A design diagram of the Nantong Yangtze River Aircraft Carrier Tourism Resort. [Photo/stpac.gov.cn]

Construction is expected to start on the first phase of the Nantong Yangtze River Aircraft Carrier Tourism Resort next January. With a total investment of 16 billion yuan ($2.28 billion) it will open to the public in May 2022, according to an investment agreement signed on July 10 between Suzhou-Wuxi-Nantong Science and Technology Park and CITIC Group.

The first phase of the resort, located west of the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, will include an aircraft carrier patriotism education base and Langshan park and construction will  begin in January 2021. The second phase construction will begin on a theme park, a theater, hotels, and commercial areas in 2022 and the facilities are expected to open in 2025. Over seven million visitors are anticipated at the resort each year.

The resort is expected to be a landmark of Nantong to help enhance the city's popularity and promote development of its cultural and tourism industry.

CITIC Group purchased the Minsk in 1998. The vessel , which is 274 meters long, 47.2 meters wide and over 60 meters high with a standard displacement of 30,535 tons and a full-load displacement of 43,500 tons.

The Minsk Aircraft Carrier. [Photo/stpac.gov.cn]