Yantai brings space launches within public reach

The Oriental Spaceport in Haiyang, Yantai, East China's Shandong province — once a secretive cornerstone of China's national space program — has opened its doors to the public, turning rocket launches into a blockbuster tourist attraction.

To date, the spaceport has completed 25 offshore launches, sending 155 satellites into orbit for communications, weather forecasting, marine observation, and emergency response. Over time, these launches have given rise to a unique "launch viewing" cultural tourism experience, making Haiyang a rising star on China's tourism map.

Space enthusiasts gather on the shore to watch offshore rocket launches conducted by Haiyang Oriental Spaceport. [Photo/WeChat account: dfhtgzkzx]

Opened in July 2023, the Space Science Museum adds to the experience. With VR, AR, and interactive exhibits, it turns complex aerospace concepts into hands-on fun for visitors of all ages. The museum now receives about 100,000 visitors a year, while launch-viewing events have attracted over 200,000 people in total — giving a strong boost to local hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Behind the tourist buzz lies a solid industrial foundation. A six-kilometer "Space Avenue" links rocket manufacturing, satellite production, and offshore launch facilities, allowing rockets to roll from assembly to launch in just two hours.

The spaceport also operates China's first liquid-fuel rocket offshore test platform, which has supported tests for new rockets including the Tianlong-3 and PALLAS-1. A big data center now provides additional computing power for rocket testing and satellite operations.

From an unreachable site to a family-friendly destination, Haiyang's space tourism shows how high-end manufacturing can connect with the public — and how industry and culture can create value together.

(chinadaily.com.cn)