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SCMP Reporters

Deep in China’s coal country the ailing city of Datong, in Shanxi province, tried to build a new future. But many of its ambitious plans are now in ruins. Among the abandoned projects, photographed by Simon Song, are a new “ancient walled city”, a sports stadium and an arts centre.



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China Coal Energy

Fields of broken dreams

The construction site of the moat at north City Wall in Datong, Shanxi province. Photo: Simon Song

Many residential houses have been demolished or have been planned to demolish to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 31, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 31MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

Many residential houses have been demolished or have been planned to demolish to rebuild old style houses and compound yards in Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 29, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 29MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted in east Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 30, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 30MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

Deserted sports arenas in east Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 30, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 30MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

An almost-finished sports stadium, looking alike Beijing's Bird's Nest, is left deserted in east Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 29, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 29MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

Construction site of the City Wall in Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 30, 2016. The local government has planed to re-built the city with traditional style compound yards and houses within the City Wall to make the place a tourist destination. 30MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

Newly built art centre in east Datong city, China's Shanxi province on Mar. 30, 2016. This art centre has not been put in use yet. 30MAR16 Photo by Simon Song

A smell of coal, and tension in the air: cold comfort for a Chinese city built on mines

*Coal miners protest in Shuangyashan, in Heilongjiang, protest over unpaid wages. Photo: SCMP Pictures

China busts multibillion yuan, cross-border coal-smuggling operation

About 5.61 million tonnes of coal was smuggled across the border from Vietnam, according to customs authorities. Photo: Reuters

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