A few pictures from a failed-attempt to explore in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China. I've noticed this site a few times since I arrived in October 2013, and have often wanted to get closer and look around, but the lack of time or uncertainty of the consequences if caught by the local police had put me off a little. It wasn't until mid-May I finally managed to build courage, borrow my friend's bicycle and circle the perimeter a few times before finding a way in (the site is massive but well-secure). Fortunately, a local farmer who had been using the site to grow corn left the factory gate open. A perfect invitation, I thought, but... An 80-odd year-old security guard was sitting in the shade behind the gate and noticed me as I cycled in... After he shouted something at me, I froze and slowly turned around to see him sitting by the gate, accompanied with his rather large black security dog (which I think had rabies).
After struggling to speak to the security guard in broken Chinese to explain what I was doing, he told me a little of the history. I grasped this powerstation was built in the early 1980s, but closed at the end of the 2012-2013 winter campaign as it was too uneconomical to run and environmentally unsuitable for the town. Besides, many of the old houses connected to the station were being demolished and replaced by modern, electric-fitted apartment flats which didn't need steam heating. I understand electricity is now being provided by a new powerstation in Xianyang. Because of the cold weather in this part of China, there are numerous heating power stations along the Wei River, which during November to February, provide nearby towns with steam heating and electricity. These things burn unimaginable amounts of coal each day when in service, but from comparing other stations in Shaanxi, this one is relatively small.
After some more general chat, I felt it appropriate to leave the site before I caused any trouble or get chased off by his dog. I left disappointed to say the least, as I was so close to getting some quality urban exploration finished, but it doesn't look like this site will be demolished soon as its still in pristine condition. Anyone is thinking of a holiday, maybe check out Yangling and this site
The pictures: