China’s Cape Canaveral is booming, fueled by the lunar mission and space program

(CNN) — Hainan Island, a Chinese island geographically closer to Hanoi than to Beijing, is known as “China’s Hawaii” for its sandy beaches and moderate climate.

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

Wenchang is home to a rocket launch center and a tourism industry that responds to the growing interest in space-related travel.

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

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

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

Space-themed afternoon tea is served at Hilton Wenchang. (Justin Robertson/CNN)

In the hotel’s gift shop, visitors can find space-themed toys, stuffed animals and children’s models. Ahead 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 cupcakes shaped like a planet, chocolate planes and astronauts, and a mousse-filled rocket, decorated with blue and pink sugar crystals representing the sky.

But the space theme continues in other areas of Wenchang.

Rocket designs hang from lampposts, and there are many displays of Chinese spaceships, perfect for a selfie or family photo. Bottled water sold in stores comes in rocket-shaped containers.

The growth of China’s space program has increased interest in all things aviation. Hotel representatives told CNN that room rates at the Hilton Wenchang could be seven times higher when there is a launch. Visitors can watch the take-off from the hotel beach.

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

Unsurprisingly, the space program has increased national pride in China.

That’s certainly what happened to photographer Yan Zihua, who has a booth in Wenchang where he sells his postcard work. “Even though this is the 24th time I’ve seen the rocket launch, it still excites me,” he told CNN.

Spectators gathered on a beach in Wenchang to watch the Long March-8 Y3 aircraft carrier take off in March 2024. (Liu Guoxing/VCG/Getty Images)

Parents also take their kids to see the big moment. Several of them told CNN they hope seeing the launch up close will spark kids’ interest in science and technology.

One of the mothers said: “This is the first time we have excavated lunar soil from the far side of the Moon.” “So we’re excited to see how it’s done. And I brought my daughter so we can watch this together,” she added.

Space-inspired attractions are just one way China is diversifying its tourism offering in Hainan, beyond the beach.

A Hello Kitty-themed resort and theme park is under construction, tentatively scheduled to open in 2025.

In addition, it is easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Hainan than other regions in China. The island does not require a visa for residents of more than 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan.