China 2021 Recap: Industry breakthrough

By Zhang Andi

Jin Yinghua contributed to the selection

BEIJING, Feb. 9 -- In 2021, major projects "from heaven to sea" were not only "national events" attracting global attention, but also "key breakthroughs" in various industries. They bear witness to the sweat and wisdom of the builders in the past year, inspiring the confidence of the Chinese people.

1. The world's first 100,000-ton semi-submersible energy station, Shenhai 1

On June 25, 2021, China's first large-scale self-operated deep water gas field, "Shenhai 1", was officially put into operation. This is an important milestone in the history of China's offshore oil industry, marking China's leap from equipment technology to exploration and development capabilities from 300 meters to 1,500 meters in ultra-deep water. The Shenhai 1 energy station is ready for operation in Zhifu Bay, Yantai, East China's Shandong Province on January 17, 2021. (Photo by Tang Ke/Guangming Photo)

2. Largest domestic shield machine, Jinghua

The largest diameter earth pressure balance shield machine in China, with completely independent intellectual property rights, has been successfully developed, providing strong guarantee for the construction of long railway tunnels in China and further consolidating independent domestic control over tunneling technology. The photo shows a partial view of the shield engine of the "Jinghua" on February 2, 2021. (Photo by Guo Junfeng/Guangming photo)

3. 600 km/h Maglev Train

On July 20, 2021, China's 600 km/h maglev transport system, developed by CRRC and with completely independent intellectual property rights, was successfully rolled off the production line in Qingdao. This is the world's first set of 600 km/h maglev transport system. It marks China has mastered the complete set of high-speed maglev technology and engineering ability. The picture shows China's 600 km/h maglev transportation system rolls out in Qingdao. (Photo by Zhang Jingang/Guangming Photo)

4. Largest top-slewing tower crane, W12000-450

On October 25, 2021, the world's largest top-slewing tower crane, W12000-450, was rolled off the assembly line in Changde, Hunan Province. It is the tower crane with the largest hoisting torque in the world so far, and one of the most advanced technology and highest system integration among construction machinery products. Technicians conduct 675-ton (1.5 times of the rated lifting weight, 450 tons) static load testing of W12000-450 tower cranes in the intelligent tower crane manufacturing base of Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. in Changde Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, Hunan Province (drone photo). (Photo by Tang Dehong/Guangming photo)

5. Winter Olympics venues

Every element of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games is infused with the artistic conception and connotation of Chinese culture. The winter Olympic venues follow this trend, with nicknames surrounding ice and snow forming two intimate "families", which not only show the charm of Chinese culture, but also draw snow sports closer to the public. As the renovation of the National Stadium "Bird's Nest", venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, was completed on October 28, all lights at the landmark venues of the "Double Olympic City" were turned on collectively for the first time. Photo taken on the evening of October 28, 2021 shows the night view of the "Ice Ribbon" at the National Speed Skating Stadium. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/Guangming Photo)

6. Tianyan

Located in Guizhou Province, Tianyan, formally known as the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, has approved 27 international observation applications from 14 countries, excluding China, since it was officially opened to astronomers around the world in late March 2021. It is the world's first giant telescope and a first in many fields. Photo taken on November 8, 2017 shows the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope during maintenance in Pingtang County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo by Xiao Wei/Guangming Photo)

7. Three Goreges Hub

Three Gorges Hub According to the Chinese Ministry of Transport, the shipping volume of the Three Gorges Hub reached 150.58 million tons in 2021, up 9.29% year on year and setting a new record. Among them, the shipping volume of the Three Gorges Lock reached 146.44 million tons, 46% more than its design capacity. Ships pass through the fifth-level lock of the Three Gorges Dam in order on December 27, 2021. (Photo by Zheng Jiayu/Guangming Photo)

8. Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant

Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant On May 19, Jiangsu Nuclear Power Unit 7 and 8 and Liaoning Nuclear Power Unit 3 and 4 were approved to start construction. When all the four units are completed and put into operation, they will generate 37.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35.5 million tons per year, contributing significantly to China's efforts to achieve "carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060". Photo taken on May 19, 2021 shows the first tank of concrete being poured at Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant Unit 7 in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Jianmin/Guangming photo)