Page 115 - JCAU-7-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Heritage and development of Tonglushan mine site

Figure 8. Illustration of the northern part of the Bronze Town plan. Source: Drawing by the author (based on the photo and field notes from spring 2017)

However, the project also entails the demolition of two investment from the central government or private
villages on the south bank of the Changliu stream, raising enterprises has proven particularly challenging.
concerns among residents about relocation compensation.
In addition, residents have expressed doubts regarding 6. Conclusion
how the remaining, non-demolished portions of the village This article explores the multifaceted nature of Tonglushan,
will align with the envisioned urban esthetics. Questions encompassing its role as a modern mining site, residential
also persist about the relocation of mining companies. In area, and archeological site while delineating the region’s
anticipation of compensation tied to the project’s blueprint urbanization process. From the perspective of industrial
for Tonglushan, some residents have even resorted to transformation, it presents the area’s efforts to transition
creating “nail households” (dingzihu; 钉子户, meaning from reliance on heavy metal industries to fostering
holdouts). regional sustainable development through archeological

Despite limited media coverage regarding the Bronze cultural heritage.
Town in Tonglushan, the project has not materialized The case of Tonglushan provides experiences and
since its proposal. The central government’s characteristic lessons for the coordinated development of other mining
town initiative emphasizes the support of distinctive heritage sites in China and beyond, particularly in three
industries. However, the depletion of mineral resources key aspects.
in the Tonglushan area diminishes the likelihood of the First, achieving recognition as a World Heritage Site
Bronze Town project – envisioned as a trade hub for should not be regarded as the definitive measure of cultural
the ornamental malachite – becoming a core industry heritage value. Cultural heritage should not be viewed
in the near future. Moreover, reconstructing structures as a fixed noun but rather as a dynamic verb, reflecting
that span over 3,000 years of history, many of which lack the processes of debates, compromises, and meaning
specific architectural forms, poses significant design and construction among stakeholders with interests and
construction challenges. These challenges further hinder perspectives (Harrison, 2008; Smith, 2006). While the value
the area’s potential economic development, as the project of the Tonglushan ancient copper mine site has been widely
struggles to attract ordinary tourists.
acknowledged – leading to its inclusion on the preliminary
Practically, the abandoned industrial land lacks the World Heritage list, subsequent removal, and eventual
compelling historical narratives found in places such as re-entry as part of the Huangshi Industrial Heritage – it
Xi’an (Zhu, 2018), where visitors can imagine a specific has never officially entered the formal “World Heritage
glorious past. Consequently, attracting significant Application” process. This ongoing ambiguity highlights the

Volume 7 Issue 2 (2025) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4898