Chinese submarine Changzheng 1

Changzheng 1 (401), also known as 'Long March 1', is a decommissioned Type 091 nuclear attack submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy. It was China's first nuclear submarine, launched in 1970 and commissioned in 1974. After being decommissioned in 2000 and thoroughly denuclearized, it now serves as a museum ship at the Qingdao Naval Museum in Qingdao.

Don't miss

• China's first nuclear submarine, a Type 091 attack submarine
• Decommissioned and thoroughly denuclearized before becoming a museum ship
• Part of the Qingdao Naval Museum collection
• Launched in 1970 and commissioned in 1974

Getting there

Know before you go

• The submarine is a museum ship at the Qingdao Naval Museum.
• The submarine has been thoroughly denuclearized, so it is safe to visit.

A bit of history

China's nuclear submarine program began in June 1958 but was temporarily shelved from 1963 due to lack of Soviet support. Starting in 1965, China built onshore simulated reactors for power testing. The Type 091 was developed by a team of top scientists including chief designer Peng Shilu and deputy chief designers Huang Xuhua, Zhao Renkai, and Huang Weilu. Lofting for Changzheng 1 began in May 1968, overall construction in November, and the boat was launched on 26 December 1970 at Bohai Shipyard in Huludao. It was commissioned on 1 August 1974 into the North Sea Fleet. The submarine was plagued by issues like excessive underwater noise and incomplete weapon systems, and was decommissioned in 2000.