April 24 marks the 10th annual Space Day of China. A wave of space-themed tourist landmarks has emerged across China during recent years. The sites have adopted the innovative "space + technology + cultural tourism" model in an effort to provide fresh travel options to young people, and to families with children. Women of China invites readers to embark on a magical journey, to visit some of the space-themed travel destinations in China.

A Dongfanghong-1 satellite model at Beijing Satellite Manufacturing Factory Sci-Tech Park

Beijing Satellite Manufacturing Factory Sci-Tech Park is located on Zhongguancun Street, in Haidian, a district in Beijing. The park evolved out of Beijing Satellite Manufacturing Factory, which was founded in 1958 and became the birthplace (development site) of Dongfanghong-1, China's first independently developed satellite. After renovation, the site reopened to the public, as a park, in 2023. 

The park preserves aspects of the factory, including the architecture of red bricks and white walls. The park serves as both an urban park and a business and industrial park, and it showcases the factory's historically rich heritage. 

An exhibition, with the theme Two Bombs, One Satellite in Haidian, opened in the park in November 2024. Of the 23 national honorees recognized for their contributions to the development of "two bombs, one satellite" (China's first atomic bomb, first intercontinental ballistic missile, and first satellite), 22 once lived and/or worked in Haidian. Visitors can learn from China's space-exploration history and development, and from the innovative spirits of the scientists, by viewing the exhibition. 

The park invites sci-tech enterprises to base their companies in the park. Recreational facilities — restaurants, cafes, bookstores and sculptures of astronauts — are located throughout the park, to inject vitality into the industrial heritage site, and to meet residents' desire for high-quality leisure time.

A model launch facility at Oriental Maritime Space Port Science Education Base

Oriental Maritime Space Port Science Education Base, which opened to the public in 2023, is located in Haiyang, a seaside city in east China's Shandong Province. On June 5, 2019, a Long March rocket blasted off from a mobile platform at Haiyang Port, marking China's first space launch at sea. That liftoff allowed the coastal county-level city to discover its potential for further sea launches, and for aerospace tourism. The port covers an area of more than 34.19 square kilometers, with an industrial manufacturing park, for rocket makers and supporting firms, a satellite data center (for scientists) and a science-education base. 

The science-education base features state-of-the-art exhibition halls, which showcase more than 60 rocket models, satellite replicas, and interactive displays, which explain launch mechanics, satellite applications and future space missions. Visitors can explore simulated rocket launches, experience VR (Virtual Reality) spacewalks, and participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshops, which are designed for students and their families. 

The base, which emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborates with schools and research institutions to host educational programs, to foster interest in aerospace careers among young learners. Its coastal location also integrates eco-tourism, with scenic views of the Yellow Sea, which enhances visitors' experiences. 

The base also serves as a launch site for commercial rockets, providing rare opportunities for visitors to witness launches and engage with aerospace engineers. A visit here is not just educational, but is a thrilling journey into the wonders of the cosmos. 

Life-size replica of China's orbiting Tiangong space station on display at Zhuhai Aerospace Land

Located in Zhuhai, a city in south China's Guangdong Province, the Zhuhai Aerospace Land is the first of its kind in the country. It is China's first super-scale space center exhibiting the latest and eye-catching aerospace, aviation and national-defense products in China.

The center covers nearly 42,000 square meters, which consists of eight distinct exhibition areas and 20 immersive- and interactive-experience spaces. It presents a futuristic showcase that blends science, technology and traditional Chinese aesthetics. The center has been gaining in popularity since its opening in 2023. 

The life-size replica of China's orbiting Tiangong space station is the highlight of the center. Visitors can enter the display area and get a closer look at how taikonauts live, work and sleep in the station. Visitors can also experience aspects of an astronaut's living and working environment. Through the use of AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content) technology, AR (Augmented Reality), VR, 4D movies, 4D games and other cutting-edge technologies in the AIGC Experience Area, visitors can choose to play the roles of "astronaut," "scientist" or "captain," gaining a deeper understanding of the life and work of astronauts on the space station.

Photos from VCG

(Women of China English Monthly April 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha