China’s Cape Canaveral Thrives on Moon Mission and Space Program

(CNN) — Hainan, a Chinese island that is geographically closer to Hanoi than Beijing, is known as the “Hawaii of China” due to its sandy beaches and mild climate.

But there’s another reason why tourists from all over China are flocking to Hainan these days: space.

The city of Wenchang is home to a rocket launch center and a tourism industry that is responding to growing interest in space travel.

China has made no secret of its desire to develop tourism there, drawing inspiration from Cape Canaveral in Florida, the launch site for many of NASA’s famous space missions.

CNN visited Wenchang, on the northeastern coast of Hainan, to experience first-hand the excitement ahead of the May 3 launch of the Chang’e-6 probe, which aims to explore the far side of the moon in a 53-day mission.

The interior of the Hilton Wenchang looks more like a space center than a typical tropical resort. From celestial scenes in the hallways to a rocket at the breakfast buffet, the spacious building is inspired by the nearby Wenchang Space Launch Center.

In the hotel’s gift shop, visitors can find space-inspired toys, stuffed animals and children’s models. In anticipation of May’s lunar mission, the hotel offered a special aerospace-inspired afternoon tea. For about $30, guests were greeted with a plate of mini planet-shaped cakes, chocolate planes and astronauts, and a mousse rocket decorated with blue and pink sugar crystals to represent the heavens.

But the space theme continues in other areas of Wenchang.

There are pictures of rockets hanging on lampposts, and there are also several displays of Chinese spaceships, perfect for a selfie or family portrait. Bottled water sold in stores comes in rocket-shaped containers.

The growth of China’s space program has brought increased interest in all things aeronautics. Hotel officials told CNN that room rates at the Hilton Wenchang could be seven times higher when it launches. Visitors can watch the takeoff from the hotel’s beach.

Chinese state media reported that 1.5 million people visited Wenchang in the past two years and the number of hotels grew from five to more than 50.

Not surprisingly, the space program has increased the sense of national pride in China.

That’s what happened to photographer Yang Zehua, who has a booth in Wenchang where he sells his work on postcards. “Even though this may be the 24th time I’ve seen a rocket launch, it still excites me,” he told CNN.

Parents also take their children to watch this important moment. Some told CNN they hope watching the launch up close will spark children’s interest in science and technology.

“This is the first time we have excavated lunar soil from the far side of the moon,” said one mother. “So we’re excited to see how it’s done. And I brought my daughter so we could watch it together,” she added.

Space attractions are just one way China is diversifying its tourism offerings in Hainan beyond the beach.

The Hello Kitty-themed resort and park is under construction, with an estimated opening date of 2025.

In addition, tourists from all over the world find it easier to visit Hainan than other regions of China. Residents of more than 50 countries, including the USA, Canada, France, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan, do not require a visa to enter the island.