Atomic City Xihai Town

Atomic City Xihai Town

Guide Built in 1958, China’s first atomic bomb and first hydrogen bomb were both developed here, hence the name “Atomic City.” It was decommissioned on May 15, 1995, and renamed Xihai Town with the approval of the State Council. It is now the seat of Haibei Prefecture.

In the 1950s, China’s top decision-makers proposed that China could not do without an atomic bomb, and thus the country embarked on the arduous journey of developing one. The first step was site selection. After careful consideration, the location chosen was the Golden and Silver Beach in Haiyan County, Qinghai Province, publicly referred to as Factory 221.

Covering a total area of 570 square kilometers, this site became China’s first nuclear research base. The base involved the dedication of veteran proletarian revolutionaries such as Mao Zedong and [redacted], as well as the efforts of first-generation Chinese scientists like Deng Jiaxian and Wang Ganchang. It also represented the strong collaboration and selfless contributions of people from all ethnic groups across the nation. On October 16, 1964, the first successfully tested atomic bomb was born here.

In accordance with adjustments to the national strategic plan, in June 1987, the State Council and [redacted] decided to dismantle State-Owned Factory 221. Thus, the factory had fulfilled its historical mission and slowly drew the curtain on its solemn and mysterious existence.

To commemorate China’s first nuclear research base, a memorial monument was erected in Xihai Town. Today, the Atomic City still preserves numerous physical memorial sites, showcasing the arduous pioneering journey of the Chinese people during an extremely challenging period. It stands as a tremendous spiritual asset and a valuable resource for patriotic education for people across the nation.

Qinghai Qinghai Lake

Xihai Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Located at the source of the Huangshui River. It is the seat of the prefecture, with a population of 10,000, predominantly Han Chinese, along with Tibetan, Mongolian, Hui, and other ethnic minorities. The area covers 437 square kilometers. There are no villages or neighborhood committees within its jurisdiction (currently under preparation). Established as the Daruyu Tibetan Autonomous Region in 1953. From 1958 to 1993, it served as the site of State-Owned Factory 221, which was later handed over to Haibei Prefecture after the factory’s closure. … Xihai Town detailed information++