‘China’s Cape Canaveral’ is booming, fueled by moon missions and space programs

CNN
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Hainan, a Chinese island geographically closer to Hanoi than Beijing, is known as the Hawaii of China for its sandy beaches and temperate weather.

But there’s another reason why tourists from all over China are flocking to Hainan these days: space.

The city of Wenchang is home to a rocket launch center – and to a tourism industry that is capitalizing on the growing interest in space-related tourism.

China has made no secret of its desire to develop tourism here, drawing inspiration from Cape Canaveral in Florida – the launch pad for many famous NASA space missions.

CNN visited Wenchang, on the northeast coast of Hainan, to experience firsthand the excitement ahead of the May 3 launch of the Chang’e-6 probe, which aims to explore the far side of the moon during its 53 day mission.

The interior of the Hilton Wenchang looks more like a space center than a typical tropical resort. From heavenly scenes in the hallways to a rocket on the breakfast buffet, the expansive property is inspired by the nearby Wenchang Launch Center.

In the hotel’s gift shop, visitors can find space-inspired children’s toys, stuffed animals and models. Ahead of the moon mission in May, the hotel offered a special space-inspired afternoon tea. For about $30, guests received a platter of bite-sized planet-style cakes, chocolate airplanes and astronauts, and a mousse-filled rocket topped with blue and pink sugar crystals representing the sky above.

The space theme continues around Wenchang.

Rocket designs hang from light poles and there are several displays of Chinese spacecraft – perfect for a selfie or family portrait. Bottled water sold in stores comes in rocket-shaped containers.

The growth of China’s space program has fueled interest in all things aviation. Hotel representatives tell CNN that room rates at the Hilton Wenchang could be seven times higher if there is a launch. Visitors can watch the takeoff from the hotel’s beach.

State media in China report that 1.5 million people have visited Wenchang in the past two years, while the number of hotels has risen from five to more than 50.

It is not surprising that the space program has instilled in China a sense of national pride.

This certainly applies to photographer Yan Zehua, who has a stand in Wenchang where he sells his work on postcards.

“Although this may be the 24th time I’ve seen the rocket launch, I’m still excited about it,” he told CNN.

Parents also brought their children for the big moment. Several people told CNN they hoped seeing a launch up close would spark children’s interest in science and technology.

“This is the first time we are digging lunar soil from (the far side of) the moon,” said one mother. “So we like to watch (how it is done). And I brought my daughter to watch this together.”

Space-inspired attractions are just one way China is diversifying its tourism offering in Hainan beyond the beach.

A Hello Kitty-themed resort and park is in the works, with a tentative opening date of 2025.

Moreover, it is easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Hainan than other regions of China. The island is visa-free for residents of more than 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan.