With the arrival of the luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Explorer at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, the North Bund has officially welcomed over 13,000 inbound visitor of the year.
A vibrant welcoming ceremony took place at the terminal, featuring traditional Chinese lion dances and rhythmic drum performances, showcasing the strength and beauty of Chinese culture.
Hongkou District Party Secretary Li Qian attended the event, presenting carefully selected “Hongkou Gifts” to visiting tourists before boarding the cruise ship for a tour.
As part of the ceremony, select passengers were invited to participate in the traditional “dotting of the lion’s eyes” ritual, symbolizing vitality and good fortune.
Visitors also had the opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural heritage firsthand, with live demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage crafts such as paper cutting, lantern artistry, and the delicate "flip-flower" paper craft.
Peter and his wife, a German couple, were particularly drawn to these cultural displays upon disembarking. Enthralled by the intricate craftsmanship, they shared their deep appreciation for Chinese history and traditions.
A local artisan gifted them an exquisitely handcrafted paper dragon, leaving them in awe of the skill and creativity behind the design.
The Seven Seas Explorer, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is among the world’s most luxurious cruise liners.
The vessel carried more than 700 passengers from over ten countries, including the United States, Germany, Italy, and Spain -- many of whom were eager to explore the vibrant and historic city of Shanghai.
To enhance the cruise tourism experience, the Hongkou District Culture and Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with the Commerce Commission, Investment Promotion Office, and the North Bund Subdistrict, meticulously planned and curated an upgraded shore excursion service system.
As part of these efforts, the district officially launched the Timeless Journey: A Modern Shanghai Experience -- a dedicated Hongkou sightseeing route designed for international visitors.
The route is centered around the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and extends to two key cultural destinations: the Zhapu Road Film & Historical District and the INLET commercial complex. It aims to provide a seamless blend of historical and contemporary Shanghai.
At Zhapu Road, visitors can witness the grandeur of a traditional Chinese dragon dance while immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
A curated City Walk experience leads tourists from the historic Victory Cinema to the Binjiang Commercial Center, with eleven designated cultural and historical stops along the way.
The journey culminates at the INLET, a vibrant landmark of Shanghai’s urban lifestyle, where guests can stroll through century-old alleyways, indulge in traditional Shanghainese cuisine, and experience the city’s unique blend of nostalgia and modernity.
The new route is set to become a permanent feature in Hongkou’s tourism offerings, integrating local cultural resources and enhancing one-stop inbound travel services to provide a more comprehensive experience for international visitors.
In addition to the Timeless Journey route, the district introduced a collection of locally inspired cultural souvenirs under the Hongkou Gifts brand.
The carefully curated items reflect Hongkou’s distinctive history and artistic heritage, making them highly sought-after keepsakes among tourists.
As part of its commitment to strengthening Shanghai’s reputation as China’s premier inbound tourism destination, Hongkou will continue expanding its “Cruise + Shore Excursion” tourism initiatives.
Future plans include launching themed experiences centered on Shanghai-style art and urban micro-vacations, along with fostering cross-sector collaborations in commerce, culture, and tourism.
By building an integrated “Cultural Tourism + Industry” ecosystem, Hongkou aims to provide international visitors with high-quality, convenient, and seamless travel experiences, solidifying its position as a leading global cultural tourism hub.