China Creating Its First Mars Village Mainly for Tourists

China is on its way to developing its very first Mars simulation base in Northwest China for the purpose of conducting ecotourism and outdoor experiments by 2020.

However, it would not be a scientific simulation base for future astronauts, as confirmed by a senior scientist. The base is likely to boost the regional tourism economy as well as educate public in the arena of space exploration. Apart from that, it would also be an excellent outdoor experiment field for scientists all across the world, as reported by Liu Xiaoqun, who is the director of the General Office of Lunar and Deep Space Exploration of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

He recently mentioned it to the regional Chinese news media.

Other important simulation bases comprise the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, United States, NASA's Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, Russia's Mars500 project and the recent Poland Mars Analogue Simulation 2017.

But then, marking a sharp contrast to these bases, ‘Mars Village' of China, as declared by Liu would not serve as a serious training field for future Mars astronauts.

In fact, he asserted that it would be the first Mars-exploration-themed tourist attraction.

The campsite would possess several module-like, experimental recreation spots. The base is also likely to emerge as a leading hub acting as sets for shooting movies and television shows.

On 5th September, planners are ready to roll out a $62 million development plan to develop the base in the red rock area inside the Qaidam Basin in the western province of Qinghai.

The base would be more than 2,000 metres above sea level.

The surrounding area flanking Mars Village is cold, dry and barren land. Moreover, it has intense solar radiation and sharp ridges.