Where potatoes once grew, tokens are now being generated
A growing number of data centers in Ulanqab, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, are creating new jobs and encouraging young people to return home after seeking opportunities in more developed cities.
Ulanqab was once best known for potato farming. Today, thanks to its cool climate and abundant wind and solar energy resources, the city is becoming a major computing infrastructure hub. Where generations once grew potatoes, data centers are now generating tokens — the basic units AI models use to process information.
The city currently has more than 100 data center projects, creating strong demand for specialists in electrical systems, cooling, ventilation, low-voltage wiring and fire safety. Local authorities have organized more than 20 vocational training programs, with over 1,000 people trained so far.
One of them is 23-year-old local resident Chen Gang. He previously worked as a waiter in Qingdao, but returned home after the digital economy began expanding rapidly in Inner Mongolia. After completing vocational training, he found work as an infrastructure maintenance technician at a data center and is now continuing his studies in electrical engineering and automation.
In 2022, Inner Mongolia was selected as one of eight national computing hubs under China's “east data, west computing” project. Ulanqab became one of the key areas because of its cool climate, which helps data centers dissipate heat, and its access to abundant wind and solar power. Major technology companies including Huawei, Alibaba and Kuaishou have since launched projects in the city.
More than 20 new data center projects were launched in Ulanqab in 2026. The growth of the industry is gradually changing the city's economic profile and creating new prospects for local young people.
According to CCTV+, Ulanqab is transforming from a traditional agricultural center into one of China's emerging digital economy hubs, with data centers creating new employment and professional development opportunities for young people.
