Once celebrated in folk songs for its cultural charm, Xinjiang's Dabancheng District is now making waves as a renewable energy powerhouse. Known locally as 'China's Wind Valley,' this region in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region harnesses relentless gales through sprawling wind farms visible along major highways.
The unique geography of Dabancheng – a narrow strip flanked by mountains – creates a natural wind tunnel through the Venturi effect. With 214 days of strong annual winds, its 1,500-square-kilometer wind zone generates 2.5 billion kWh of electricity yearly. This output not only powers local communities but contributes significantly to China's West-to-East Power Transmission Project.
Xinjiang's wind resources position it as a clean energy leader, with Dabancheng among nine key development zones. By end-2024, the region had supplied 867.6 billion kWh to eastern China, 33% from renewable sources. The transformation from cultural icon to energy innovator showcases China's push toward sustainable infrastructure while maintaining regional economic growth.
For travelers on the Liangyungang-Horgos Highway, the 'white forest' of turbines serves as both an engineering marvel and a symbol of Asia's evolving energy landscape.
