Transitioning from Coal: Datong's Shift to Renewable Energy and Tourism

Datong, located in Shanxi province, China, has long been recognized as the country's coal capital, producing approximately 1.3 billion tons of coal in 2025, which accounts for nearly one-third of China's total output. As China increasingly prioritizes renewable energy, the region faces significant changes, particularly for its coal miners. Yang Haiming, a retired miner, exemplifies this transition; he now operates a restaurant catering to tourists visiting the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shift reflects a broader trend as the province seeks to adapt to a changing energy landscape.

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While some former miners, like Yang, have successfully transitioned to tourism-related jobs, many others struggle to adapt. Zhou Hongfei, a coal miner, expressed concerns about the difficulty of switching careers, stating, “To really be able to make contact with and then switch into a new industry is very hard.” Many miners lack the necessary skills for alternative employment, leading to fears of returning to farming or remaining unemployed. The province's efforts to diversify its economy include promoting tourism and exploring coal-to-hydrogen projects, but the transition remains fraught with challenges.

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Tourism has emerged as a key focus for Shanxi's post-coal economy. The Yungang Grottoes have seen a significant increase in visitors, rising from 3 million in 2023 to 4.5 million in 2024, partly due to cultural references in popular media, such as the video game "Black Myth: Wukong." Hang Kan, director of the Yungang Research Institute, has advocated for the tourism sector to become a "strategic pillar" for the region's economic development. This shift aims to enhance local welfare and provide new job opportunities.

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Despite the optimism surrounding tourism, skepticism persists among local workers. Xu, a coal miner, voiced doubts about equitable access to the benefits of the tourism boom, questioning how ordinary workers can participate in this new economy. He noted that the advantages seem to accrue primarily to larger hotels and established businesses. Additionally, experts warn that coal remains a critical component of China's energy strategy, with the government recently reversing commitments to reduce coal consumption amid global energy supply concerns.

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Local officials recognize the need for a balanced transition. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that coal workers are not left behind as the province pivots towards renewable energy and tourism. However, the ongoing reliance on coal for energy security complicates this transition, as analysts highlight the challenges of fully depending on renewable sources in the near term.

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• “To really be able to make contact with and then switch into a new industry is very hard, and the truth is, I don’t dare,” — Zhou Hongfei, Coal Miner

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• “For Datong, those who can enjoy the benefits of this tourism boom, it’s mostly the big hotels and maybe some restaurants, noodle shops, but what do you think regular people can get?” — Xu, Coal Miner

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As Datong navigates this complex transition, the balance between preserving livelihoods and embracing new economic opportunities remains a critical challenge for the region's future.

Associated Press