From Coal Mines to Ski Slopes - A Story of Environmental Restoration and Economic Diversification

Wujinshan's Remarkable Transformation

The Wujinshan Li Ning International Ski Resort in Jinzhong city, Shanxi province, is a hive of activity even after the Spring Festival holiday. This bustling scene stands in stark contrast to the area's past as a coal-rich mining region.

"I remember hearing about the mines here when I was young," shared a tourist surnamed Jiang. "It's incredible to see it transformed into a ski resort."

A decade ago, Wujinshan was home to seven coal mines and numerous enterprises involved in coal, building materials, and metallurgy. "The excessive exploitation of resources left the mountains barren and scarred," explained Wang Fei, deputy mayor of Wujinshan.

Today, remnants of the abandoned mine shafts serve as a reminder of the area's past. However, through extensive revegetation efforts, approximately 236,000 square meters of barren mountains have been brought back to life.

Beyond skiing, the Wujinshan resort offers a variety of snow-based activities. Visitors can ride snowmobiles across the plains, build snowmen, and engage in friendly snowball fights with family and friends.

The district of Yuci, where Wujinshan is located, is capitalizing on its geographical location and high-quality ski trails to develop a thriving ice and snow economy. This new growth point injects fresh vitality into the local economy, encompassing an entire industrial chain of winter sports, culture, equipment, and tourism.

The 2023-24 snow season saw Jinzhong's ski resorts welcome nearly 250,000 visitors, generating revenue of around 22 million yuan ($3 million), a 25% increase compared to the previous year.

Jinzhong has also hosted over 10 international ski competitions, public Alpine skiing events, and cross-country skiing competitions, further solidifying its position as a winter sports hub. By providing youth training and organizing public ice and snow activities, the city is promoting winter sports to a wider audience.

As night falls, the Wujinshan Ski Resort transforms into a vibrant scene. Visitors gather around a bonfire, singing and dancing, adding warmth and joy to the cold winter night. The transformation of Wujinshan from a coal-mining region to a thriving winter sports destination is a testament to the power of environmental restoration and economic diversification.