Huangshi Travel Guide: Mines, Old Industry and Ci Lake East of Wuhan
Huangshi is a Yangtze River mining and steel city about an hour east of Wuhan by intercity train, and it's one of the best places in China to see industrial heritage. Three sites stand out: the vast open pit of the former Daye Iron Mine, now the National Mining Park; the Tonglushan ancient copper mine, worked for well over two thousand years; and the Huaxin 1907 cultural park in an early cement works. Ci Lake, in the middle of the city, is where everyone goes in the evening.
Industrial heritage: what to see
Huangshi National Mining Park
The eastern pit of the Daye Iron Mine was worked from the late 1890s until 2000, and when mining stopped it left an enormous terraced hole in the ground. Viewing platforms on the rim give a dizzying look down into it, and the park displays old mining machinery, trucks and exhibits about the mine's history. Part of the waste land around it has been replanted, and the contrast between bare rock and new forest is striking. Allow two to three hours.
Tonglushan Ancient Copper Mine
Near Daye, Tonglushan ("copper green mountain") was mined for copper from the Bronze Age onward, and archaeologists uncovered shafts, galleries and the wooden supports that held them up. The site museum shows these in situ along with tools and smelting remains. 
It's specialised but genuinely fascinating if you're interested in how China's bronze age was supplied. Combine it with the Mining Park, as both are on the Daye side of the city.
Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park
Huaxin Cement was one of China's earliest cement makers, and its old plant, listed among China's 20th-century architectural heritage, has been turned into a cultural park with the kilns and industrial buildings kept. It's a pleasant place for an afternoon walk, with cafes and exhibitions.
Ticket prices and opening days at all three sites change; this guide doesn't quote 2026 figures, so check each site's official notice before you go.
Ci Lake and the hills
Ci Lake
Ci Lake separates Huangshi's older districts from the newer government area. Lakeside paths, bridges and parks make it the city's living room: joggers at dawn, families and dancers in the evening. Walk one section near your hotel rather than trying to circle it.
Xisaishan and Dongfangshan
For views, Xisaishan, on the south bank of the Yangtze in the east of the city, looks down on the river and the city's port. Dongfangshan, outside the centre, is a wooded hill with a long-established Buddhist temple and is the choice for a quiet morning.
When to come to Huangshi
The climate is hot and humid in summer, cool and damp in winter. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. In summer, visit the open-air mining sites early in the morning, because the pit rim and old works offer little shade, and save Ci Lake for evening.
Getting in and where to stay
Wuhan–Huangshi intercity and high-speed trains stop at Huangshi North in the western part of the city and at Daye North, convenient for the mining sites. Conventional trains on the Wuhan–Jiujiang railway stop at Huangshi station, which is actually in Daye, about 10 km west of downtown. Check which station your ticket uses before booking a hotel. Two bridges cross the Yangtze here, linking Huangshi with Huanggang on the north bank.
Stay near Ci Lake for evening walks and restaurants. Taxis and ride-hailing are cheap and the easiest way to reach the mines.
Eating in Huangshi
Huangshi eats like the rest of eastern Hubei: spicy stir-fries, freshwater fish, lotus root and pork rib soup, and hot dry noodles (reganmian) for breakfast, as in Wuhan. Daye and the surrounding countryside are known for local cured meats and rice wine. Lakeside restaurants charge more; local food streets near the old districts are cheaper.
How to arrange the route
Day 1: Intercity train from Wuhan to Daye North; Mining Park and Tonglushan; evening at Ci Lake.
Day 2: Huaxin 1907 and Xisaishan, or Dongfangshan; return to Wuhan or continue to Jiujiang.
Across the river, Huanggang has Su Dongpo's Red Cliff, and Ezhou is the next city upriver.
What to cut if short on time
With one day, do the Mining Park and Tonglushan, then Ci Lake. Drop Dongfangshan and Xisaishan first.
Things to confirm before you go
- Opening days and tickets at the Mining Park, Tonglushan and Huaxin 1907.
- Which station your train uses: Huangshi North, Daye North or Huangshi.
- Weather: the mining sites are exposed in heat and rain.
- Taxi or ride-hailing availability for the return from Tonglushan.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Huangshi?
One full day covers the mines and Ci Lake. Two let you add Huaxin 1907 and a hill.
Can I visit Huangshi as a day trip from Wuhan?
Yes. Intercity trains make it easy; start early to see both mining sites.
Is Huangshi worth it for non-industrial travellers?
If you want temples and gardens, Wuhan or the old towns of Hubei are better choices. Huangshi is for those curious about China's mining and industrial past, and the open pit is impressive even if you're not.
Sources
The facts in this article were checked against the following Wikipedia and encyclopedia entries, retrieved September 26, 2026, and rechecked on October 17, 2026.
- Huangshi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangshi
- Tonglushan Mine Site summaries (cross-checked)
- Ci Lake / east Wuhan corridor summaries (cross-checked)
Tickets change; this article does not invent yuan amounts.
All photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under CC licenses or public domain; re-use requires attribution.
- huangshi-panorama.jpg from File:Panorama Huangshi, Hubei, China.jpg, by Nordlicht81, CC BY-SA 3.0
- huangshi-cilake.jpg from File:Ci Lake lights January 2009 by Matthew Shaw.jpg, by Mm shaw85, CC BY-SA 4.0
- huangshi-tonglushan.jpg from File:Lane support structures, Tonglüshan.jpg, by Amarespeco, CC BY-SA 4.0