Dunhuang 100MW Molten Salt Solar Tower
敦煌光热电站
A solar tower power plant on the Gobi, with over 10,000 heliostats surrounding a 260-meter receiver tower. Seen from above it looks like a giant sunflower, and it has become a new photo spot in Dunhuang.
The plant lies in the Dunhuang Photoelectric Industrial Park, about 20 km west of Dunhuang city. It was connected to the grid in 2018. More than 12,000 heliostats are arranged in concentric rings around a 260-meter receiver tower. They focus sunlight to heat molten salt for power generation, enabling continuous generation for 24 hours. Because aerial photos are stunning, it is called the “Super Mirror Power Station.” Visits to the interior of the plant must be arranged through the Photoelectric Expo Park or a group booking, so independent travelers usually view it from a nearby road. It is about 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Dunhuang, and you can stop by on the way to Yangguan or the Western Thousand Buddha Caves.
Opening hours
Check the opening schedule of the Optoelectronics Expo Park
Nearby sights
- Dunhuang Ancient City Film Set
- Western Thousand Buddha Caves
- White Horse Pagoda
- Dunhuang Museum
- Dunhuang Grand Show
- Leiyin Temple
- Reverse-Pipa Statue & Danghe Riverside
- Dunhuang Night Market