Wenchang Space Launch Site
Hainan Sheng
The Wenchang Space Launch Site, located in Wenchang on Hainan Island, China, is the country's southernmost spaceport and a key facility for launching heavy payloads into orbit. Completed in 2014, it leverages its low latitude (around 19° north) to benefit from Earth's rotational speed, enabling larger payload capacities compared to mainland launch sites. Uniquely situated on the coast, it uses its seaport for transporting large rocket components, overcoming inland transport limitations. The site hosts multiple launch pads, including LC-101 for Long March 5 rockets, LC-201 for Long March 7 and 8, and LC-301 for Long March 10. Since its first launch in 2016, it has supported significant missions such as lunar probes Chang'e 5 and Tianwen-1 Mars mission, as well as modules for China's space station. The launch site is integrated into a broader development area including a theme park, leisure lake, and ecological coconut forest, promoting tourism and education. Its coastal location allows safe oceanic rocket trajectories, minimizing risks from falling debris. Despite challenges from tropical weather, Wenchang is expanding to support next-generation rockets and crewed lunar missions, positioning it as a strategic hub for China's space ambitions and an emerging destination for space tourism.
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Tip: Visitors interested in witnessing rocket launches should check the official schedule and book tickets in advance, as launch events attract many tourists. The best time to visit is during clear weather months to maximize viewing opportunities. The site offers public viewing areas and a space-themed park nearby. Consider planning visits around scheduled launches for a unique experience. Discounts may be available for groups or educational visits. Due to tropical weather, be prepared for high humidity and potential sudden rain showers.
Interesting facts
- •Wenchang is China's only coastal launch site, allowing large rockets to be transported by sea, overcoming inland transport limits.
- •Its low latitude near 19° north latitude provides a performance boost for launches due to Earth's rotation.
- •The site is designed with ocean trajectories to minimize risks from falling rocket debris.
- •It hosts launch pads for Long March 5, 7, 8, and soon the Long March 10 rockets.
- •The vertical assembly buildings are among the tallest single-story industrial buildings in Asia.
- •The launch site supports missions including lunar sample return and Mars exploration.
- •Wenchang has been developed with public access in mind, promoting space tourism and education in China.
History
The concept of a southern launch site near the equator was proposed as early as 1975 but delayed due to Cold War security concerns.
After the Cold War, plans were renewed, and construction officially began in 2009.
The site was completed by 2014 and became operational with its first launch in June 2016.
It was developed to complement China's existing inland launch centers and to enable the launch of larger rockets like the Long March 5.
Over time, the facility has expanded with new assembly buildings and launch pads to support advanced rockets and crewed lunar missions, reflecting China's growing space capabilities and ambitions.
Place Guide
LC-101 Launch Pad2014
The primary launch pad for the Long March 5 rocket, equipped with a fixed service structure and launch gantry, located near the coast to facilitate oceanic rocket trajectories.
LC-201 Launch Pad2014
Launch pad designed for Long March 7 and compatible with Long March 8 rockets, featuring service structures and gantries to support medium-heavy payload launches.
LC-301 Launch PadUnder construction as of 2024
The newest launch pad constructed to support the Long March 10 rocket, intended for future crewed lunar missions and heavy payloads.
Vertical Assembly BuildingsConstructed 2009-2014; expansions ongoing
Two main vertical assembly buildings for Long March 5 and Long March 7 rockets, connected by a horizontal transfer building. These are among the tallest single-story industrial buildings in Asia, facilitating vertical rocket assembly.
Space Launch Site Visitor Area and Theme ParkOpened for tourism from 2016
A public-access area including a space science theme park, leisure lake, and ecological coconut forest, designed to promote space education and tourism in the region.
Contact
Phone: 0898 3688 9911
