Fascinating to see how coal is mined here. The west pit is huge and the trucks look like miniatures when looking down from the fabulous museum and lookout. There are numerous displays and the history of the pit is well laid out. Well worth a visit.
toptyke
The Xilu open mine is massive, in production, and a true wonder to behold, with gigantic historic trucks, locomotives and excavators lined up as if in salute.Even better, though, is the amazing display centre adjacent to the mine itself. Here you find coal of all types displayed and find the uses of the different types. You find coal as fuel, of course, and coal as sculpture you have to see to believe; you also find the world's largest piece of coal. More than this though, you see China's enemies' avariciousness as they 'plundered' millions of tons of coal to feed the insatiable steel plants of Japan at times and Russia at other times. The word 'plundered' is chosen by the writer of the English script to perfectly describe what happened. Then came the cultural revolution, and now a modern, successful mine keeping the region reasonably prosperous.The displays are phenomenal; beautifully arranged, chronologically sequenced and compellingly presented.When I heard I was being taken to a coal mine, my Yorkshire heart fell somewhat -how could this match Hatfield Main? Match it? It blew it away -this is how to engage people, teach people and, yes, honour people.Put this on your bucket list now!
728AndrewM
I have walked down into the mine from one of the many workers routes.Visitors are not allowed and a couple of workers asked what I was doing there.I showed my camera and said I was `just taking photos` and they let me be.I forget exactly but about 1200-1300 steps down (and up!).I am a bit of a tour guide for Fushun as I have lived here nearly six years now so take others when there is an interest.