Other payables to third parties (Details) - CNY (¥)
¥ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment ¥ 413,259 ¥ 330,277  
Payables for project assets 254,353 354,709  
Logistic charges 106,748 74,662  
Capital lease (Refer to Note 16 Other long term liabilities) 73,177 57,889  
Reserve for purchase commitments (Refer to Note 7 Inventories) 54,215 48,906  
Trade finance 59,431 99,656  
Miscellaneous tax payables 33,344 27,835  
Payables for land use rights 30,000 30,000  
Deposits 23,391 26,639  
Payable for contract termination costs (2) 19,603 83,244  
Payable to non-controlling interests of Ningjin Songgong (Refer to Note 1 Organization and principal activities)   133,364  
Others 88,397 56,436  
Total other payables 1,155,918 1,323,617  
Total charge for contract termination cost   99,635  
Payment of contract termination costs ¥ 80,032    
Hemlock | Long-term supply contract      
Accrued late payment of interest     ¥ 123,524
Interest     ¥ 303,380
Reversal of interest payable   ¥ 303,380