(250806) -- XINING, Aug. 6, 2025 (Xinhua) -- 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)
