As final preparations for the launch of China's first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 get underway at Wenchang Space Launch Center, space enthusiasts and students are taking the opportunity to visit a nearby space science education center to learn more about Tianzhou-1's mission and space exploration in general.
Visitors to the education center can learn about the history of space flight, see rocket components and models, and even put on VR equipment to get a better understanding of space.
Tian Bo, a tourist from Chongqing, told CGTN that "in the past, I only watched TV and knew that a lunar probe had landed on the moon. But today through this VR equipment, it feels like I am inside the probe, finishing the mission. It is very interesting."
Guests here can even get an up close look at the Wenchang Space Center's launch tower.
Besides models of rockets and satellites, some real components and space suits are also on display.
A two-seater gyroscope lets visitors imagine how hard astronauts train every day.
Wenchang's Space Education Center is just part of a larger space theme park. The park's investors plan to build more facilities in the future, to integrate tourism with academic exchanges and science education.
Wang Xiaojia, the deputy manager of Wenchang Tourism Investment, said "in addition to this science center, we are going to introduce more high-tech experience facilities and provide better services for tourists."
"This space theme park will build on the experiences of the US space theme park in Houston and other space theme parks around the world." Wang added.
