As the first nuclear power unit launched during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) for national socioeconomic development, construction of the Xuwei Nuclear Power Plant started in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province on Friday.
It stands as the world's first project integrating the Hualong One pressurized water reactor with a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.
This facility not only generates electricity but also supplies high-quality steam.
The main construction phase began on Friday, with the first major task being the concrete pouring for No.1 nuclear power unit.
Construction of the project is planned in two phases, with the current construction being Phase I which involves building two Hualong One units and one high-temperature gas-cooled reactor unit.
The project will see the installation of two Hualong One units which employ China's fully independently developed third-generation nuclear power technology and one high-temperature gas-cooled reactor which uses the fourth-generation nuclear power technology.
Once the project is put into operation, seawater will undergo desalination before being heated by the Hualong One units to produce medium-pressure saturated steam with the temperature exceeding 270 degrees Celsius.
The steam is then reheated using heat from the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, raising its temperature to beyond 460 degrees Celsius.
This high-quality industrial steam will be supplied to chemical enterprises in Xuwei New District of Lianyungan.
Upon the entry into operation of Phase I, the project will annually supply 32.5 million tonnes of industrial steam and generate over 11.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.
This will reduce annual standard coal consumption by 7.26 million tonnes and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 19.6 million tonnes.
It will not only support low-carbon development in Lianyungang's petrochemical base but also advance China's nuclear energy transition from power generation to diversified supply.
Phase I is projected to start operation in 2032.
The Hualong One is a Chinese Generation III pressurized water nuclear reactor developed by the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
It has obtained European Utility Requirements certification and passed the UK Generic Design Assessment. Each unit generates over 10 billion kilowatt-hours annually -- enough to power one million people in a moderately developed country -- while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tonnes.
Construction of new nuclear power plant starts in east China
An exciting wave of innovative winter tourism experiences is drawing visitors to the icy parts of China, as destinations transform ice and snow resources into immersive, experience-driven attractions that boost local consumption and development.
In Jiuru Mountain Scenic Area in Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, towering icefalls formed by the area's canyon terrain and sustained winter cold create a spectacular frozen landscape.
Covering around 30,000 square meters, dense icicles and ice curtains hang like crystal glass, offering visitors a prime viewing season.
This winter, the scenic area has creatively incorporated fire elements, installing more than 100 stoves and log cabins throughout the park, creating a unique scene with "a stove available every few steps and a wooden cabin every 100 meters."
"The experience is really amazing and far beyond my expectations," said a tourist named Tian Yujuan.
Beyond sightseeing, the tourist attraction has also introduced more than 20 creative handicraft studios where visitors can make sachets and chocolates, while its snow play park that features ice sleds and snow tubing has become especially popular with families.
Since the New Year's Day, both visitor numbers and operating revenues at the site have more than doubled year on year.
In Yinchuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, local attractions are also expanding winter offerings through a "snow and ice plus" model.
On the Yuehai Lake, tourists wearing specially designed red protective suits float calmly in icy water in an activity known as "ice floating". The suits feature heat-locking inner layers and high-buoyancy outer layers, ensuring warmth and safety, while on-site photography services use drones and cameras to capture the experience.
"On weekends, I am willing to come to nearby cities to experience this kind of effortless relaxation. I find it quite stress-relieving," said a tourist.
In Pingxiliang Village, a small mountain village in suburban Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, ice and snow tourism has become a catalyst for rural revitalization.
Once an extremely impoverished village, Pingxiliang has developed winter cultural tourism by leveraging local resources.
Nowadays, more than 80 percent of households in the village operate homestays, and 236 villagers work in tourism, with related income accounting for over 70 percent of the total revenue.
Meanwhile, at the Sayram Lake in Xinjiang, winter visitors are flocking to newly created blue ice waterfalls -- each about 10 meters high and covering a total area of 15,000 square meters.
Built by staff who erected supports and sprayed water starting in November, the frozen formations preserve the natural shape of cascading water, creating a striking man-made icefall.
Shared widely on social media, the blue ice waterfalls have become a new must-see destination for winter tourists to the Sayram Lake.
China's winter tourism blends ice landscapes with immersive experiences
