The Tonglushan National Archaeological Site Park in Daye City, Hubei Province, is home to China's oldest and most complete ancient copper mine, dating back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770-221 B.C.). The mining and smelting of copper and the casting of bronze were all conducted at the site, giving archaeologists and visitors rare insights into the cutting-edge techniques and technologies of the time. In 2021, the National Cultural Heritage Administration selected it as one of China's top 100 archaeological discoveries of the past century.
(Text and photos by Wei Yao)
