Mining old sites

"Industrial sites have not only witnessed the unusual development of China's modern industrialization, but also contain rich history and cultural value," according to the plan.

It calls for the establishment of an industrial-heritage database and a "tiered" protection mechanism for such sites. Support will be given to old industrial cities to develop cultural-relic protection and the use of "demonstration zones". The industrial museum system will be improved and exhibitions will be held. Commercial services will help develop industrial-tourism experiences. Culture and art festivals will also be held to promote the protection of the country's industrial heritage.

China is a manufacturing powerhouse.

Over the past years, the government and nongovernmental organizations have explored new approaches to protect industrial heritage, says Sun Xing, deputy director of the industry and culture development center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau rolled out 12 routes for industrial tourism in January. They cover industrial heritage, museums and parks in the capital.

In Qinghai province, Chaka Salt Lake has been transformed from a highly prized industrial asset into a tourism draw. Millions of metric tons of salt are produced from the lake every year. A train carries visitors from the banks of the lake to its center, where they can see salt-collecting vessels in action.

In 2017, Keketuohai in Xinjiang developed what is said to be China's first rare metals mine sightseeing route, which includes a treasure hunt and a program that aims to popularize geology.