A drone photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows an obsolete petroleum industrial site in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

Tourists visit the Heidu Mountain in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 30, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

A teacher demonstrates the assembly of a miniature rocket for students on a summer camping tour at the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 29, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

Students on a summer study tour learn astronomical knowledge at the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 29, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows the Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST) jointly developed by the University of Science and Technology of China and the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows the Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST) jointly developed by the University of Science and Technology of China and the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows a view of Serteng Mountain in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

A staff member prepares to clean rooms at a homestay in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 30, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

This stacked photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows the starry sky near the Lenghu astronomical observatory in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

This photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows a view of the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Heidu Mountain in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

Sci-fi writer Yang Ping (1st L) chats with children on a summer study tour at the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 29, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Heidu Mountain scenic spot in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

A student on a summer camping tour checks the growth of vegetable cultivated at a chips-powered farm inside the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 29, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

Sci-fi writer Yang Ping works at the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 29, 2025. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

This photo taken on July 28, 2025 shows starry sky in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

This photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows the starry sky near the Lenghu astronomical observatory in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)

This photo taken on July 28, 2025 shows the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

A drone photo taken on July 29, 2025 shows the Lenghu Lab in Lenghu Town, Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Lenghu Town, located in Mangnai City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, had risen and fallen -- both because of a wave in the petroleum industry.

Isolated from the outside world by the 800-mile-wide Gobi, the town is now transformed into a sanctuary for stargazers thanks to its special geographic condition.

The Lenghu astronomical observatory, built in the Serteng Mountain at 4,320 meters above sea level, has by far introduced 12 scientific and research institutions and 45 telescopes.

Meanwhile, the cultural tourism characterized by science and astronomy developed here has brought a new look for this town.

Landmarks such as Mars Camp and Heidu Mountain in the town have attracted numerous visitors. Moreover, science fiction awards held consecutively here have made the town a new pop land for sci-fi creation. (Xinhua/Qi Zhiyue)