Rocket launch viewing sparks summer tourism boom in East China's coastal city

(ECNS) -- A sea-based rocket launch in Haiyang, Shandong Province, has attracted tens of thousands of visitors during the summer travel season. 

The Smart Dragon 3 Y12 carrier rocket lifted off Tuesday, sending two Dongfang Huiyan Hyperspectral satellites into orbit. Families, study tour groups and overseas space enthusiasts from countries including Germany, Russia, Malaysia and Pakistan gathered along the coast to watch.

At Lianli Island’s viewing site, tourists combined launch viewing with visits to the Oriental Spaceport Science Museum and coastal activities. Interactive programs, science talks and a space-themed market enriched the experience. “Viewing sea-based launches during the summer vacation is especially valuable,” said Chen Gengyun, who traveled from Nanjing with his daughter. 

Haiyang has integrated rocket launch viewing with coastal tourism to create short trips for visitors, with coastal hotels and homestays largely booked one week in advance, according to local tourism authorities

The Oriental Spaceport has supported 27 sea-based launches, sending 166 satellites into orbit, and attracted more than 30 aerospace projects with investment exceeding 33 billion yuan ($4.6 billion).

Space tourism centered on rocket launches has become a growing trend in China, with more regions developing related experiences. 

(By Helen Mo, intern Liu Shuangjing)