China Energy's 3 Million Kilowatt Photovoltaic Base, located in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia, was successfully connected to the grid on Tuesday, marking the commencement of operation for China's largest solar power facility built on a coal mining subsidence zone.
With a total installed capacity of 3 million kilowatts, the project involved the installation of approximately 5.9 million photovoltaic panels, spanning over 70 million square meters, an area equivalent to 10,000 standard football fields.
This ambitious project has contributed to China's efforts to rehabilitate degraded land and is also a key part of the country's broader energy strategy, contributing to the west-to-east power transmission system that aims to transport electricity from the western regions to the eastern, industrialized parts of the country.
"The project generates 5.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 2 million households for a year. It saves 1.71 million tons of standard coal and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4.7 million tons annually," said Dong Weidong, head of the China Energy Inner Mongolia Company.
Yang Yingxin, governor of Otog Front Banner, Inner Mongolia, expressed pride in the construction team's efficiency.
"The construction team completed the 20-month photovoltaic project in just 14 months, achieving full-capacity grid connection. The electricity generated is transmitted through a 1,238-kilometer transmission line, delivering clean energy to Linyi, Shandong. The Blue Ocean Photovoltaic Power Station has also become the largest single-grid-connected new energy project in Inner Mongolia," Yang said.
China starts operation of solar plant built on subsided coal mine
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
