Zhusha Ancient Town in Guizhou, a region renowned for its industrial history, has reimagined its mercury mining heritage into a cutting-edge cultural experience. Once dormant mines and retro streetscapes now serve as dynamic stages for immersive short dramas, breathing new life into local tourism under the innovative Travel with Short Dramas program launched this year.
The project meticulously recreates mining community life from the 1950s to the 1980s, blending historical preservation with interactive storytelling. Visitors can don period costumes, undergo professional makeup sessions, and participate in scripted vignettes that transform them from spectators into protagonists of Zhusha’s industrial narrative. Tailored experiences cater to diverse groups, including families seeking educational outings, youth drawn to novelty, and former miners revisiting their roots.
Local authorities report a 40% increase in tourist traffic since the program’s implementation, positioning the site as a model for sustainable cultural revitalization. The upgrades align with broader initiatives across the Chinese mainland to convert industrial relics into engines of economic growth while preserving collective memory.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com








