Yangquan theatre bombing

On the evening of 22 July 1981, an explosion occurred at the San Kuang Club, a 2,056-seat theatre in Yangquan, Shanxi, China, operated by the local Bureau of Mining Affairs. The blast killed 32 people, including the bomber, and wounded 127 others, 44 of whom required hospitalization. The explosion also caused a partial collapse of the theatre's roof and shattered glass doors in the building.

According to the available account, the bomber, 24-year-old Gao Haiping, had planned to attend a film screening at the theatre with a woman who had previously ended a relationship with him. He reportedly intended to kill both himself and her using a homemade explosive device consisting of approximately 3 kilograms of ammonium nitrate fitted with an electric detonator and housed in a metal box. When the woman did not arrive, Gao entered the theatre alone and sat in seat 25 of the second row. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he placed the bomb on his lap and detonated it manually.

Emergency response was rapid: within 15 minutes of the explosion, one thousand police officers arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin an investigation. Investigators identified Gao as responsible for the bombing through multiple means: a former classmate who had also been attending the screening recognized him, blood tests were conducted, and Gao's mother identified the remains of his clothing. Additionally, a search of Gao's home uncovered a suicide note, letters addressed to his parents, and additional explosives wrapped in paper, found in a drawer.

Descriptions of Gao Haiping characterize him as an only child who worked as a miner. He was described by others as a loner who held pessimistic views and was dissatisfied with his life. On the day of the bombing, Gao reportedly told others he wanted to go home, and he warned a neighbor to avoid the theatre that evening if the neighbor wished to avoid trouble — a statement that in retrospect suggested foreknowledge of the attack.

The case remains documented as a resolved criminal matter in which the perpetrator died during the commission of the act, meaning no prosecution or trial occurred.