On October 11, reporters learned that the Changjiang National Cultural Park’s key project, the Ruichang Tongling Copper Mine Site Museum, has officially opened its doors in Ruichang City, Jiangxi Province. This impressive facility spans a total building area of 8,000 square meters.
The Ruichang Tongling Copper Mine Site Museum, with an investment of approximately 70 million yuan, is recognized as a key task for the cultural and tourism sector in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. The project commenced construction in December 2023, featuring an exhibition area of 3,700 square meters.
The museum’s exhibits are organized into three sections: “Exploring the Source,” “Craftsmanship,” and “Legacy.” These sections each highlight the significant role of the Tongling copper mine site in the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization. They showcase the remarkable results of archaeological excavations at the site, including advanced technologies, and illustrate how this location served as a crucial source of bronze materials, facilitating the spread of bronze culture across China.
The Ruichang Tongling Copper Mine Site, located in the Xiafan Town of Ruichang City, dates back over 3,300 years to the middle of the Shang Dynasty. It saw significant development during the Western Zhou Dynasty, peak production in the Spring and Autumn period, and continued mining throughout the Warring States period, with operations lasting over a millennium. This site was recognized as one of China’s top ten archaeological discoveries in 1991, designated as a key cultural heritage site in 2001, and included in the preliminary list for World Cultural Heritage in 2006.
In 2022, the Ruichang Tongling Copper Mine Archaeological Park was selected as a key project of the Changjiang National Cultural Park, marking it as the first iconic project to enter Jiangxi Province from the west. In addition to the museum and archaeology greenhouses, the park will also feature visitor centers, educational centers, and performance venues, enhancing its appeal to tourists and scholars alike.
