The space tourism business in Wenchang, in Hainan Province, China, is making headlines.
According to CNN, Wenchang’s space center has recorded revenue of about 3.8 billion yuan (approximately $525 million) since its opening, emerging as a new tourist hotspot. Inspired by Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA, the Wenchang Space Center opened in 2016 and has been a significant attraction. Cape Canaveral is home to NASA and is known for its space exploration projects and research.
On the 3rd, the Wenchang Space Center launched an uncrewed rocket carrying the Chang’e-6 probe. The rocket aims to explore the moon’s far side for 53 days, collect samples, and bring them back to Earth.
Tourists can watch the spectacle of a rocket launch from the Hilton Wenchang Hotel, located near the space center. A hotel spokesperson revealed that the accommodation cost could surge seven times, depending on the rocket launch schedule. Guests can also enjoy a Chinese spacecraft exhibition or purchase rocket-shaped water bottles inside the hotel. Chinese media reported that “in the past two years, 1.5 million people have visited Wenchang,” adding that “the space tourism business is enhancing China’s national prestige.”
Hainan province allows visa-free entry for tourists from 50 countries for up to 30 days. In addition to the space tourism program, they plan to open a Hello Kitty theme park in 2025. The relatively easy-to-visit Hainan is attracting tourists with a variety of tourism products.
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