As of December 9, the 378-kilometer Yingmaili-Sancha natural gas pipeline (Ying-San Line), part of the Southern Xinjiang Gasification Project, has been operational for 10 days. Daily, 4.1 million cubic meters of clean natural gas from the Tarim Oilfield traverses deserts and mountains to reach households across five counties and cities at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
This vital pipeline along the Tianshan foothills is a key component of Xinjiang’s natural gas expansion project, serving as a major livelihood initiative by Tarim Oilfield to support regional development with clean energy. As the longest and most extensive pipeline in the first phase of the Southern Xinjiang Gasification Project, construction on the Ying-San Line began on March 10 and was completed on November 30.
Stretching from Yingmaili Gas Station in Aksu to Sancha Distribution Station in Kashgar, the pipeline includes 11 new valve stations and distribution hubs, along with three expanded gas facilities, linking major gas fields like Kela and Keshen with surrounding counties.
With a maximum daily supply capacity of 7.2 million cubic meters, the Ying-San Line forms a dual-supply network with existing pipelines, alleviating gas shortages and bolstering winter supply, livelihoods, and local economies. "The pipeline resolves capacity and coverage limitations, directly benefiting over 2 million residents in five counties and two farming communities," said Kang Chun, chief expert at Tarim Oilfield.
The project overcame 342 challenging terrains, including railways, highways, mountains, and rivers. To meet winter demand, Tarim Oilfield deployed over 1,800 workers and 420 machines across three construction segments, completing the pipeline within a year.
To minimize agricultural impact, the pipeline’s route was optimized, preserving over 600 acres of farmland and orchards. Quality-wise, welding passed radiographic and ultrasonic tests with a 99.3% success rate, while corrosion-proofing met 100% peel strength standards, exceeding national requirements. Each of the 30,000+ weld joints was uniquely coded for traceability.
The broader Southern Xinjiang Gasification Project spans 2,108 km in three phases. The Ying-San Line’s completion, along with the upcoming Ke-Ying Line in 2024, adds 477 km to the network. Once the Lunnan-Shangku section is operational, Phase 1 will fully connect Kashgar, Aksu, and Bayingolin, benefiting more residents.
Tarim Oilfield has expanded gas exploration while ensuring stable supply to the West-East Gas Pipeline, strengthening Southern Xinjiang’s energy security. To date, over 5,200 km of pipelines have delivered 70 billion cubic meters of gas, fueling regional growth.
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