Tongling Jinniu Cave Ancient Mining Site

　　Introduction       The Jinniu Cave Ancient Mining Site is located in Fenghuang Village, Xin Qiao Township, Tongling County, approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. Originally, this was a small hill with an ancient cave halfway up its slope. Legend has it that a celestial ox descended to the mortal world, captivated by the scenery of Phoenix Mountain, and refused to return to heaven. The Heavenly Emperor repeatedly called for it, but the ox burrowed into the mountain and turned into gold, silver, and copper. Hence, the cave got its name, Jinniu, meaning Golden Ox.       Since the 1980s, local residents have been openly mining iron ore here. Over time, the hill was leveled, and as they continued digging, they excavated a pit dozens of meters deep, exposing ancient mining tunnels and mining relics along the slopes. Judging from the cleared structures of the ancient mining shafts, the tools used, and the pottery artifacts for daily use, it is believed that the Jinniu Cave site dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period.       In 1992, the Tongling Municipal Government ordered a halt to the iron ore mining at the site and carried out emergency restoration of Jinniu Cave. Ninety-two cement pillars were erected to encircle and protect the entire site. It became China’s second officially opened ancient copper mining site after the Tonglushan Ancient Copper Mine Site.       The Jinniu Cave Ancient Copper Mining Site boasts rich remains and a spectacular landscape. It has been listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage site and recommended as a national key cultural relic protection unit.

　　 Tongling City, Anhui Province