Shuozhou

Shuozhou is a Chinese city in the north of the Chinese province Shanxi, upstream of the Fen River. Its population is approximately 1.25 million, and the city has an area of approximately 4000 square kilometres [1]. Shuozhou is a prefecture-level city, and the seat of the prefecture of the same name. The Dayun Expressway passes through it, and it has 5 specialized train lines.

It is a centre of industry, and its notable industries are primarily mining of coal and other ores such as iron, bauxite, mica, manganese, and graphite. Other economic sectors include agriculture, chemical industry, ceramics, and fishing.

In March 19, 2005, a mine blast occured at the Xishui coal mine, and rocked nearby Kangjiayao coal mine, killing up to 59 people.

Western tourists rarely come to this area of China, but there are some attractions. The Yingxian Tower, built in 1056, is one of the main sites of the region. It was built entirely of wood, without using nails, and serves as a museum of calligraphy. There are also some paleolithic ruins, and ancient gravesites from the Yi people.