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Gansu Wind Farm

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Gansu Wind Farm (China)

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The Gansu Wind Farm, also known as the Jiuquan Wind Power Base, is one of the world's largest wind energy projects and a flagship of China's commitment to renewable energy. Located on the edge of the Gobi Desert in Gansu Province, the facility capitalizes on the region's consistent and powerful wind currents. This massive undertaking consists of thousands of individual wind turbines sprawling across vast desert plains, with a target installed capacity exceeding 20 gigawatts. Construction launched in 2009 as a core component of China's national plan to establish large-scale energy bases in the inland regions. A primary challenge involves transmitting the generated power over thousands of kilometers to the densely populated industrial hubs on the eastern coast, necessitating the deployment of ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission lines. The wind farm contributes significantly to reducing China's carbon footprint and stimulates economic growth in the relatively underdeveloped Gansu Province. Despite technical hurdles regarding grid integration, the project is recognized as a global milestone in the transition to sustainable energy. The sheer scale of the installation is so immense that it is clearly visible from space.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-51813192120147-1-7
Rain mm21361224201511223

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Often referred to as the Jiuquan Wind Power Base, this colossal array of turbines is a monumental symbol of China's aggressive transition towards large-scale renewable energy.
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Visiting
While the individual turbine bases are restricted industrial zones, the sheer scale of the project means visitors can easily witness the thousands of structures covering the desert plains.
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Where to view it
The most striking panoramas are visible during train rides or drives along the G30 Expressway near Jiuquan, where the endless sea of white blades stretches to the horizon.
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Local products
The region is better known for traditional Silk Road souvenirs, carved jades, and local desert melons found in the nearby markets of Jiuquan and Dunhuang.
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Active season
The turbines harvest the relentless Gobi Desert winds year-round, generating the most power during the blustery spring and autumn months when visual dust storms are also common.
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Nearby
The majestic sights of the Mogao Caves, the ancient fortresses of Jiayuguan, and the singing sand dunes of Dunhuang perfectly complement this modern engineering marvel.

Geography

Coordinates
40.23000, 96.93000

Facts

  • Targeted total capacity exceeds 20,000 megawatts (20 GW).
  • Comprises more than 7,000 installed wind turbine units.
  • The project spans several different counties within Gansu Province.
  • Utilizes UHVDC lines to transmit power over 2,300 km to the east.
  • Reduces annual coal consumption by an estimated 10 million tons.
  • A central pillar of the national 'Wind Base' program initiated in 2009.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Burkhan Buudai MountainBurkhan Buudai Mountain90 km · NWExplore →
Eej KhairkhanEej Khairkhan100 km · SWExplore →
UliastaiUliastai101 km · WExplore →
AltaiAltai108 km · SWExplore →
Great Gobi A Strictly Protected AreaGreat Gobi A Strictly Protected Area109 km · SExplore →
OtgontengerOtgontenger121 km · NWExplore →
Tarvagatai RangeTarvagatai Range126 km · NWExplore →
Khar Lake (Zavkhan)Khar Lake (Zavkhan)141 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gansu Wind Farm visible to tourists?
Yes, you can see thousands of wind turbines from the highways in the Jiuquan region.
How large is this wind farm?
It is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world, often called the 'wind express'.
Can you enter the grounds?
Usually only with a special permit, but the view from public roads is impressive.
Why is the wind farm located here?
The Gobi Desert provides constant and strong winds, well-suited for energy generation.
Are there tours?
Special industrial tours are rare; photo stops by the road are common.
Gansu Wind Farm: where is it located?
Gansu Wind Farm is located in China.
Gansu Wind Farm: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gansu Wind Farm: why is it worth visiting?
The Gansu Wind Farm, also known as the Jiuquan Wind Power Base, is one of the world's largest wind energy projects and a flagship of China's commitment to renewable energy.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Lanzhou — Gansu Wind Farm (China)
Lanzhou
The capital of Gansu province, a major stop on the ancient Silk Road.

More places

Qilian Mountains — Gansu Wind Farm (China)
Qilian Mountains
A mountain range on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, forming a natural boundary between Qinghai and Gansu provinces.
Mogao Caves — Gansu Wind Farm (China)
Mogao Caves
A system of 492 temples 25 km southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis city on the Silk Road.
Hexi Corridor — Gansu Wind Farm (China)
Hexi Corridor
A historical route in Gansu province which was part of the Northern Silk Road.
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Jinchuan Group Mine
One of the world's largest nickel, copper, and cobalt mines, located in Gansu province.