LZU ISP | Harnessing the Elements and Retracing the Silk Road: Exploring New Energy and Ancient Heritage

Recently, participants of the 2026 Lanzhou University International Summer Program (LZU ISP) traveled to Jiuquan to explore the New Energy Expo Hall in West Park of Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone, Zixuan Winery, and the historic Jiayuguan Fortress. The tour offered an immersive look at the Silk Road’s modern industrial evolution and its enduring cultural legacy.

Upon entering the New Energy Expo Hall in West Park of Jiuquan Economic and Technological Development Zone, students were greeted by a massive scale model illustrating the distribution of Jiuquan's wind farms, solar parks, and energy storage facilities. The surrounding exhibits showcased core components like wind turbine blades, tower sections, solar panels, and storage batteries, providing a firsthand look at the engineering behind green energy. A guide detailed the history and implementation of wind and solar power in the Gobi region. The hall also features exhibits on Jiuquan's specialized industries, including agriculture and medicine, providing a multi-faceted portrait of the modern city.

Participants visit the New Energy Expo Hall 

Photo by Liu Lei

Next, the group visited Zixuan Winery. Jiuquan's unique sandy Gobi soil, abundant sunshine, and snowmelt irrigation create a perfect natural environment for viticulture. After watching a short video on the development of Gansu's wine industry, the students learned about the region's historical roots and brand evolution. The tour offered a full view of the production chain—from vine to glass—demonstrating how Jiuquan has successfully developed specialized "Gobi agriculture" by adapting to the unique desert environment.

Participants pose for a group photo at Zixuan Winery 

Photo by Liu Lei

The day concluded at the Jiayuguan Fortress. As the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and a vital Silk Road hub, Jiayuguan is famously known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven." This fortress served as both a military stronghold and a cultural gateway where caravans, envoys, and monks once converged. Standing atop the city walls, the students gazed out over the vast, windswept Gobi Desert. They listened to stories of the pass's strategic history and touched the weathered bricks, feeling the rough texture left by centuries of wind and sand. The experience provided a profound appreciation for the ingenuity of ancient Chinese architecture and engineering.

Participants visit the Jiayuguan Fortress 

Photo by Liu Lei

Participants take photos at the Jiayuguan Fortress 

Photo by Liu Lei

From the burgeoning green energy of the Gobi to the desert's deep-rooted wine culture and the ancient fortress standing guard over the centuries, these experiences have formed a lasting "Silk Road memory" for the international students.