As China's annual two sessions convene in Beijing, quantum science and technology have been highlighted as a world-leading field and a priority future industry to nurture.
This foundational sci-tech encompasses computing, communication, and precision measurement, which drives stronger computing power, more secure data transmission, and higher precision. It acts as a transformative force across industries.
Nestled in the mountains of Songshan Lake Science City in Dongguan, a colossal scientific installation fills a critical gap in China's pulsed neutron applications. It underpins breakthroughs in materials science, life sciences, environmental research, and new energy development. Follow GO Guangdong to explore the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) and its innovation momentum.
Photo by 中国科学院高能物理研究所
CSNS supports experimental demands across various sectors
CSNS is regarded as a national strategic scientific facility. It is China's first and the world's fourth pulsed spallation neutron source, with technical performance ranking among the best in the world. Started in 2011, the construction took 6.5 years to complete. It has surpassed multiple technologies previously controlled by other countries, achieving a localization rate of over 90 percent.
Photo by CSNS
What can we achieve with this super installation? In simple terms, CSNS generates intense neutron beams that act as a probe to reveal the microscopic structure and dynamic mechanisms of materials, which is similar to a "super microscope" peering into the atomic world. This capability is pivotal for frontier research in many areas.
Photo by CSNS
A team led by Dr. Wu Zhenduo from City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) leveraged CSNS to develop advanced amorphous alloys critical for foldable phone hinges. "Previously, we had to travel to the United States or Japan for experiments, which was highly inefficient if samples were not ready," said Dr. Wu, "Now, with CSNS right here in Songshan Lake City, our lab is at our doorstep! We can iterate experiments rapidly and boost efficiency."
Photo by CSNS
Since opening to global scientists in 2018, the CSNS has completed at least 14 rounds of user applications. Operating for over 5,000 hours annually, it ranks among the facilities with the highest utilization rates worldwide. It now serves more than 10,000 registered users from research institutes, universities, and enterprises worldwide, supporting over 2,500 research projects.
Photo by CSNS
According to Li Xiao, the Deputy Director of CSNS Science Center, the CSNS has delivered key innovations in aerospace components, lithium-ion batteries, rare-earth magnetism, and high-temperature superconductivity, and provided critical data to improve performance in new energy vehicles and high-speed rail over the past five years.
In August 2025, it supported the first clinical trials of cancer therapy at Dongguan People's Hospital. Twelve patients have completed treatment with promising early results. The achievements of CSNS are expanding new options for cancer care.
Although with 11 neutron experiment stations already in operation, demand far outstrips supply. The CSNS Phase II project is now accelerating, with full completion targeted for 2029.
Neutron Technology Development Station, CSNS-II, photo by 松山湖融媒体中心
CSNS promotes regional cooperation in quantum-related research
Leveraging the CSNS, Songshan Lake Science City has partnered with Guangming Science City in Shenzhen to build high-specification quantum-related facilities, including medium-high pressure neutron spectrometers and neutron powder diffractometers. Since their launch in December 2024, these instruments have served over 30 enterprises and institutions, including BYD, CATL, and the Institute of Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences. They helped process more than 300 test samples in the first phase.
Photo by 松山湖融媒体中心
It is believed that innovation resources are flowing efficiently among the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities. Looking ahead, enhanced transport integration between Shenzhen and Dongguan is expected to cut travel time between the two science cities to just 10 minutes, accelerating the research and talent flows. A world-class science cluster spanning nearly 200 square kilometers is taking shape.
AALI, photo by 中国科学院高能物理研究所
Another landmark facility, the Advanced Attosecond Laser Infrastructure (AALI), is also under steady construction in Songshan Lake Science City. Functioning as an "ultra-high-speed camera", it tracks, measures, and controls ultrafast electron motion. Together with the CSNS, it will form a full-scale quantum control research system, providing cutting-edge tools for physics, chemistry, and biomedical research.
With these large scientific facilities, Songshan Lake's cluster has become a powerful "magnet" that attracts cross-border collaboration in the GBA, including joint labs with educational institutions, such as the City University of Hong Kong and the University of Macao. The science city is also establishing a Hong Kong Operation Center to deepen tech cooperation.
The clusters of world-class scientific installations in the GBA science hubs are breaking geographic and administrative barriers. The accelerating development of quantum science and other future R&D applications enables the efficient flow of innovation resources across the area.
Reporter| Zhou Jiyin
Editor| Yin Juewen
Poster| Yang Chenyue