China begins filling world’s tallest AI-built dam in Xinjiang

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in modern engineering by beginning the filling of the world’s tallest dam, constructed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), in the Xinjiang region.

The Dashixia Dam, standing at 247 meters—equivalent to an 80-story skyscraper—is the world’s tallest concrete-faced rockfill dam.

Built entirely with cutting-edge technologies, the project is nearing completion eight months ahead of schedule.

What makes this project remarkable is the extensive use of autonomous and intelligent construction methods, including driverless machinery, AI-powered systems, digital twin modeling, and blockchain technology.

Chinese state media likened the process to “3D printing”, highlighting its effectiveness in overcoming seismic and geographical challenges.

Once fully operational next year, the dam will have the capacity to store 1.17 billion cubic meters of water, irrigating more than 533,000 hectares of farmland in the Tarim and Aksu river basins.

Additionally, it will generate 750,000 kilowatts of electricity, producing 1.9 billion kilowatt-hours annually—enough to power millions of homes.

Experts note that concrete-faced rockfill dams are not only cost-effective and durable but also highly resistant to earthquakes, making the Dashixia project a model of resilient infrastructure.

In parallel, Chinese authorities have emphasized environmental preservation, releasing 140,000 fish into the nearby Tarim River to safeguard the local ecosystem.

The Dashixia Dam stands as a powerful testament to China’s engineering and technological innovation, showcasing how AI and digital technologies can accelerate, secure, and revolutionize large-scale infrastructure projects.