China has become the world's third largest shale gas producer behind the United States and Canada after delivering an output of almost 8 billion cubic meters in 2016.

Shale gas is natural gas found trapped within shale formations and provides a clean, new energy source. Shale gas reserves around the world total some 456 trillion cubic meters.

Located in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the Fuling shale gas field has a proven reserve of 600.8 billion cubic meters, and is the world's second largest shale gas field.