Architecture

Qinghai Mangya Asbestos Mine

Sat, June 12, 2021 at 8:40 AM

From Qinghai heading towards Xinjiang, just before leaving Qinghai, you will pass by a gigantic mine that is strikingly visible even from space. The entire area is blanketed in white asbestos. This is the Mangya Asbestos Mine.

This mining area was established in the 1960s, and the simple housing built at that time remains to this day. Most of the public buildings were also constructed in the 60s. Although the mine is still in production, no one lives here anymore.

There isn't much information about this place on the Chinese internet. I noticed this area on Google Earth many years ago, and this time I finally had the opportunity to see it in person.

Before entering the mining area, the sky was still blue. Once inside, the sky turned to that hazy gray seen in pictures. It felt like stepping into a time tunnel, transporting me back to the 1960s.

1. #Qinghai
2. #Xinjiang
3. #Mangya Asbestos Mine
4. #60s architecture
5. #time travel