Fushun, a prefecture-level city in central Liaoning Province, China, is a significant industrial and historical hub situated approximately 45 km east of Shenyang, the provincial capital. Known as the "City of Coal" for its vast coal reserves, Fushun lies along the Hun River and is surrounded by rugged hills and mountains. With a population of 1,854,372 as of the 2020 census (1,068,332 in its urban core), Fushun covers 11,271.03 km², blending urban development with natural landscapes. The city is famous for its coal mining heritage, the Fushun War Criminals Management Center, and cultural landmarks like the Lei Feng Memorial Hall.
Fushun is located in the hilly region of central Liaoning, with the
Hun River bisecting the city and creating fertile valleys. The terrain
is predominantly mountainous (70%), with hills, plains, and river basins
making up the rest. Forest coverage is significant at 53%, contributing
to scenic areas like Sa’erhu Scenic Area. Fushun administers four
districts (Shuncheng, Xinfu, Dongzhou, and Wanghua), one county (Fushun
County), and two autonomous counties (Qingyuan Manchu Autonomous County
and Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County), encompassing 43 towns, 1,177
villages, and 208 communities.
Fushun has a monsoon-influenced
humid continental climate (Köppen Dwa), characterized by distinct
seasons:
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temperatures
averaging 24–28°C (75–82°F). July brings heavy rainfall, contributing to
the annual 700–900 mm precipitation, occasionally causing Hun River
flooding.
Winter (December–February): Cold and dry, with temperatures
dropping to -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F). Snowfall is moderate, and
coal-based heating historically impacted air quality.
Spring and
Autumn: Mild and pleasant, with April–May and September–October ideal
for tourism. Autumn foliage in Qingyuan and Xinbin is particularly
vibrant. Fushun’s air quality has improved in recent years due to
reduced coal production and stricter environmental regulations, though
industrial activity still poses challenges.
Fushun’s history spans prehistoric times to its modern role as an
industrial powerhouse:
Prehistoric and Ancient Period:
Archaeological evidence indicates human activity from the Neolithic
period, with ties to the Hongshan Culture. During the Warring States
Period (475–221 BC), Fushun was part of the Yan state. The Han Dynasty
(206 BC–220 AD) established administrative control, followed by the
Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BC–668 AD).
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Fushun was
a significant Manchu stronghold, as the Manchu originated in nearby
Xinbin, where Nurhaci founded the Later Jin Dynasty in 1616, precursor
to the Qing. The city’s coal deposits were noted but minimally
exploited.
Japanese Occupation (1904–1945): After the Russo-Japanese
War (1904–1905), Japan occupied Fushun, developing its coal mines into
one of Asia’s largest open-pit operations, the Fushun Coal Mine. The
city became a key industrial base for Japan’s South Manchuria Railway,
producing coal, shale oil, and chemicals. Forced labor, including
Chinese and Allied POWs, was used, leaving a dark legacy.
Fushun War
Criminals Management Center: Established in 1936 by Japan as Fushun
Prison, it held Chinese prisoners. After 1945, it was repurposed by the
Chinese government to detain Japanese war criminals, Kuomintang leaders,
and Manchukuo officials. From 1950 to 1975, it became a model for
rehabilitation, with many prisoners repatriated to Japan. The site is
now a museum.
Post-WWII and Communist Era: Post-1949, Fushun was
prioritized for industrial development under China’s First Five-Year
Plan (1953–1957). The Fushun Mining Group became a national leader in
coal and oil shale production. The city also gained fame through Lei
Feng, a soldier stationed in Fushun in 1960, whose altruistic legacy was
promoted by Mao Zedong’s “Learn from Lei Feng” campaign.
Modern Era:
As coal reserves dwindled, Fushun diversified into petrochemicals,
aluminum, and tourism. Environmental cleanup and urban renewal have
transformed the city, though economic challenges persist due to its
reliance on heavy industry.
Fushun’s economy has historically been driven by coal mining, but
diversification is reshaping its profile:
Coal and Oil Shale: The
Fushun Coal Mine, one of the world’s largest open-pit mines, produced 50
million tons annually at its peak. The West Open-Pit Mine, now largely
exhausted, is being repurposed as a tourist site and industrial park.
Oil shale processing, pioneered in Fushun, produces synthetic crude oil,
with the Fushun Mining Group leading innovation.
Petrochemicals:
Fushun is a major producer of paraffin, lubricants, and plastics, with
PetroChina’s Fushun Petrochemical Company operating large refineries.
The city accounts for 10% of China’s paraffin output.
Metallurgy and
Aluminum: Aluminum smelting, led by Fushun Aluminum Co., supports
aerospace and construction industries. Steel and machinery production
are smaller but significant.
Agriculture: The Hun River valley
supports corn, soybeans, and fruits like apples and pears. Qingyuan is
known for medicinal herbs, such as ginseng.
Tourism: Historical sites
like the War Criminals Management Center and natural attractions like
Honghe Valley draw 5 million visitors annually, contributing 10 billion
CNY to the economy.
Economic Data: In 2022, Fushun’s GDP was 85.6
billion CNY, with industry (50%), services (40%), and agriculture (10%)
as key sectors. Urban per-capita disposable income was 22,000 CNY,
reflecting a modest but stable economy.
Challenges: The decline of
coal mining has led to job losses and economic restructuring. Pollution
from decades of heavy industry remains a concern, though green
initiatives, such as wind farms and reforestation, are gaining traction.
Fushun’s culture is shaped by its industrial heritage, Manchu roots,
and the Lei Feng legacy:
Manchu Heritage: Qingyuan and Xinbin
Manchu Autonomous Counties preserve Manchu traditions, including
shamanic rituals, embroidery, and festivals like the Banjin Festival.
Xinbin is home to Hetu Ala, the first capital of the Later Jin Dynasty,
a key cultural site.
Lei Feng Legacy: Lei Feng, a PLA soldier
stationed in Fushun, became a national icon for selflessness after his
death in 1962. The Lei Feng Memorial Hall in Wanghua District celebrates
his life, influencing local values of community service.
Industrial
Identity: Fushun’s coal mining history is reflected in museums and
festivals, such as the Fushun Coal Mine Museum’s exhibits on mining
technology and labor struggles.
Festivals: The Fushun Amber Festival
highlights the city’s amber deposits, used in jewelry and crafts. The
Honghe Valley Maple Leaf Festival in autumn draws visitors for vibrant
foliage.
Education: Liaoning Shihua University, based in Fushun,
specializes in petrochemical engineering, while vocational colleges
train workers for industry and tourism. Cultural exchange programs focus
on Manchu heritage.
Cuisine: Fushun’s cuisine features hearty
Northeast Chinese dishes like braised pork with vermicelli, dumplings,
and Hun River fish. Manchu-inspired dishes, such as venison and wild
herbs, are specialties in Qingyuan and Xinbin.
Community: Fushun’s
residents are proud of their city’s resilience, with parks like
Gao’ershan hosting community activities like kite-flying and dancing.
Fushun offers a mix of historical, industrial, and natural
attractions:
Fushun War Criminals Management Center:
A museum
at the former prison site, detailing its history from Japanese
occupation to post-WWII rehabilitation of war criminals. Exhibits
include cells, documents, and testimonies, offering insights into
China’s post-war justice system.
Visitor Tips: Free entry with ID;
allocate 1–2 hours. Photography may be restricted in some areas.
Lei Feng Memorial Hall:
Located in Wanghua District, this museum
honors Lei Feng’s life with photos, diaries, and artifacts. The adjacent
Lei Feng Park features statues and greenery, popular for reflection and
picnics.
Highlights: Interactive exhibits; free entry.
Fushun
Coal Mine Museum and West Open-Pit Mine:
The museum chronicles
Fushun’s mining history, with displays of equipment, fossils, and worker
stories. The West Open-Pit Mine, a 6.6 km-long and 2 km-wide crater,
offers viewing platforms and guided tours explaining its geological and
industrial significance.
Access: Entry ¥50; tours recommended for
safety.
Sa’erhu Scenic Area:
A national 4A-rated park in
Xinbin, featuring forests, rivers, and Manchu cultural sites. The
Sa’erhu Battle Site commemorates a 1619 Qing victory over the Ming
Dynasty.
Activities: Hiking, cultural performances; entry ¥60.
Honghe Valley National Forest Park:
Located in Qingyuan, this
park is known for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and autumn maple
foliage. Hiking trails and rafting opportunities make it a year-round
destination.
Visitor Tips: Visit in October for peak colors; entry
¥80.
Hetu Ala (Yongling Tomb):
In Xinbin, this
UNESCO-nominated site was the first capital of the Later Jin Dynasty.
The Yongling Tomb houses early Qing emperors’ ancestors, with intricate
Manchu architecture and artifacts.
Highlights: Historical tours and
Manchu rituals; entry ¥40.
Gao’ershan Park:
A hilltop park in
Shuncheng District with pagodas, gardens, and city views. It’s a local
favorite for morning exercises and evening strolls.
Access: Free
entry; cable car available.
Fushun is well-connected to Shenyang and other Liaoning cities:
Rail: Fushun Railway Station and Fushun North Station offer
high-speed trains to Shenyang (30 minutes, ¥20), Dalian (3 hours,
¥150), and Beijing (5 hours, ¥300). Regular trains serve smaller
cities.
Road: The G1 Jingha Expressway links Fushun to Shenyang
and Harbin. Long-distance buses from Fushun Bus Terminal connect to
Shenyang (45 minutes), Anshan (2 hours), and Dandong (3 hours).
Air: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, 60 km away, is the
nearest airport, with shuttles to Fushun (1 hour, ¥30).
Local
Transport: Buses (¥1–2) and taxis (¥7 base fare) cover the urban
core. Bike-sharing is available, but hilly terrain limits its use.
The Hun River’s bridges facilitate easy district access.
Fushun is transitioning from a coal-dependent economy to a
diversified, sustainable future:
Urban Renewal: Shuncheng and
Xinfu districts feature modern malls, residential towers, and green
spaces. The Hun River waterfront has been revitalized with promenades
and parks.
Sustainability: Coal mine closures have spurred
reforestation and renewable energy projects, including solar farms in
Qingyuan. The West Open-Pit Mine’s conversion into an eco-park is a
flagship initiative.
Hospitality: Hotels range from budget chains
like 7 Days Inn (¥100–150/night) to mid-range options like Wanda Realm
Fushun (¥300/night). Restaurants serve Northeast cuisine, with
specialties like Fushun meatballs and river fish stew.
Nightlife and
Shopping: Xinfu Commercial Street and Hunhe South Road offer shopping
and dining, with night markets selling amber jewelry and local snacks.
Bars and teahouses provide relaxed evening options.
Community
Engagement: Fushun’s industrial past fosters a strong sense of
community, with events like the Coal Mine Cultural Festival celebrating
its heritage.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September–October) for foliage and mild
weather; spring (April–May) for blossoms and festivals. Winter is cold
but offers budget travel; summer suits outdoor activities.
Getting
Around: Use buses or taxis for urban travel; rent a car for Qingyuan or
Xinbin. Guided tours are ideal for historical sites like Hetu Ala.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect Manchu traditions, especially in autonomous
counties. Basic Mandarin is useful; English is limited. Carry ID for
museum entry.
Packing: Layers for spring/autumn, heavy coats for
winter, and light clothing for summer. Hiking boots are essential for
Honghe Valley and Sa’erhu.
Safety: Fushun is safe, with low crime
rates. Exercise caution around old mine sites and during Hun River
floods.