Minsk World

Minsk World is a military theme park located in Dapeng Bay, Shatoujiao, Shenzhen, China. It includes the huge former Soviet (later Russian) aircraft carrier Minsk, redesigned as a tourist attraction. The theme park opened on May 10, 2000. As of 2005, it had attracted more than five million visitors and generated 450 million yuan in revenue.

History

The aircraft carrier Minsk was part of the Soviet Pacific Fleet. It had to be retired as a result of a major accident which could only be repaired at Chernomorksi's facility, located in the newly-independent Ukraine. In 1995 it was sold to a South Korean businessman, and later resold to Shenzhen Minsk Aircraft Carrier Industry Co. Ltd., a Chinese company. Until 2006, when the company went bankrupt, Minsk was the centerpiece of a military theme park in Shatoujiao (沙头角) district, Shenzhen called Minsk World. The aircraft carrier was put up for auction on 22 March 2006. No bids at the starting price of 128 million RMB were received, so the carrier was withdrawn from sale.

On 31 May 2006, the Soviet aircraft carrier was finally auctioned off in Shenzhen for 128 million RMB to CITIC Shenzhen, the current operator. It is currently named CITIC Minsk World.

Facilities

In addition to the island, four of the carrier's decks including the flight deck and hangar deck can be visited. Various aspects of the Minsk, such its living quarters and armament, are set up as exhibits. The staff is dressed in mock military uniforms, while regular choreographed musical performances are held on the flight and hangar decks. It is also possible to take a quick ride around the starboard side of the Minsk via motorboat.

Exhibits onshore include various People's Liberation Army Ground Force equipment.