China’s First International Cruise Festival Sets Off from Shanghai, Promising a Surge in Global Travel with 3.64 Million Visitors
Reading Time: 4 minutes The Shanghai International Cruise Festival, launched August 10, celebrates global travel and boosts Shanghai's status as a top consumer hub. The post China’s First International Cruise Festival Sets Off from Shanghai, Promising a Surge in Global Travel with 3.64 Million Visitors appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
The Shanghai International Cruise Festival, launched August 10, celebrates global travel and boosts Shanghai’s status as a top consumer hub.
The Shanghai International Cruise Festival launched on August 10, 2024, at Sea World in the city’s Baoshan district, welcoming travelers from across the globe to experience a thrilling summer voyage. This festival is a cornerstone of Shanghai’s inaugural Summer International Consumption Season, reflecting the city’s dedication to boosting consumption, enhancing service quality, and reinforcing its status as a leading global consumer hub.
Jin Lei, Deputy Director of Shanghai’s Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, along with Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan and Deputy Secretary-General Liu Ping, inaugurated the festival. They emphasized Shanghai’s commitment to attracting international visitors, driving economic activity, and supporting advanced development.
Running through August 31, the festival offers a range of cruise-themed events and unique experiences aimed at celebrating cruise culture and invigorating the local economy. The event showcases Shanghai’s vibrant appeal and fosters excitement within the cruise industry.
The festival commenced with the China Cruises’ Haipai Cruise Style Show at the historic Huangpu district wharf. This event, a collaboration between China Cruises and the district, features three major exhibitions: a tribute to artist Wu Changshuo’s 180th anniversary, a cruise photography display, and an array of cruise ship models.
Visitors can view Wu Changshuo’s masterpieces, explore detailed models, and admire striking photographs from major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Blue Dream Cruises. A notable exhibit includes a model of a Qing Dynasty merchant ship from the China Maritime Museum, showcasing historical maritime trade between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.
As a key highlight of the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season, the festival aims to further boost the city’s cruise economy. The Shanghai International Cruise Port has become Asia’s top cruise homeport and ranks fourth globally in terms of traffic. From January to June 2024, the port, including the Wusongkou and North Bund cruise terminals, welcomed 89 cruise ships and approximately 592,700 passengers, representing about 70 percent of China’s total cruise passenger volume. Zhang Qi, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Culture and Tourism Administration, noted this robust recovery to 70 percent of 2019 levels.
By the end of July 2024, the port had served 94 voyages and 736,500 passengers. Projections for the year suggest around 207 cruise ship arrivals and approximately 1.5 million passengers, capturing over 70 percent of the national total.
In 2023, Shanghai saw a significant rise in tourism, attracting approximately 326 million visitors, a remarkable 73.5 percent increase from the previous year. This influx included 3.64 million international travelers. Shanghai’s Best Restaurants to Explore
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- Zhujiajiao Water Town with Boat Ride: Escape the city’s hustle with a visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town. Explore traditional architecture and enjoy a serene boat ride. The private half-day tour includes transfers and entrance fees, with an option to upgrade for lunch or dinner.
- Water Village Tour: Experience Shanghai from three perspectives: atop the World Financial Center, by boat in Zhujiajiao Water Village, and on foot along the Bund, where old and new Shanghai converge.
- The Bund (Wai Tan): This iconic waterfront promenade along the Huang Pu River features stunning neo-classical architecture and attracts tourists and locals alike.
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan): A classical garden created by Pan Yunduan in 1577, showcasing traditional design and historical charm.
- Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu): Visit the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower for breathtaking views or admire its striking design from a distance, especially illuminated at night.
- Xitang Ancient Town
- Zhouzhuang Water Town
- Master-of-Nets Garden
- Tongli Town
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Located about 30 kilometers from central Shanghai and 60 kilometers from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Pudong serves over 80 airlines and connects with numerous international and domestic destinations.
- Maglev Train: The 30-kilometer route between Longyang Road subway station and Shanghai Pudong International Airport takes about 8 minutes. Transfers to Subway Line 2 are available for city center access.
- Shuttle Bus: Ten bus routes connect Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport with train stations and the city center.
- Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to the city center takes approximately one hour, costing around 180 yuan during the day and 250 yuan at night.
In 2023, Shanghai’s tourism revenue surged to over 367.8 billion yuan, a 76.8 percent increase from the previous year. The city attracted 326 million tourists, including 3.64 million international visitors, contributing to a significant rise in inbound tourism revenue to about $6.19 billion.
The Shanghai International Cruise Festival showcases Shanghai’s vibrant cruise culture and reinforces the city’s position as a leading global consumer hub. By featuring diverse events, notable exhibitions, and a thriving cruise economy, the festival boosts Shanghai’s appeal to international visitors and drives economic growth. As the festival unfolds through August, it highlights Shanghai’s dedication to excellence in tourism and global connectivity.
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