Yanzhigou Gold Mine & Li Jinyong Memorial Temple
胭脂沟
The former site of the Mohe gold mine in the late Qing dynasty, with gold-panning relics in the Laogou area and a memorial hall to Li Jinyong, the mine's pioneer, telling the story of a century of gold.
Yanzhigou lies in the Laogou area between Mohe city and Beiji Village, the site of the Mohe gold mine during the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty. Beginning in 1887, the Qing court sent Li Jinyong to supervise the gold mine here, and the gold it produced was presented to the court as tribute. The gold was commonly known as 'rouge gold', which gave the area its name, Yanzhigou. The scenic area preserves gold-panning relics, a gold mine museum display, reconstructed miners' dwellings, and a memorial hall to Li Jinyong, which is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. Some activities let visitors try gold panning. It is about 40 km from Beiji Village and is often linked with Beiji Village on a one-day route. The main season is summer and autumn. Check admission on site.
Opening hours
Mainly open in summer and autumn (check on site)
Nearby sights
- China's Northernmost Post Office
- Santa Claus Village, Beiji
- Beiji Village (Arctic Village)
- Beiji Sandbar (Finding North)
- Guanyin Mountain, Mohe
- Mohe City & North Star Square
- Mohe Dance Hall
- Songyuan Primeval Forest Park