Witness to history: Pioneers of China’s first atomic bomb share passionate memories, inspire self-reliance, courage among youth

Editor's Note:

Sixty years ago, China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb. Relying on their own strength, the Chinese people achieved a major breakthrough in cutting-edge national defense technology. Recently, the Global Times interviewed several retired personnel from the nuclear military base who participated in this historic event, listening to their stories of dedication and perseverance during those passionate and unforgettable years.

This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.
"Five, four, three, two, one… ignite!"

On October 16, 1964, at precisely 3 pm Beijing time, at the nuclear test base in Lop Nur located in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, head operator Han Yunti pressed the button that would change history.

A massive fireball, akin to a second sun, soared into the sky. Then it fused with a rising dust column, creating a spectacular mushroom cloud.

Later that day, a radio broadcast echoed, and extra editions of People's Daily were passed around, as people took to the streets to celebrate the historic event - China had successfully detonated its first atomic bomb.

In the early years of the People's Republic of China, faced with a complex international environment, the government sought to ensure peace and stability for domestic development. On January 15, 1955, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held an expanded meeting, making the strategic decision to establish and develop China's atomic energy industry, according to Science and Technology Daily.

Late Chairman Mao Zedong once declared that China does not only need more planes and cannons; it needs the atomic bomb. "In today's world, to avoid being bullied, we cannot be without this thing," Xinhua reported.

In less than 10 years, China achieved this miracle.

Behind the successful explosion were countless individuals who worked in silence, overcoming immense challenges. In the 1950s, a group of nuclear industry pioneers embarked on a difficult journey in the vast Gobi Desert of Northwest China. Starting with just a tent, they built research institutes and factories, laying the foundation for China's nuclear industry. Despite harsh conditions, they established China's first nuclear industrial base, which formed the bedrock for both the country's nuclear weapons and energy development.

Today, China's nuclear industry continues to grow steadily. Starting from the scratch to a comprehensive system, the industry contributes to ensuring energy security, protecting the environment and promoting high-quality economic growth while moving forward into the Chinese modernization.

An unforgettable day

On that special day exactly 60 years ago, Wang Changjian noted it as "The Most Unforgettable Day" in his journal.

He still vividly remembers that his team leader told him an important announcement would be made that evening and instructed him to wait at a square.

At the time, Wang was a worker at Plant 404, a nuclear engineering base that emerged from the barren Gobi Desert in Northwest China's Gansu Province. Because of strict confidentiality, many employees, like Wang, had no idea what their work was ultimately contributing to, and they never asked or discussed about it.

Wang arrived at the square at 9 pm, where a crowd had already gathered, buzzing with speculation. At 10 pm, a loudspeaker broadcast the news: "China has successfully detonated its first atomic bomb!"

At first, people couldn't believe their ears, and the announcement was repeated several times. When the government officially confirmed the successful test, the entire "nuclear city" of Plant 404 erupted in celebration.

"Some people even ran home to grab drums and Chinese national flags for the celebration - it was a sleepless night," said Wang.

What shocked him even more was learning about his own connection with the news. "We manufactured the components of the bomb, but it wasn't until the night of the explosion that we finally knew the truth," he said.

Wang emphasized the strict adherence to secrecy at the time: "Those who knew didn't talk, and those who didn't know didn't ask." This simple rule was rooted in their minds.

"We understood that any leak could have devastating consequences. Working in such a highly confidential environment, we felt both pressured and motivated," he added.

This success was not just a technical breakthrough, but a huge morale boost for nuclear industry workers. "After three years of hard work and dedication, we finally stood tall. Victory belonged to every one of us!" Wang said with deep emotion.

Wang Baodou, a recipient of the National May 1st Labor Medal, was also involved in the manufacturing of China's first atomic bomb.

Recounting the preparations leading up to the bomb's test, Wang Baodou mentioned that Plant 404 launched the "Great Effort of 80, 90, 100 Days" campaign to ensure all equipment was installed, tested, and repaired before the nuclear test. Given the operation's top-secret nature, everyone had to strictly abide by confidentiality regulations.

"We didn't know the exact timeline or the full scope of the task. Our duty was to follow instructions and complete the mission," Wang Baodou said.

Much of the equipment at Plant 404 had to be independently developed and installed by workers after Soviet experts withdrew. Wang Baodou remembered the installation of the electrolysis fluorine equipment - a crucial step in producing nuclear materials. Due to incomplete designs, workers relied on their own ingenuity to overcome numerous obstacles.

During the most critical phases, workers took turns remaining at the site, with no time to go home and rest. Wang Baodou and his colleagues would sleep on leather coats spread on the ground and lean against the wall to get some sleep. "Despite being tired, everyone was in high spirits because we knew we were doing this for our country, and we had to get it done," he said.

In addition to the successful detonation of the atomic bomb, there was other exciting news for the Chinese people during those years: On June 17, 1967, China successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb. On April 24, 1970, China launched its first artificial satellite into space.
An ironclad oath

After graduating from a technical school, Wang Changjian, along with dozens of classmates selected through rigorous requirements, headed to Plant 404 in the Gobi Desert.

"Our slogan was - respond to the Party's call, go where the country needs us most, and go to the toughest places. This was the loudest voice of the time, and to young people, it was like an ironclad oath," he said.

What Wang Changjian remembered most was the sense of unity and collaboration. Technicians, workers, and officials worked closely together, living and working side by side as they tackled technical challenges. "There was a deep sense of responsibility and honor. It was considered a privilege to contribute to the country," he said. This spirit of selfless dedication enabled them to complete the task under such difficult conditions.

Wang Baodou also described the harsh environment in the Gobi Desert where the nuclear base was located. Many workers, single and far from home, endured isolation as their families couldn't join them for many years. Despite the tough living conditions and the inhospitable environment, they persevered.

One vivid memory Wang Baodou shared with the Global Times was an impromptu soccer match they organized. However, a sudden Gobi windstorm sent sand flying, making it impossible to see. The sand grains, as large as fingernails, pelted them, forcing everyone to take cover in nearby sand pits until the wind had died down so they could continue the game.

Today, Plant 404 has grown into a comprehensive nuclear industry base. When reflecting on being awarded the National May 1st Labor Medal, Wang Baodou considered the honor not just his, but a tribute to all his silent and dedicated colleagues. He paid special tribute to several workers who sacrificed their lives for the cause, including Fu Hongju, Zhang Dinghua, and Zhang Weihao, calling them his eternal heroes.

"Whenever we think of the success of the first atomic bomb, we remember these colleagues. Their sacrifices inspire deep respect and reflection. They contributed far more than any individual achievement," he said.

New story in Gobi Desert

The nuclear industry in China is also eyeing the future.

Exactly 560 meters beneath the Gobi Desert lies a modern underground laboratory - the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, a key to securing China's long-term nuclear industry development.

Wang Ju, the chief scientist in the field of radioactive waste disposal at the China National Nuclear Corporation, stood at the entrance of the laboratory and marveled, "When we discovered this intact granite formation, I almost knelt down to thank nature. Such a flawless rock formation, nearly crack-free, is the perfect natural barrier for the safe geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste."

In 1992, Wang Ju was a geologist focusing of the study on uranium geology when he realized that the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste was a global challenge for the nuclear industry. For more than 30 years, Wang Ju and his team have been searching in the Gobi Desert for a suitable site to safely isolate this waste.

They eventually found a granite formation as large as half the size of Beijing.

The Beishan Underground Research laboratory is expected to be the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in the world when it is completed in 2028. It will provide full support for the technical development of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, ensuring safety for tens of thousands of years.

Sixty years ago, China solemnly declared to the world its confidence and capability to maintain stability and defend peace. The heroic predecessors, accompanied by the Gobi Desert and yellow sands, processed vast amounts of data using only an abacus and a slide rule, inspiring the Chinese younger generation to be self-reliant and forge ahead courageously.