This itinerary begins at a world-class geological site, takes you into an ecological park created from a disused mine, explores giant stele blocks from the Ming Dynasty, and concludes the day’s journey amidst the sunset over a rural tea plantation.
Morning: Geological Wonders and Prehistoric Mysteries
First Stop: Tangshan-Fangshan National Geopark Museum (Nanjing Homo erectus Fossil Site Museum, approx. 1.5 hours)
Located in Tangshan Subdistrict, this is a specialised museum centred on the ‘Nanjing Homo erectus’. On display is the fossilised skull of the Nanjing Homo erectus, discovered in 1993 (dating back approximately 600,000 years), which is a crucial artefact for the study of ancient humans in southern China. The museum features a modern design and uses fossils, reconstructed scenes and interactive screens to illustrate the geological evolution and prehistoric human life in the Tangshan area. It is ideal for family-friendly science education and visitors interested in palaeoanthropology.
Second Stop: Yangshan Stele Stone Quarry (approx. 1.5 hours)
It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from the museum to reach this site. Home to the world’s largest stele materials, it is listed in the Guinness World Records. The three massive stones (the base, body and capstone) quarried by Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty to erect the ‘Stele of Divine Achievements and Holy Virtues’ in honour of Zhu Yuanzhang still lie in the mountains today; if erected, they would stand 78 metres tall—equivalent to a 26-storey building. Standing before these colossal stones, one can truly appreciate the grandeur of Ming-dynasty engineering and the ultimate abandonment of the project—this is a remarkable sight of ‘abandoned materials from the Great Ming’, as well as a unique photo spot for photography enthusiasts.
Lunch Recommendations (approx. 1 hour)
Return to Tangshan Street or the vicinity of Mine Pit Park. Recommendations:
Tangshan Qifang Farmhouse: Savour authentic farmhouse dishes such as fish head from the reservoir, stir-fried wild greens with eggs, and free-range chicken soup.
Starry Sky Restaurant within the Mine Pit Park (pleasant surroundings): A scenic restaurant halfway up the hillside offering sweeping views; you can dine whilst admiring the Mine Pit Waterfall.
Afternoon: The Mine Pit’s New Lease of Life and a Stroll Through the Hot Springs
Third Stop: Tangshan Mine Pit Park (approx. 2 hours)
Approximately a 10-minute taxi ride from Yangshan Stele Materials. This is an ecological park converted from an abandoned quarry, where industrial heritage and natural landscapes blend seamlessly. Key Attractions:
Quarry Waterfall: A restored waterfall cascades down the cliff face, its roar echoing through the valley.
Zanzijian: An emerald-green pool formed by water accumulating at the bottom of the mine pit, surrounded by lush vegetation and ideal for taking photographs.
Non-motorised Playground: Families with children can enjoy outdoor facilities such as slides and trampolines.
Fourth Stop: Tangshan Hot Springs (Experience, approx. 1.5 hours)
Tangshan is one of China’s four major hot spring resorts. After visiting the Mine Pit Park, you may choose from:
Public Hot Springs: Such as Tangshan No. 1 Hot Spring and Tangshan Yishang Hot Spring, which feature open-air soaking pools and indoor spa facilities.
Private Hot Spring Experience: Some hot spring hotels offer private hot spring suites (charged by the hour), ideal for couples or visitors who value privacy.
If you do not wish to soak in the hot springs: You can visit the Hot Spring Culture Exhibition Hall on Tangshan Street to learn about the history of the hot springs, or enjoy a bowl of ‘soya milk boiled in hot spring water’ in the town as an alternative experience.
