Xichang Satellite Launching Base is a modern spacecraft launching site of China that is open to visit, with large scale, complete set of equipments, advanced technology and strong launching and experimental ability. The headquarters of launching center is at Xichang, and the launching site is located at the beautiful mountains in around 60 km northwest to Xichang, which takes about 1 hour by driving. The launching center is equipped with the systems for testing, commanding and controlling, tracking and measuring, communicating, meteorology and technical logistics. The two launching positions and the supporting facilities including technical test center and tracking & commanding center within the launching site are capable of undertake and accomplish the services of launching domestic and overseas satellites in various models.
The related zones for the six systems including testing, commanding & controlling, tracking & measuring, communicating, meteorology and logistics are located at different areas of the valley. The launching tower in 76 m height and the lightning-arresting tower in beyond 300 m height are set up at the bottom of valley and stretch out of the mountains. It is a semi-closed small basin surrounded by mountains in three directs and only with an open at southeast corner, with an area of around 2 square kilometers.
On December 24, 1984, China opened the whole process of launching satellite to visitors for the first time, and the governmental officials, technical groups and correspondents from 20 countries and regions watched the launching on site. Some famous space experts and governmental heads of other countries also visited here, and were amazed by the advanced technologies and equipments here. Till now, Xichang Satellite Launching Center has received the delegations from more than 50 countries and regions, and the domestic visitors of beyond 600 thousand person-time. More than 20 countries have expressed the intension of launching their satellites here.