Forestry Railways
60 photos
updated : 2022-11-24
North-east China was once home to hundreds of miles of narrow gauge forestry railways but most disappeared in the 1990s, leaving only a handful to see in the 21st Century. The last true steam worked forestry lines finished in 2003, leaving Huanan, by then only hauling coal, to cling on until 2010.
Deep Coal Mines
429 photos
updated : 2022-11-24
Deep coal mines provided employment for more steam locomotives than any other industry in China and that continued until very recently. Many mine systems included lines running through attractive countryside and interesting industrial architecture. Diesels on mine systems have not been ignored.
Steelworks
65 photos
updated : 2022-12-03
The steel industry was the third biggest employer of steam locomotives in China, after the national railways and the coal mines. Getting permission to visit steelworks was difficult but not impossible. They weren't the easiest places to get good photos but could be very rewarding in the right conditions.