Can a city built on coal reinvent itself after the mines run dry?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Fuxin, once a powerhouse of Chinese coal production, faces a daunting economic transition. As its primary resource dwindles, the city is pivoting toward new industries like wind power and agate processing. This transformation highlights the struggle of industrial hubs attempting to survive the depletion of their foundational natural resources.

Located in Liaoning province, Fuxin has long been defined by its industrial output. It is famously known as China's 'Agate City,' holding half of the nation's known deposits of the mineral and producing over 90% of its agate goods. However, the city's historical reliance on coal mining created a precarious economic situation. By 2001, it was officially recognized as the first city in mainland China to face the exhaustion of its primary natural resources.

The decline of coal has had visible impacts on the local landscape, including the emergence of extremely low-cost housing. In 2020, reports noted that some properties were selling for less than 75 dollars per square meter, even when fully furnished. This phenomenon mirrors the economic stagnation seen in other resource-depleted regions, prompting the local government to seek urgent diversification strategies to stabilize the economy.

To move beyond mining, Fuxin has established a Special Economic Zone to attract international capital. By 2009, these efforts saw foreign direct investment reach over 64 million dollars, a 24% increase from the previous year. A major component of this shift is the wind power sector, which became the primary focus for foreign investment, accounting for more than 70% of the total inflow in 2009. These initiatives are supported by improved infrastructure, including direct rail links to major hubs like Beijing and Shanghai, as well as connections to the national expressway network.

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