Location from three-body-problem by
Top-secret military installation atop Radar Peak in the Greater Khingan Mountains where, in 1971, humanity sent its first interstellar transmission — and eight years later, received a reply.
Red Coast smells of pine sap, machine oil, and rust. The operators wear padded coats indoors because the heating is rationed. Officially the base is a microwave weapon project aimed at hostile satellites — the cover story is so thoroughly briefed that even most of the engineers believe it. Unofficially it is China's first SETI program: a transmitter and receiver hunting for life among the stars and willing to broadcast Earth's existence in the attempt. The rules here are strict. Every transmission is logged, signed by the political commissar, and aimed at a target on a pre-approved list. The sun is not on that list. The base operates under permanent classification: technicians sent here are warned they may never leave. It is a place out of time, and from it, in 1971, a single woman broadcasts the words that will change the species.
A cluster of low white concrete buildings under an enormous parabolic antenna, set on a wind-scoured peak in northeastern China. The dish dominates the skyline, swiveling slowly when in operation. Wind hisses constantly through the guy-wires. Inside the buildings, banks of vacuum-tube electronics, oscilloscopes, and Soviet-style control panels with hand-painted Chinese labels. A single dirt road switches up the mountain.
Also known as: Red Coast, Project 596 (cover name)