On June 12-16, in the run-up to the launch of the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft, a Beijing Review reporter entered the rarely visited Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province.

Founded in 1958, the center lies to the southwest of Alxa League's Ejin Banner in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The dry climate guarantees that around 300 days each year are suitable for launches.

After decades of construction, the residential area of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has well-equipped infrastructure, and trees and flowers can be seen everywhere. Views on the Ruoshui River, which runs alongside the community, remind visitors of the colorful scenery of south China.

Themed sculptures stand by the Dongfeng Lake (WEI YAO)

Pristine public facilities in the residential area of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (WEI YAO)

Children play in a public square (WEI YAO)

Basketball is the most popular sport among local residents (WEI YAO)

Residents wear scarves to protect themselves from the harsh sunlight (WEI YAO)

The Ruoshui River features a scenery typical to south China (WEI YAO)

Email us at: weiyao@bjreview.com