The Minghua, the ship at the center of the Sea World Plaza will open for lease soon, a marketing manager surnamed Liao with the lease department of the Sea World Plaza said.

The ship was renovated into a multi-functional recreation center with Chinese and Western restaurants. It has a total area of 17,000 square meters with a spacious lobby.

A large disco hall, nightclub, karaoke, gymnasium and a sea-view club were being developed on the ship, Liao said.

The Minghua was a popular tourist spot in the 1980s. Bought by China in 1973 and renamed the Minghua, the former French vessel docked in Shekou in 1983 and started its new life as a tourist location. The name "Sea World" was given to it by the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1984. Due to management problems, the ship was closed in 1998.

The renovated vessel now has a fresh look and forms part of the extended Sea World Plaza, a popular place for neighborhood people to meet for dining, socializing and shopping. It is well-known for the exotic flavors of Western eateries, bars and cafes.

Visitors can find Starbucks, SPR Coffee, Blenz Coffee, Cosmo Coffee, McCawley's Irish Bar, Italian Bar, Mama Gelato, Amigos Restaurant and Japanese and Thailand restaurants as well, just to name a few. Close by, there are modern office buildings, banks, villas and supermarkets.

Liao said his company would learn from the successful management of Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco and turn the seaside plaza into a major tourist attraction for night life in South China.

Editor: Catherine