166 Guided-Missile Destroyer Debuts as a Premier National Cultural Relic in Chongqing

Chongqing - Nestled in a history spanning over three thousand years, the ancient city of Chongqing has recently added another illustrious chapter to its heritage. 

The Jianchuan Museum Cluster announced recently that the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer, also known as the Zhuhai Destroyer, stationed at the Jianshe Dock by the Yangtze River, has been designated a national first-class cultural relic. This honor, bestowed by a panel of experts from the National Cultural Heritage Administration, highlights the significance of the vessel and further enriches Chongqing's diverse cultural and historical tapestry.

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer, anchored at the Yangtze River Jianshe Dock, has been distinguished as a national first-class cultural relic. (Photo/Jianchuan Museum Cluster in Chongqing)

The epic journey of 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer stands as a testament to its exceptional military achievements, emblematic of the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) inaugural voyage into the vast expanses of the deep seas.

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer majestically docked at the Jiulongpo Jianshe Dock. (Photo/The Paper)

In an expedition in 1997, the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer traversed the Pacific Ocean, making historical visits to five ports across four nations: the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. This voyage marked a pioneering moment for the main capital ship of the CNS-Chinese Naval Ship, as it was the first of its class to cross the Pacific. 

The journey set unprecedented records in the annals of the PLAN, achieving the longest duration at sea, the farthest distance traveled, and the highest number of countries and ports visited, along with the most extensive delegation of naval personnel of its time.

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer majestically docked at the Jiulongpo Jianshe Dock. (Photo/The Paper)

Following its decommissioning, the distinguished 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer was bequeathed to the Jianchuan Museum Cluster in Chongqing, embarking on its voyage from Zhanjiang to its new domicile in Chongqing.

On the afternoon of June 26, 2021, at precisely 2:30 p.m., amidst a symphony of gongs, drums, and the jubilant cheers of onlookers, the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer majestically docked at the Jianshe Dock in the Jiulongpo District. This marked the culmination of an epic 302-day journey stretching over 4,000 kilometers.

The sophisticated internal amenities of the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer (Photo/The Paper)

From that moment, the Yangtze River banks in Chongqing have been adorned with a unique and momentous "exhibition" – the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer Exhibit. Serving as an enduring bastion of patriotic education, this exhibition utilizes the vessel's storied and heroic past to provide an immersive and educational experience in national defense for its visitors.

A journey from combat to cultural icon in Chongqing

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer boasts a formidable main cannon. This naval leviathan is outfitted with an impressive array of 11 weapon systems, encompassing cutting-edge anti-ship missile systems, sophisticated air defense missile systems, and robust naval artillery systems. Its combat prowess is nothing short of remarkable, having provided substantial support in a variety of missions, including training, combat readiness, and operational tasks during its active service.

The 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer, anchored at the Yangtze River Jianshe Dock, has been distinguished as a national first-class cultural relic. (Photo/Jianchuan Museum Cluster in Chongqing)

Since the opening of the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer Exhibit, the public has been given the chance to behold this impressive vessel via an online ticket reservation system, attracting a multitude of visitors. 

To improve the visitor experience and maximize enjoyment, a dedicated sightseeing bus service now runs directly from the Jianchuan Museum Cluster in Chongqing to the 166 Guided-Missile Destroyer. This convenient transportation option has greatly enhanced the appeal of this historic site, making it more accessible and inviting for those eager to explore this significant piece of naval history.