Reporter's Diary: Exploring a Chinese space center

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2:22 a.m., Dec 8, BJT: One-minute countdown. Everyone was waiting for the breathtaking moment when China launched the Chang'e 4 lunar probe aboard a Long March 3B rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

Among the staff at the center and families with kids who came to witness the spectacular event, there was applause mingled with cheers.

The Chang'e 4 lunar probe launch is the most important mission in 2018. /CGTN photo

When the success of the launch was confirmed, we saw the joy in the eyes of the staff.

The three of us on the CGTN team were caught up in the moment as well, having witnessed their tireless efforts.

Xichang witnesses fast development of China's space launch

Wu Lei was at the center five years ago to report on China's launch of a commercial communication satellite for Bolivia. A lot has changed since then.

The Xichang satellite launch center has become China's busiest center in 2018. /CGTN photo

Seventeen space launches have been planned at the Xichang center in 2018, a new record. Most of them are Beidou Navigation Satellites and Chang'e lunar exploration missions.

More young engineers have joined the launch center, offering their creativity and enthusiasm to these systematic space projects.

Space launch boosts local economy

Xichang is well known because of the satellite launch center.

More and more people are keen to experience the launches themselves. A group of primary students were on our flight to Xichang and some of them told us that they hoped to learn more about space.

A growing number of tourists visit the Xichang satellite launch center/CGTN photo

At the launch site, we saw many foreign and domestic tourists. They will no doubt take the opportunity to enjoy the city's natural scenery, ethnic characteristics and local food.

Tourists are amazed by the blue sky, green trees and distant mountains here. The fruit tasted much sweeter than other places, thanks to the opulent sunshine.

"Moon element has been a brand of Xichang City"

Moon elements are often seen in the city. /CGTN photo

Before we came here, we heard that Xichang is known as "moon city" because of ancient legend and the very bright moonlight in the area. Unfortunately, we only saw a starry sky rather than a big moon at the beginning of the lunar month. Still, we felt lucky, having seen Orion and the Big Dipper that were hard to find in big cities. Perhaps next time!

(Top photo: File photo of a previous Chang'e launch in 2010. Chen Weikui also contributed to this story.)