Historic mercury mine seeks UNESCO designation
Historically, the cinnabar produced in Wanshan is famous for its large proportions, and is red and bright in color. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Guangming cinnabar was used as tribute dedicated to the emperor.
The Wanshan mercury mine site is in Tuping village, Wanshan township, Tongren city. In 2006, it was approved by the State Council as a national key cultural relic to be protected.
The site retains a large number of stone ladders, tunnels, grooves, markings, pillars, roadway and related features, which have been drilled since ancient times. It has a set of advanced and unique technologies formed in mining, mineral processing and smelting.
The Wanshan mercury mine site has unique technical representativeness since it is the most distinctive industrial heritage complex in China, with outstanding universal value. It is not only a rare natural mineral resource but also bears witness to the development of ancient mining.
Wang Jin contributed to this story.
