Anshan

Anshan (än'shän'), city (1994 est. pop. 1,251,700), central Liaoning prov., China, on a branch of the South Liaoning RR. Its huge integrated iron and steel complex is the largest in China. It comprises iron and coal mines and numerous blast furnaces, open hearths, and finishing facilities. Many varieties of steel and steel products (including rails and cables) are produced. Other manufactures in Anshan include chemicals, tractors, refined oil, machinery, cement, and paper. Anshan was developed as a metallurgical center largely by the Japanese, who occupied the region during World War II. The Soviet Union dismantled much of the steel mill between 1944 and 1946, but by 1956 the facilities had been rebuilt.