Minsk, Soviet aircraft carrier museum in Yantian District, China.
Minsk is a Soviet-era aircraft carrier museum now permanently docked in Yantian District along the southern coast of China, where visitors can walk through the decks of a genuine naval warship. The vessel spans approximately 273 meters (896 feet) in length and includes multiple levels with flight deck areas, command rooms, crew quarters, and weapon systems preserved for public viewing.
The carrier entered service with the Soviet Pacific Fleet in 1978 and operated throughout Asian waters during the Cold War years until its retirement in 1994. After decommissioning, it was sold to China and opened as a floating military exhibition in 2000.
The vessel contains exhibitions displaying Soviet naval uniforms, equipment, and photographs that document life aboard during the Cold War period.
The museum is reachable by shuttle bus or local taxi from Yantian metro area, with most visitors spending around two to three hours exploring the ship. Guided tours in several languages help with orientation across the large vessel and explain the military functions of different sections.
A fire broke out during renovation work at Nantong port in August 2024, damaging parts of the ship and leading to extensive restoration efforts. Despite this setback, the carrier remains one of the few Soviet warships of its kind open to the public anywhere in the world.
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