The first Chinese-made solar energy-powered yacht has received official approval to take to the waters for tourism in Shenyang City, capital of northeastern Liaoning Province.
The yacht, which was developed by a local private company and has been granted a state patent, does not produce any noise and pollution.
The boat is 6.2 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, carries nine passengers, and moves at 10 kilometers per hour. It can operate for six consecutive hours in wind force up to moderate breeze.
The yachts will now be mass-produced by a local factory to meet market needs.
(People's Daily December 19, 2002)
