Abstract: ​Practice teaching is an indispensable part in the teaching of soil mechanics, while ​existing conditions in colleges and external circumstances are not able to meet the needs of increasingly diverse practices. ​A digital twin virtual simulation platform was developed to combine virtual simulation with physical models, online teaching with on-site teaching, and theoretical learning with engineering practice. A practical mode of teaching soil mechanics was also explored. As an example of surface deformation monitoring in mining areas, the deformation process, measuring instruments, deformation monitoring and data processing are shown directly. The research results show that the digital twin virtual simulation platform helps train students in the spirit of innovation and practical capacity, and is in line with the development of modern experimental techniques in geotechnical engineering.