The first cruise liner of 2025 arrived in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in the city's growing tourism and cruise industry.
The Silver Dawn, carrying nearly 200 passengers from countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and the US, docked in Shanghai’s North Bund, bringing with it a vibrant cultural exchange.
At the Shanghai North Bund Tourism and Resort District Service Center on Jiaxing Road, the arrival of the cruise was celebrated with a grand welcome ceremony.
The event featured lion dances, Chinese martial arts, and other traditional performances that left foreign visitors in awe.
Many guests eagerly captured the moment on their phones, recording the festivities and sharing them with friends and family back home.
"I’ve been to Beijing before, but this is my first time in Shanghai, and I’m amazed by the modern skyscrapers. The traditional cultural performances are a wonderful experience too, and I’ve taken lots of photos to share when I return to my friends," said June Hughes, a visitor from the UK.
During the event, Hughes also purchased a postcard featuring iconic Shanghai landmarks, writing her impressions of the city and sending it to her relatives.
The welcome ceremony also included a showcase of traditional Chinese arts, such as paper cutting, flower weaving, and the making of 27-style Tieguanyin tea, introducing guests to various aspects of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
The guests were particularly captivated by the live demonstrations. A Swedish couple, fascinated by a Chinese calligraphy display, learned about the meaning behind the character "福" (fortune) and eagerly requested the calligrapher’s work.
"The taste of Chinese tea is amazing! It's completely different from what we have back home," a German tourist remarked after sampling freshly brewed Tieguanyin tea.
As part of the cruise itinerary, visitors will have the opportunity to explore landmarks in Hongkou, such as the Huoshan Park area and the former site of the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, as well as famous destinations like the Bund and Yuyuan Garden.
The launch of the "2025 Hongkou Happy Cruise Tour" project was another highlight of the event. The initiative was introduced with the unveiling of the Shanghai Pass "Eat Valley" dedicated bus line.
The unique, city-first service connects some of Hongkou’s most iconic commercial districts and landmarks, blending transportation, cultural creativity, and business into a seamless experience. The initiative aims to enhance cultural consumption and inject new energy into the region’s tourism and cultural industries.
The North Bund also celebrated the opening of its new one-stop service point for inbound tourists, designed to provide high-quality services for visitors from abroad.
The event highlighted the area’s role as a key entry point for international tourists visiting China, aiming to elevate Shanghai’s international tourism reputation.
In addition to the cultural festivities, the Hongkou District Cultural and Tourism Bureau and the Nanhu Vocational Technical College signed a cooperation agreement to further enhance the region’s tourism and cultural sectors.
"Through initiatives like the 'Cultural Three Territories' concept, we will continue to highlight Hongkou’s cultural uniqueness and influence, enhancing Shanghai’s position as a global tourist destination," said Chen Xiaojie, Hongkou’s deputy district director,.
The event reinforced North Bund's status as a model for inbound tourism in China and underscored Hongkou's efforts to drive cultural tourism and foster economic growth in the region.