Nuclear Tourism in China

Da Ya Bay Nuclear Power Station in China, on the Hong Kong coast

This is new, and as far as I know is the only place in the world where you can book a visit to a nuclear power plant. As opposed to other places that have "nuclear tourism" where it's visiting places like Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, or old nuclear test sites, like Maralinga in Australia. IOW, places where things went wrong. 

As far as I can tell China is the only place where you can visit an actual operating nuclear power station. I do hope they're just the first. Given that one of the main reasons people are against nuclear power is fear; fear of the unknown. They ought be given the chance to know more. 

In China. At one of nine plants now open for a visit. And do I recommend it? You bet I do. If you're visiting China or live there, try to make time for a visit. You won't regret. 

I visited the Da Ya Bay Nuclear Power station just north west of us, when I went to China on a rally with the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong, back around 2005. Our Club patron was Sir Michael Kadoorie, a classic car buff, and part owner of the Da Ya Bay plant, via his China Light and Power company here in Hong Kong. 

I rate that visit one of the most fun visits I've ever made. And I been everywhere, man.

I asked Grok about it:

Now you can visit certain nuclear power stations in China, as the country has recently opened some of its facilities to the public as part of a "nuclear tourism" initiative. In August 2024, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), the nation's largest nuclear power operator, launched an online booking system allowing tourists to plan visits to nine of its nuclear power stations. This move aims to increase public understanding and trust in nuclear energy while promoting its role in achieving China's carbon neutrality goals by 2060.

For example, locations like the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian province and the Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Station in Guangxi have been highlighted as tourist-friendly sites. Visitors can explore the facilities, learn about clean energy, and even enjoy nearby attractions such as tea gardens or scenic islands. CGN has also provided tourist information, including hand-drawn maps, to enhance the experience.

However, access may come with restrictions. While the initiative is open to the public, specific requirements—such as booking in advance through the online system—are necessary. Additionally, some reports from other nuclear-related sites in China (like the Gaoqiao nuclear bunker museum) suggest that non-Chinese nationals might face extra scrutiny, such as higher admission fees or, in rare cases, restricted entry, though this isn’t explicitly confirmed for CGN’s power stations.

To visit, you’d need to check the official CGN booking platform for availability, locations, and any visitor guidelines, such as safety protocols or identification requirements. This reflects China’s broader push to showcase its nuclear technology, which includes 56 operational reactors and 30 more under construction as of early 2025.