Jinchang, Gansu (TDI): Under the clear blue skies of China’s Gansu province, Jinchang is rewriting its industrial legacy. From July 24 to 25, a group of international visitors toured this once-mining-intensive city, witnessing firsthand how it is transforming past scars into models of ecological renewal and technological innovation.
At the heart of this transformation lies the Jinchuan Group, one of the world’s top three nickel producers. Once dominated by vast open-pit mines, parts of the landscape have now been restored into terraced green hills through a reclamation project spanning over one million square meters across eight sites. These regenerated areas are not just aesthetic revivals but also serve practical purposes — reducing desertification and offering living case studies in sustainable mining.
“Jinchuan Group has now expanded to my home country, Pakistan, where it is engaged in several major projects,” said Usman Masood, a visitor from Pakistan. “After seeing their mining operations and advanced technologies here, I can say they’ve made significant contributions to China’s modernization.”
Inside the Jinchuan Science and Technology Museum, visitors explored the company’s evolution — from traditional nickel mining to producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Through virtual reality (VR) simulations and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mining demonstrations, the museum showcased the future of resource extraction.
“Gansu’s approach to mining is impressive — extracting resources while simultaneously restoring the environment,” remarked Karyna Kovalevska from Ukraine. She pointed to innovative methods such as backfilling and planting vegetation atop exhausted mining zones, encapsulating the region’s “mine-while-restoring” ethos.
The tour also included a visit to Mars Base 1 Camp in the Gobi Desert. Designed to simulate Martian life, the facility doubles as an educational centre, offering students immersive experiences in astronomy and ecological science.
“I watched young children explore the Mars base, their eyes filled with wonder,” said Douglas Dueno, a visitor from the United States. “Such programmes foster curiosity and interest in space and sustainability — crucial for the next generation.”
Another highlight was the Zijinyuan Scenic Area, once a desolate stretch of land now blooming with over 40 varieties of herbs and flowers, including lavender and verbena. The transformation has turned the area into a local attraction, complete with a wedding square, train-themed restaurant and eco-friendly villas — blending leisure tourism with environmental rehabilitation.
Jinchang’s transition from an industrial outpost to a hub of ecological and technological innovation offers a compelling example of sustainable development. The city’s experience reflects a broader shift in China’s development model — one where economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility.
As the international guests concluded their visit, they left not only with souvenirs but also with the lasting impression of a city that is composing a new narrative — one where industry and nature do not compete, but coexist in harmony.
