The Jinping Underground Laboratory, the world's deepest and largest ultra-deep underground facility, officially begins operations in Sichuan Province, marking China's entry into the realm of ultra-deep underground research.

This groundbreaking laboratory, designed for frontier physics experiments, is located 2,400 meters beneath Jinping Mountain in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

The Jinping Underground Laboratory. (Photo provided to China News Service)

In contrast to other global underground laboratories, the Jinping facility boasts the deepest rock overburden, the lowest cosmic ray flux and background radiation, and the largest available space.

Furthermore, it enjoys several advantages, including convenient transportation, abundant power and water supply, and a comprehensive infrastructure.

Scientists believe that the laboratory provides an interference-free environment, enabling them to investigate the elusive substance known as dark matter.

The Jinping Underground Laboratory Phase I was completed in December 2010. In 2014, the available underground experimental space was expanded from the original 4,000 cubic meters to an impressive 330,000 cubic meters.