How to Watch a Rocket Launch in Hainan: Wenchang Guide (2026)
During our trip to Hainan we were lucky for a rocket launch to happen while we were there. So we made sure to watch it – at 3:27 in the morning, with a double booking as we already have the whole trip planned. So here are few tips on how to organise it so that you do it better than we do.
Why Wenchang
Wenchang is establishing itself as the capital of space industry in China. While the Launch site has been operational since 2016, it is now that the "space tourism" is taking off as well as the frequency of launches is steadily increasing, with more than 30 expected in 2027. With such a frequency of launches, the chances of getting to see one are pretty high during a 2-week holiday.
But Wenchang's bet on space tourism goes beyond the launches themselves – there is a newly open Wenchang Jixing Meteorite Museum (文昌极星陨石博物馆), inside the Wenchang Space Supercomputing Centre (文昌航天超算中心), which welcomes visitors with simulated launches, as well as the Wenchang Space Science Popularisation Centre (文昌航天科普中心).
Is it worth it? Our experience
TL;DR Yes, it is 100% worth it.
I was not completely sure how the whole experience will go – waking kids at night to watch a rocket go into space? Either it will be the best day ever or the worst idea imaginable.
But we went for it and as it usually is in China – don't underestimate the capacity to entertain. Besides a gift shop, there were VR flight experiences, a robo-dog, children playground, games with prizes, and tables to take a rest.
We arrived there at midnight for a scheduled launch at 3:30 and we didn't feel bored – even the kids were too excited to complain and we didn't even use all the snacks we had prepared "just in case".
Last hour we spent on top of the platform just to secure a good viewing spot. And while it might seem like a long time, the atmosphere there makes the time go fast.
The rocket launch was spectacular, unlike anything I have ever seen, and if you are a kind of person that appreciates a solar eclipse, this experience goes well beyond that.
How to find out when the next launch is
This is a bit tricky as the launch is usually confirmed a week or so before. You can monitor this site as it has the information about upcoming launches:
Where to watch
Free spots
Qishui Bay beach (淇水湾), Longlou. You can see the rocket raising above the sea.
Stone Park (石头公园), Longlou. A coastal park close to the national launch site, with rocks to sit on and a good view of the sky.
Shanhaitian Convention Center beach, Longlou. One of the biggest viewing areas, with room for around 7,000 people, so it's a good bet when the other beaches are packed.
Paid platforms
Wenchang Aerospace Viewing Center (文昌航天观礼中心). About 1.6 km from the commercial launch site, one of the closest views you can get. Tickets are also around ¥300–400. You can buy them directly on Trip.com.
Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform (瑶光火箭观礼平台). Opened in 2025 near the national launch site, with what seems to be a comprehensive edutainment planned to make the time go fast.
Both official platform are very close to each other, so I don't think it makes a huge difference which one you pick.
Just from my own experience, I would recommend a viewing platform, because if you already came so far, why not go for the best view.
I would imagine watching it from a beach can be quite atmospheric, but I have no reference how busy it gets – probably depends on the time of day.
If you are traveling with kids and think it is too much effort to watch it from a platform, Hilton Wenchang has rooms that face the launch site so you can literally watch it from the balcony while the kids are asleep.
How to buy tickets for the viewing platform
You can buy tickets for the Wenchang Aerospace Viewing Center directly on Trip.com:
Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform has tickets available on mini-program in WeChat.
Where to stay
There is a single best place to stay in Wenchang if you come for the launch, and it is Hilton Wenchang. It has rooms with the view of the launch platform, so if you don't happen to get a ticket or feel too lazy, you can literally watch the launch from your balcony. It is a proper resort, with swimming pools, access to the beach and everything you might expect. Hilton allows you t
If it is sold out, or you prefer something cheaper/different, just look for any hotel near Qishui Bay/Longlou Town.
Getting there
Hainan is very well connected by high-speed rail, so you can easily move around the island. From Haikou, it is only 20 minute by train.
From any major city in the island you can arrive by rail within 2-3 hours.
