China's first underwater archaeological exploration vessel has begun testing in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The ship, owned by China's cultural heritage team, is berthed at the private port of Changhang Dongfeng Shipbuilding Corporation.

The 500-ton, 56-meter vessel has a maximum displacement of 960 tons, and can carry a crew of 30.

It will continue testing in Shanghai before sailing out to the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea to begin archaeology work.