Overview

Gejiu City (个旧市), situated in southeastern Yunnan Province, is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. It is famously known as China’s “Tin Capital” (中国锡都) due to its vast tin reserves and over a century of mining history. Nestled among mountains and centered around a manmade lake, Gejiu is a unique combination of industrial strength, ethnic diversity, and scenic beauty.

 

Geography and Climate

Gejiu lies on the southern Yunnan Plateau, surrounded by steep mountain ranges. It is an urban mountain city, with neighborhoods built into hillsides, creating dramatic urban landscapes.

 

Elevation: 1,700–2,500 meters

 

Geographic Features: Steep terrain, narrow valleys, and artificial lakes

 

Climate: Subtropical highland climate (mild summers and winters)

 

Average Annual Temperature: ~18°C (64°F)

 

A key geographic feature is Lake Gejiu (个旧湖), formed from a former mining pit and now a central part of the urban environment.

 

Historical Significance

Gejiu’s modern history began in the late Qing Dynasty when its tin mining industry developed rapidly. During the Republic of China era and throughout the 20th century, it became one of China's most important industrial cities in the southwest, particularly for nonferrous metal production.

 

Gejiu was once directly administered by Yunnan Province due to its strategic economic importance, only later becoming part of Honghe Prefecture.

 

Industry and Economy

Gejiu is historically and economically centered on tin mining and smelting. It is one of the largest tin-producing areas in the world, and remains a key player in China’s nonferrous metals industry.

 

Major Products: Tin, lead, zinc, silver

 

Major Companies: Yunnan Tin Group (云南锡业集团), a global leader in refined tin production

 

Industrial Clusters: Nonferrous metallurgy, machinery, chemicals, and recycling

 

Urban Transition: Efforts are underway to shift from heavy industry toward eco-tourism, cultural industries, and sustainable development.

 

Ethnic Diversity and Culture

As part of the Honghe Prefecture, Gejiu is home to many ethnic groups including the Han, Hani, Yi, Dai, and Zhuang. These groups coexist with vibrant traditions, festivals, and rural lifestyles that contrast with the city’s industrial image.

 

Traditional Festivals:

 

Hani Long Street Banquet

 

Yi Torch Festival

 

Mid-Autumn Moon Worship (popular among mining families)

 

Key Attractions

Lake Gejiu (个旧湖)

Once a tin mine crater, now transformed into a scenic lake at the heart of the city, surrounded by urban development and walking paths.

 

Tin Industry Museum (锡都博物馆)

A museum showcasing Gejiu’s tin mining history, metallurgical techniques, and industrial culture.

 

Xiaohedi Park (小河底公园)

A large green space offering panoramic views of the city and a place for recreation among locals.

 

Historic Mining Sites

Including open-pit mines, early smelting furnaces, and tunnels, which reflect the legacy of a century-old mining tradition.

 

Ethnic Villages

Located in surrounding hills, where traditional Hani terraced fields and village architecture can still be seen.

 

Local Cuisine

Gejiu cuisine blends Han and minority flavors, with many dishes reflecting the miner’s diet and highland farming culture.

 

Steamed Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡)

 

Pickled Bamboo Shoots and Mushrooms

 

Grilled Meats with Hani Spices

 

Rice Wine and Hani-style tea

 

Transportation

Highways: Well connected via regional roads to Mengzi, Kaiyuan, and Kunming.

 

Rail: Formerly a stop on the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway, now part of regional transport planning.

 

Nearby Airports: Kunming Changshui International Airport (~3–4 hours), and Honghe Mengzi Airport (under development)

 

Education and Healthcare

Gejiu hosts several vocational schools and technical institutes with a focus on metallurgy, engineering, and environmental science. Healthcare services are anchored by Gejiu People's Hospital, one of the oldest in southern Yunnan.

 

Environmental Transition

Due to concerns over industrial pollution and resource depletion, Gejiu has been actively investing in:

 

Mine restoration projects

 

Green spaces and water conservation

 

Recycling industries and green metallurgy

 

Role in Regional Development

As part of the “One Belt One Road” and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) strategy, Gejiu is positioning itself as:

 

A historical industrial city with tourism potential

 

A hub for nonferrous meta