you are traveling back to the 1950s and 60s. 🚦Underground Great Wall: Explore the miners' work area, with 970 kilometers of mine tunnels, now brilliantly lit, yet unable to hide the hardships of the past. 🌄Heidongzi: Over two thousand years of mining relics, each cave tells the vicissitudes of history. 🍽️Food exploration, satisfying your taste buds🍽️ Here, sheep's foot hot pot, smoked bacon, and various snacks await you, making your food journey worthwhile! 🏡Accommodation recommendations, giving you a good night's sleep🏡 Put down Yunju Hotel, Cliff Hotel, allowing you to switch between tranquility and magnificence, enjoying a different night. 🌟Travel tips, remember to bring these!🌟 👟Wear sports shoes or hiking shoes, as you will be walking a lot! 🧥The scenic area is at an altitude of 800 meters, the weather is changeable, so rain gear and jackets are essential.

When it comes to Wanshan Ancient Town, many people may not know its splendid history 1️⃣ It was our first special administrative region, decades before Shenzhen; 2️⃣ The mercury produced there was called 'patriotic mercury' by the Premier; 3️⃣ In the 1960s, it helped the motherland repay 75% of its foreign debt; 4️⃣ Wanshan is famous for producing cinnabar that was known throughout the civilized world, and its cinnabar industry park leads the nation in both output and quality of cinnabar! 'That era' is located inside Wanshan Cinnabar Ancient Town, a dozen kilometers away from the high-speed train station of the ancient town, with a smooth journey all the way! What you feel when you get there is like traveling back to the 60s and 70s, with buildings well-preserved, and the atmosphere of the towering ancient city is all post-liberation scenes.

Located 40 kilometers outside of Tongren, there is the largest mercury mine in China at Wanshan, which once ranked third in the world in terms of reserves and production, earning the title 'Mercury Capital of China.' It played a role in repaying foreign debts in the 1960s. Its mining history dates back to the Tai Dynasty, with Xu Fu once setting up furnaces here to refine elixirs for Emperor Qin Shi Huang in pursuit of the medicine for immortality. Now that the resources are depleted, it has been transformed into the Zhusha Ancient Town tourist resort. Here, we can step into the life of miners from the 1950s, enter the mining and production areas, and enjoy the natural scenery. A half-day tour of this novel industrial heritage is quite rewarding. To get to the Zhusha Ancient Town scenic area, take the bus to Wanshan Town from the Tongren South Bus Station, and tell the driver you are going to Zhusha Ancient Town; they will take you directly to the entrance of the scenic area.

That era preserves and renovates the buildings and mercury mine living areas from the 50s to 80s, and is one of the attractions of the Cinnabar Ancient Town. That era was the age of the planned economy, where people's lives were planned, including their food, clothing, and even their future. We reminisce about that time, with the older generation cherishing memories of their youth, and also a nostalgic feeling for the solidity of life during that era. The entire scenic area mainly consists of three streets, along with the yet-to-open Soviet-style building section, where the atmosphere is well-rendered by loudspeaker music. Taking vintage photos is a good idea, and there's not much commercial activity on a regular basis, it seems like there's only one business selling grilled sausages, so it might be a bit boring for those who don't enjoy walking around or taking photos. Perhaps during the holidays, it would be better with some character actors involved in the scene. Overall, it's suitable for photography and reminiscing, but the entertainment and commercial facilities are still lacking.

The Cinnabar Ancient Town Tourist Resort was once the largest mercury mine in New China (the original Wanshan Mercury Mine). The pioneers dedicated themselves selflessly and fought hard, creating an unprecedented industrial miracle. Now it has become a tourist attraction for domestic and foreign tourists, the millennium dan capital - Cinnabar Ancient Town. 🌟Highlights: 60s themed scenic area gives a sense of time travel, as if returning to the era of the working class 🚉Travel strategy: The entrance ticket includes the cost of the electric car, although it's not far, everyone understands the routine of the scenic area ✅Must experience: There are many retro items in the scenic area that are suitable for taking pictures, everyone can experience it 👎Least recommended: To be honest, when I heard about Cinnabar Ancient Town, my first reaction was that it was an ancient town that produced cinnabar. But when I entered, I found out it was a themed scenic area 📝Note tips: It is not recommended to make a special trip. There are many places in the scenic area that are not open, such as the Underground Great Wall, but if you go to these scenic spots, you will have to pay extra