The chill air whispers secrets as we stand before the entrance of 矿洞 (Kuàng dòng), a place etched in Beijing’s memory. 矿洞, meaning “mine shaft”, isn’t just a hole in the earth. It’s a time capsule, a testament to Beijing’s complex relationship with coal. For centuries, coal fueled Beijing’s growth, warmed its homes, and shaped its identity. 矿洞, like others in the Mentougou District, provided a significant portion of the city’s coal, over 30% in its heyday. It even fueled international markets, with Japan as its primary export destination. Coal was vital, dubbed “black gold”, powering China’s economic rise for decades. But this “black gold” had a dark side. It choked the city’s air, contributing significantly to PM 2.5 pollutants. As Beijing prepared to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, a change was inevitable. 矿洞, once a symbol of progress, became a symbol of a past Beijing was ready to leave behind. In 2016, the decision was made. 矿洞 would close. The miners, men like Wang Haijun, who spent nearly two decades underground, faced a choice: relocate to other mines or embrace a new life. Wang, tied to his family and his city, chose a different path. He became a forester at Jingxi Forest Farm, a sprawling green space reclaiming the scarred land left behind by mining. 矿洞 fell silent in 2019, but its story echoes in the rustling leaves of the newly planted trees. The land, once stripped bare for coal, is slowly healing, transforming into a green haven for Beijing. 矿洞 is a reminder of the choices we make, the legacies we leave, and the power of change. The chill air now feels different, carrying not secrets of the mine, but the promise of a greener future.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to