Mysterious Chinese Buildings Explained

Mysterious buildings

In 2011, an ex-CIA analyst discovered mysterious structures in the deserts near Kashgar, Western China. The structures included some large buildings as well as a big, U-shaped complex

Not a secret

But though the exact purpose is unclear, the sites are probably commercial or industrial locations experts say.

Plugged in

chinese-satellite-imagery — (Image credit: Google Maps)

Though they are in the desert, they are near rail lines and the airport.

Near civillization

The structures aren't far from Kashgar, one of the main cities in the Xinjiang province of China.

Commercial development

google earth, satellite images, chinese desert — (Image credit: Google Earth)

In general, the region of Kashgar has been singled out by the Chinese government as a special economic zone that should undergo major development over the next several years. [See More Mysterious Structures in China Desert]

Tia is the managing editor and was previously a senior writer for Live Science. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Wired.com and other outlets. She holds a master's degree in bioengineering from the University of Washington, a graduate certificate in science writing from UC Santa Cruz and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Tia was part of a team at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that published the Empty Cradles series on preterm births, which won multiple awards, including the 2012 Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism.