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The Second Branch, located on the Jinyintan Grassland in Haiyan County, was once a branch of the State-owned Factory 221, China's first nuclear weapons research, testing, and production base. It was primarily responsible for explosives processing, synchronous focusing experiments, pyrotechnic component processing, and nuclear weapons assembly. China's first atomic bomb was assembled here.
Factory 221 was established in 1958. In 1995, the capital of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, was relocated from Haomen Town, Menyuan County, to this location. In May of that year, my country's first nuclear weapons development base was officially dismantled. Today, it's a nationally protected cultural relic site and a popular tourist destination.
The climate of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is a plateau continental climate with long cold periods and short warm and cool periods. It has abundant sunlight, strong solar radiation, distinct dry and wet seasons, rainy and hot seasons in the same season, and frequent night rains and strong winds.
It is recommended to play for one hour
The Second Factory played a key role in the industrialization of Qinghai and is part of the region’s development in the 20th century. It was once a major center for manufacturing and contributing to the local economy, especially during the era of state-run enterprises.
The Second Factory is located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. It can be accessed by taxi or private transport from Xining, the capital of Qinghai. Public transport options may be limited, so hiring a car or taking a taxi is the most convenient option.
The Second Factory is generally open for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
Entrance fees vary, but typically it is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and online booking is available during peak seasons for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary but recommended during busy periods such as national holidays. A few days' notice should be sufficient for online reservations.
A visit to the Second Factory will take about 1 to 2 hours depending on your interest in the industrial history and whether you take a guided tour.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may provide limited English-speaking services. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available at the site.
Photography is best near the old industrial machines and equipment, as well as in the areas surrounding the factory with a view of the nearby mountains or landscape.
Start by visiting the main factory area to learn about its historical operations. Then, proceed to the museum or any dedicated exhibition areas. Finish by walking around the exterior to view the factory’s surroundings and architecture.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Second Factory. Special tours may be available during certain events or festivals, but they are not commonly offered.
The site can be less crowded during weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons (fall and winter). Weekends and public holidays are generally busier.
The site has basic facilities, including toilets and water stations. However, food and shopping options are limited, so it is advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns or Xining.
The factory area may have uneven ground and some stairs, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is recommended to check with the site in advance for any special accommodations or accessibility options.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it is best to bring cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the Second Factory, but there are several options for food in nearby towns or in Xining, where a variety of local and international cuisines are available.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Xining and some surrounding areas, including restaurants that cater to these diets. Halal food can also be found in Xining due to its large Muslim population.
There are a few budget accommodations near the Second Factory. For more comfortable lodging, Xining offers a wide range of hotels from budget to mid-range.
There are no souvenir shops directly at the Second Factory, but in Xining, you can find Tibetan jewelry, crafts, and textiles as typical souvenirs from the region.
The best transportation options after visiting the Second Factory are private car, taxi, or local buses. To visit nearby attractions such as Qinghai Lake or the Kumbum Monastery, renting a car or joining a local tour would be most convenient.
