Gateway to the Stars: Discovering the Legacy of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center

The Cradle of China’s Space Dream

1.Located deep within the Gobi: Desert, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC)—also known as Dongfeng Space City—is China's oldest and largest comprehensive space launch base. Although named after Jiuquan City in Gansu Province, the site is geographically situated in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia. Spanning approximately 2,800 square kilometers at an altitude of 1,000 meters, it serves as the nation's only launch site for manned space missions, earning it the title "Houston of the East".

A Milestone in Human History

Established in 1958, the center has been the stage for the most significant breakthroughs in China's aerospace history. It witnessed the launch of China’s first surface-to-surface missile, the Dongfeng-1, in 1960, and the first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, in 1970. For decades, the site remained a secret military restricted zone, but it has now transformed into a major destination for scientific and "Red" patriotic education, holding a National 4A Scenic Spot status.

Technological Wonders in the Desert

The facility is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring massive launch towers and sophisticated tracking systems integrated into the desert landscape. The most iconic structure is the Manned Spacecraft Launch Site (Site 921), where the Shenzhou missions are sent into orbit. Visitors can explore the Jiuquan Space Museum, which houses authentic artifacts including rocket engines, satellite models, and recovery capsules, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of China’s space program.

A Spiritual and Scientific Sanctuary

Beyond its role as a military and scientific hub, the JSLC is a place of remembrance. The Dongfeng Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers and scientists who dedicated their lives to the desert and the stars. This blend of high-tech innovation, historical sacrifice, and the stark beauty of the Gobi makes it a unique spiritual sanctuary for those tracing the footprints of China's modernization.