China's fourth and most southerly space launch center is preparing for its maiden launch at the end of this month, boosting local tourism.
Construction of the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan province has resulted in the costal city improving facilities to welcome more space enthusiasts and visitors.
Xue Yinggang, who owns the Hangtiancheng Hotel in Longlou township, Wenchang, said he is excited about the business opportunities brought by the center — his new neighbor.
Xue, who used to farm in Longlou's Xidiyuan village, said his farmland was used to build the center in 2010, which led to him moving to Longlou.
Looking to the business opportunities the center will bring, he borrowed 8 million yuan ($1.21 million) from a bank to build and open the hotel that year.
"All rooms from this Thursday to Monday next week have been booked," Xue said, referring to the anticipated period for the maiden launch of China's new-generation Long March 7 carrier rocket.
The city has set up eight free viewing areas for the launch. They cover 0.45 square kilometers and can accommodate nearly 26,000 people.
It has also started to improve its transportation network, has erected new traffic signs, and built more toilets and parking lots to benefit from an increase in visitors.
Tens of thousands are expected to go to Wenchang for the launch. By Sunday, all the city's 19,900 hotel beds had been fully booked.
The Wenchang Hilton, the only international hotel chain in Longlou, is fully booked for Friday and Saturday, manager Robert Tong said.
Chen Hongbo, a photographer from Haikou, the provincial capital, said he is happy to be going to Wenchang to watch the launch.
"I am so excited that I will be witnessing history being made. In addition, the sea and mountains at Wenchang are beautiful, so my family will enjoy this trip."
Xue Xiangwen, head of the Wenchang Tourism Bureau, said local authorities suggest that tourists consider visiting the city after the upcoming launch, as there will be many more launches at the center.
