China General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPG) has just created a major turning point in the tourism industry by opening an online booking system that allows tourists to visit 9 nuclear power plants across the country. Across the country of a billion people, people will have the opportunity to explore the most modern and giant energy projects.
The company also published a tourist information booklet for visitors, including a map of the nuclear power plant's facilities, according to a notice on its official WeChat account.
Another option is the Fangchenggang plant in Guangxi, which houses the advanced Hualong One reactors, near popular tourist islands home to the Jing ethnic minority. Notably, the San'ao nuclear power plant under construction near the coast of Wenzhou has become a favorite photo spot for many influencers.
Instead of being just power plants operating behind high walls, nuclear facilities in China are now opening their doors to tourists.
In addition to promoting local tourism, CGN hopes the initiative will enhance public confidence in the nuclear industry through sharing information on radiation control and safety.
Public support for the industry is key as China expands its nuclear fleet, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2060. China is currently building 30 reactors, nearly half of the total number under construction globally.
Besides promoting local tourism, CGNPG also hopes that this initiative can enhance public confidence in the nuclear industry, through sharing information on related topics, such as radiation control and nuclear safety.
Bloomberg said that the consensus of the Chinese people is a key factor for Beijing to succeed in expanding and developing the nuclear energy industry, towards the ambitious goal of completely eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.
"This is not only an activity to popularize science to the public, but also an important breakthrough in the field of nuclear tourism. This initiative not only enhances public understanding and confidence in nuclear energy, but also contributes to the sustainable development of the national nuclear power industry," said Guo Xingang, a spokesman for CGN, at the launch event.
China creates a unique and highly educational form of tourism
Industry experts said professionally organized tours to nuclear facilities would have high educational value and such tours could also promote rural tourism in areas with nuclear power plants, according to a CGN press release.
"My trip to the nuclear power plant was fascinating and worthwhile. The nuclear base is no longer a mysterious and lofty place to me," said Lei Lingli, a tourist visiting the nuclear power plant in Ningde.
China's nuclear power output will reach 440,000 gigawatt hours by 2023, accounting for nearly 5 percent of the country's total electricity output, according to the China Atomic Energy Administration. By the end of 2023, there were 55 nuclear power units in operation and 36 nuclear power units approved or under construction in mainland China, according to Xinhua News Agency.
