Young Africans visit former Chinese mining city transformed into ecological tourism site

After mineral resources depleted, the area faced decline. Local authorities have since implemented ecological restoration and preserved mining heritage, transforming the area into the Zhusha cinnabar Ancient City tourist destination. This site now offers attractions like a cliffside infinity pool, an adventure course, a 1,200-meter-high glass slide, camping areas, and a nostalgic industrial street called "The Old Days."

Peng Hui, from Zhusha Ancient City's marketing department, explained their tourism model focuses on mine gallery exploration and mountain water activities during the day, with evening barbecues. Marius Zongo, a Burkinabe computer science master's student at Tongren University, expressed deep respect for past miners after exploring the cinnabar-lined tunnels. Having studied sustainable industrial development in Guizhou, Zongo noted the relevance to Burkina Faso's mining sector, seeing Zhusha's transformation into a tourism driver as an inspiration for his home country.

He admired how the city converted abandoned mines into useful, educational, and beautiful spaces, turning industrial sites into cultural treasures. Another Burkinabe visitor, Anouri Boussim, photographed the redeveloped industrial district, which features vintage photography studios, shoema