Jiuquan

Jiuquan is a city in western Gansu province, China, in the Hexi Corridor. It was founded as a Han commandery in the late 2nd century BCE, and its name, meaning "Wine Spring", comes from a legend about the general Huo Qubing. In 405 it became the capital of the Western Liang state, and it remained an important station on the Silk Road. A satellite launch centre named after it lies in the desert to the north-east.