State-owned enterprises are taking a more active role in the economic transformation of Huaibei in light of dwindling resources in a region that has traditionally relied on coal.

Once well known as a base for energy, Huaibei is striving to diversify its economic sectors as it enters the twilight of its coal mining days.

The northern city in East China's Anhui province has provided 800 million tons of coal for the country since its establishment in 1960, said Bi Meijia, Party chief of the city.