The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is 64 kilometres northwest of the city, a working spaceport built in 1970 in a mountain valley chosen for its low latitude (which reduces the fuel cost of reaching geostationary orbit) and its existing military infrastructure. Since 1982 it has launched more than 100 missions, including all of China's communication satellites, the Beidou navigation system satellites, and the Chang'e lunar probes. It is one of China's three main launch centers and the one most accessible to civilian visitors.
The center operates as a national 4A tourist attraction alongside its active launch mission. The visitor area includes a museum, decommissioned rockets on outdoor display, and viewing areas where launches can sometimes be watched from a safe distance — launch schedules are published in advance and launches from Xichang are among the most-watched by Chinese space enthusiasts for this reason. Day tours from Xichang city take about half a day. Admission is ¥100. The road from the city passes through the Yi highlands and is itself a worthwhile drive.