Coal Miners in China's Datong Transition to Tourism

0:00On April 6th, Eam.Tang, China's coal capital in Shang-Ci Province, retired miners like 60-year-old Yang Haimin, are switching gears from digging. Coal to serving tourists. After powering the nation's growth underground, Yang now runs a restaurant slinging lamp skewers near the ancient young Grotto's, a 5th century. Buddhist cakeside pulling in millions yearly. Shang-Ci miners produced 1.3 billion tons of coal last year, nearly a third of China's total. Bubles are taking over power growth. Shang-Ci's pushing hard into tourism and other jobs as coal-demand shifts. Old mine villages, once buzzing with schools and families, now sit half-empty or turned into museums. The province hopes culture spots like the Grotto's become a main economic driver, especially with renewables covering almost all new power needs. Many miners feel stuck, saying they only know coal work and fear new skills won't stick. Fults worry about getting left behind without steady pay, some falling back to farming.

1:02Experts stress-moved transitions to avoid hardship for the 800,000 miners and related workers. Tourism spiked after a hit video game spotlighted the Grotto's, jumping visitors to 4.5 million in 2024. Officials promote local foods and hope tech firms bring data centers. Still, coal stays key for energy security amid global tensions. As day-tongue vols, success stories like Yang's show promise, but most need real support to pivot without pain. China's balancing green energy with jobs, keeping eyes on a stable shift ahead. World News Powered by AI This is Global News Today