Called Jiaozi, the electric-powered craft has been developed by Chongqing Kunlian Machinery Manufacturing for underwater sightseeing, China News Service reported. Its viewing window allows passengers to observe marine life from inside an enclosed cabin.

Visitors at the China Marine Economy Expo in Shenzhen on Oct. 22 were allowed to climb inside to experience the cabin.

The vessel has automatic obstacle avoidance and emergency surfacing systems. Passengers do not need specialist training to take a ride, Nanfang Daily reported.

Jiaozi tourist submersible during a nighttime dive. Photo courtesy of Chongqing Kunlian Machinery Manufacturing

Jiaozi is already being used at tourist destinations rather than being merely an exhibition prototype.

At the Shenzhen event, a company representative said the vessel is operating at attractions in Sanya, on Hainan island, and Chongqing.

In Bali, the craft has been used for both daytime sightseeing and nighttime underwater trips, which are available by advance reservation.

More than 30 units have been delivered to Hainan, Guangxi and Indonesia, with Indonesian orders alone nearing 100, Nanfang reported.

Separately, Chinese engineers are developing a tourist submersible designed to reach depths of 1,000 meters.

The China Ship Scientific Research Centre in Wuxi aims to bring that vessel into commercial service by 2030, and it can carry four passengers.