China's manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi was open to the public in Sanya, Hainan province, on March 11. [Photo/VCG]

China's manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi opened to the public for the first time in Sanya, Hainan province, on March 11. 

The activity held by the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences offered a close encounter with the submersible and allowed the public to see China's latest equipment for research in the deep sea.

Ocean technology enthusiasts visit Shenhai Yongshi manned submersible in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

A total of 120 ocean technology enthusiasts watched a documentary about the first manned deep-diving test of the 4,500-m submersible held from August to October last year.    

Shenhai Yongshi is China's second deep-sea manned submersible after Jiaolong. Its manufacturing and operation laid a solid foundation for 10,000-m-level manned deep-diving. It will set sail on another experimental voyage at the end of March.

The institute plans to organize more of such activities during renovation periods of the submersible to expand public marine scientific knowledge.

A staff member of the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences introduces the Shenhai Yongshi manned submersible to young visitors. [Photo/VCG]