Fushun, lying to the northeast of Shenyang, is a coal-mining town; coal was discovered here more than two thousand years ago. Today, the huge West Open-Cut Coal Mine, 6.6 kilometers long, 2 kilometers wide, and 290 meters deep, is one of the largest open-pit mines in China.

Fushun is also world-famous for its jet and amber. Handicrafts include jet statuettes carved in the shape of birds, animals, and human figures, and articles carved from amber (which is sometimes called "yellow coal" in Chinese).