Anshan, located in central-southeast Liaoning Province, China, is a prefecture-level city renowned as the "Steel Capital of China" due to its massive iron and steel industry. Situated approximately 92 kilometers (57 miles) south of the provincial capital Shenyang, Anshan is Liaoning’s third most populous city, with a population of 3,325,372 as of the 2020 census, spread across an area of 9,270 km². Its name, meaning "Saddle Mountain" in Chinese, derives from a nearby mountain resembling a horse’s saddle, visible from the northbound train approaching Anshan railway station. Anshan is a blend of industrial might, historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making it a unique destination in Northeast China.
Anshan sits on the boundary between the mountainous eastern region of
Liaoning and the western plains, creating a diverse topography. The
terrain slopes downward from the southeast to the northwest, divided
into three main landforms:
Southeastern Region: Mountainous and
hilly, dominated by areas like Qianshan National Park.
Central
Region: Undulating plains, suitable for urban development and
agriculture.
Northwestern Region: Alluvial plains, supporting fertile
land.
The city spans 133 km from east to west, with its urban core
encompassing four districts: Tiedong, Tiexi, Lishan, and Qianshan.
Anshan also administers one county-level city (Haicheng), one county
(Tai’an), and one autonomous county (Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County).
Anshan experiences a warm temperate continental monsoon climate:
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid with significant precipitation,
including occasional rainstorms. Temperatures can reach the high 30s°C
(90s°F).
Winter (December–February): Cold, dry, and windy, with
temperatures dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Coal-based heating in rural
areas historically contributed to air pollution, though mitigation
efforts have improved air quality.
Spring and Autumn: Mild and
pleasant, ideal for tourism, particularly from April to June and
September to November. Annual rainfall averages 713 mm, and the average
temperature is around 8.5°C (47.3°F).
Anshan’s history spans prehistoric times to its modern role as an
industrial powerhouse. Key historical developments include:
Ancient Period: The region was inhabited since prehistoric times, with
significant activity during the Warring States Period (476–221 BC). The
area was part of the Yan state, and counties were established for
administration.
Tang Dynasty (618–907): Anshan was a strategic
location during conflicts with the Goguryeo kingdom. The emperor resided
in the area for two years, and sites like Tanggangzi Hot Springs and
Qianshan temples were established.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): In 1387,
Anshan was established as a post station and fortified in 1587 to
counter the rising Manchu power. A small fort and lookout tower from
this period remain visible.
Qing Dynasty and Early Modern Period:
Anshan was a minor settlement until the 20th century, overshadowed by
nearby Liaoyang. It suffered destruction during the Boxer Rebellion
(1900) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905).
Japanese Occupation
(1918–1945): Japan’s influence grew after the Russo-Japanese War,
leading to industrialization. In 1918, the Anshan Zhenzing Iron Ore
Company was founded as a Sino-Japanese venture. After the 1931 Mukden
Incident, Japan occupied Northeast China, renaming the ironworks Showa
Steel Works in 1933. Anshan became a key steel production center, though
it faced heavy bombing by U.S. B-29s during World War II, reducing
capacity by up to 30%.
Post-WWII and Communist Era: Soviet forces
looted Anshan’s industrial equipment in 1945, halting steel production.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Anshan was
prioritized for industrial redevelopment under the First Five-Year Plan
(1953–1957). The Anshan Iron and Steel Company (Angang), founded in
1948, resumed production in 1949 and became China’s largest steel
producer. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), Anshan faced
political turmoil, with military control imposed in 1967.
Modern Era:
Anshan has transitioned from a heavily polluted industrial city to a
more diversified economy, with efforts to improve environmental
conditions and promote tourism. It remains a key player in China’s steel
industry while embracing cultural and natural attractions.
Anshan is synonymous with China’s steel industry, earning the
nickname "Steel Metropolis." Its economic significance stems from:
Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Angang): Founded in 1948, Angang is one
of China’s largest steel producers and the second-largest integrated
iron and steel complex globally. It processes local iron ore and coal,
producing a range of products like heavy rails, steel plates, and alloy
steels. By the 1950s, Anshan accounted for over 40% of China’s steel
output, though its share declined to about 25% by the 1980s as other
regions developed. Angang remains a cornerstone of the local economy and
a center for metallurgical research.
Natural Resources: Anshan holds
one-third of the world’s talcum supply and a quarter of its magnesite
reserves, supporting industries beyond steel. The region is also a major
producer of Xiuyan jade, known for its fine texture and vibrant colors,
with large jade markets like the China Jade Exhibition Center in Xiuyan
County.
Other Industries: Alongside steel, Anshan has developed
chemical, cement, machinery, and engineering sectors. The city produces
equipment for other steel complexes and has diversified into tourism,
education, and cultural industries.
Environmental Challenges:
Historically, Anshan’s open-hearth furnaces caused significant
pollution, earning it a reputation as a "dirty, smelly town." In the
1980s, the adoption of oxygen-blowing furnace designs reduced emissions.
Recent government efforts have further improved air quality, though
industrial activity still poses environmental concerns.
Anshan’s cultural identity blends its industrial heritage with
historical and natural elements:
Industrial Heritage: The city’s
steel industry shapes its identity, with sites like Angang’s facilities
attracting industrial historians. The Anshan Museum features exhibits on
the steel industry alongside regional history, art, and calligraphy.
Traditional Culture: Anshan preserves regional traditions, including
Qianshan Culture, Northern Ceramics, and Anshan Storytelling. The Liu
Lanfang Art Research Center and Liren Art Museum promote these cultural
elements. Hanfu clothing events, such as those highlighted during
International Women’s Day 2023, showcase traditional aesthetics in
modern settings.
Education: Anshan Normal University, founded in
1958, is a key institution offering undergraduate and master’s programs
in education, arts, sciences, and more. It plays a role in regional
cultural preservation and international exchanges, hosting Chinese
government scholarship students.
Lei Feng Legacy: Anshan is linked to
Lei Feng, a model soldier known for altruism. His time at Angang in 1959
is commemorated through local stories and the Lei Feng Memorial Hall in
nearby Fushun, influencing community values.
Festivals and Events:
The Qianshan Mountain Pear Blossom Festival in spring draws visitors to
its floral displays, while winter transforms Anshan into a "serene ice
kingdom" for snow-related activities.
Anshan offers a mix of natural, cultural, and historical sites,
making it a compelling destination:
Qianshan National Park:
A scenic area with lotus-shaped peaks, lush forests, and unique rock
formations. It houses numerous Buddhist and Taoist temples, some
dating to the Tang Dynasty, earning it the nickname "Mountain of a
Thousand Lotus Flowers." The park is ideal for hiking, with cable
cars and carts available for accessibility. The annual Pear Blossom
Festival enhances its springtime appeal.
Highlights: Wuliang
Taoist Temple, Maitreya Buddha statue, and breathtaking mountain
views. Visitors recommend bringing water and snacks for longer
hikes.
Jade Buddha Palace:
Home to the world’s largest
jade Buddha statue, carved from a single 260.76-ton jade stone,
standing nearly 8 meters tall. Located in the Dongshan section of
219 Park, the temple complex includes an underground tunnel with
colorful Buddhist statues. The statue is a major tourist draw and a
symbol of Anshan’s jade industry.
Access: Enter via Qianshan Lu
or 219 Park. Additional fees apply for the underground tunnel.
Tanggangzi Hot Spring Tourist Resort:
One of Asia’s famous
hot springs, dating to the Tang Dynasty. It offers relaxation and
therapeutic benefits, complemented by modern spa facilities. The
resort is a year-round attraction, particularly popular in winter.
Anshan 219 Park:
A large central park popular with locals for
walking, paddle boating, and dodgem cars. It hosts cultural events
like dancing in the evenings and is well-lit for nighttime visits.
The park connects to the Jade Buddha Palace and is a hub for
community activities.
Anshan Museum:
Free to enter with
ID, the museum covers Anshan’s history, from prehistoric times to
its industrial era. Exhibits include the steel industry, regional
artifacts, art, and notable figures from Anshan.
Xiuyan Jade
Markets:
Xiuyan County is China’s largest jade-producing area,
with markets like the China Jade Exhibition Center and Yudu Jade
Market. Visitors can purchase jade carvings and handicrafts,
reflecting Anshan’s role in the jade trade.
Qianshan Hot
Spring Ski Resort:
A winter attraction offering skiing and
snow-related activities, leveraging Anshan’s cold climate and snowy
landscapes.
Anshan is well-connected by land, though it lacks a public airport or
seaport:
Rail: Anshan lies on the main railway line between
Dalian and Shenyang, with high-speed rail options at Anshan West Railway
Station. High-speed trains reach Dalian in 1.5 hours and Shenyang in 20
minutes (slower in winter). Direct trains connect to Beijing, Jilin,
Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia.
Road: The Shanda Highway, an
eight-lane tolled road, links Anshan to Shenyang and Dalian.
Long-distance buses run to major cities, with frequent services to
Shenyang (1-hour ride) and Beijing (7 hours).
Air: The nearest
airport is Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, 90 km north. Anshan
Tengao Airport, 11.8 km from the city center, serves domestic routes to
cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with shuttle buses to downtown.
Local Transport: Buses and taxis dominate, with a former tram line on
Zhonghua Avenue now closed. Taxis to Shenyang cost ¥200–400, with
negotiated rates common.
Anshan has evolved from a heavily industrial city to a more livable
urban center:
Urban Improvements: Government investments have
reduced pollution, with cleaner air compared to its "grim" reputation in
the past. Modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and
nightlife, cater to residents and visitors.
Hospitality: Hotels range
from three-star options like Hilton Garden Inn Anshan to spa resorts
near Qianshan. Dining includes local specialties like dumplings and
regional Liaoning cuisine.
Nightlife: Venues like music bars on
Dongshan Street and nightclubs in Leishan district offer live
performances and vibrant atmospheres.
Community: Anshan’s residents
are noted for their friendliness, with a strong sense of community
reflected in park activities and cultural events.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) for the Pear Blossom Festival
and autumn (September–November) for mild weather. Winter is ideal for
skiing and snowscapes, though it’s cold.
Getting Around: Use taxis or
buses for local travel. For Qianshan, consider guided tours like the
Anshan Exploration for a hassle-free experience.
Cultural Etiquette:
Basic Mandarin phrases are helpful, as English may not be widely spoken.
Bring ID (e.g., passport) for free museum entry.
Packing: Layered
clothing for spring/autumn, heavy coats for winter, and lightweight
attire with sun protection for summer.
Safety: Anshan is generally
safe, with welcoming locals. Exercise caution in crowded areas and
verify taxi fares in advance.