Why China chooses Mars as 1st stop of planetary exploration?

China on Friday unveiled the name of its first Mars exploration mission.

The name, Tianwen-1, comes from the long poem "Tianwen," meaning Questions to Heaven, written by Qu Yuan (about 340-278 BC), one of the greatest poets of ancient China.

The country's first Mars probe will be launched by Long March 5 in 2020, aiming to complete orbiting, landing, and roving in one mission.

There are several reasons why China chooses Mars as the first stop of planetary exploration. Click to find out.