Although 109 years have passed since its sinking and disappearance, there is no doubt that the story of the Titanic still continues to surprise and move many. On the night of April 14-15, 1912, its sinking 650 kilometers southeast of the island of Newfoundland and at a depth of more than 3,800 meters, caused the death of more than 1,500 people.
It was considered one of the largest ocean liners of the time, and was shipwrecked on its maiden voyage between Southampton and New York, after hitting an iceberg. It is considered the most important maritime disaster outside war periods , and the most serious in the early 20th century.
Now, in Suining, southwest China, whose nearest sea is more than 1,000 kilometers away, the shipyard is building a gigantic replica of the Titanic , which is being manufactured in a huge dry dock next to a river.
Like the original, the Chinese replica is 260 meters long, which has been built over six years (twice the time of the real Titanic), with around 23,000 tons of steel and 100 workers.
Everything from the deluxe bedrooms to the dining room to the door handles are inspired by the original . And, for the sake of realism, a real steam engine will give visitors the impression of actually being at sea.
Titanicland: a theme park dedicated to the ship
At a cost of 10 billion yuan (1.2 billion euros, at the change), with the name of Titanicland we find a theme park specially dedicated to the ship . On the “fake Titanic”, it seems that both historians and experts have validated the construction plans.
The price of spending a night in the replica of the Titanic reaches 2,000 yuan (256 euros). And, for a total change of scenery, tourists will cross the park in a minibus, with the song ‘My heart will go on’ by Céline Dion in the background, soundtrack of the popular movie ‘Titanic’, directed by James Cameron and that achieved great box office success.
Despite the interest in this ship, some experts have already questioned the viability of the replica. In fact, just a few years ago, a replica of an American aircraft carrier, which cost 15 million euros to build, was abandoned shortly after its inauguration.
In China it is an amusement park that has already been criticized by many, considering it a very large economic expense, for the price of spending a single night inside, and for trying to get business out of a macabre story.
However, those responsible for the project are confident in the face of the pull that the Titanic story has always had. And they bet on receiving the visit of between 2 to 5 million tourists a year.
The film ‘Titanic’ achieved great success in China when it was released in 1997. And in 2012, the re-release of the film in 3D also achieved the same, when it reached 67 million dollars, considered the highest income at the box office. in just one day.
In addition, the most famous ship in the world has recently returned to the news in the country, especially after the launch of an unpublished documentary (entitled ‘The Six’) in which the stories of six survivors of Chinese origin were revealed.
