China's 2nd homegrown large cruise ship to surpass predecessor in size, overall performance

China's second domestically-built large cruise ship, which has been put under final assembly in Shanghai on Saturday, will surpass its predecessor, the Adora Magic City, in size and overall performance.

The cruise ship, measuring 341 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, can accommodate up to 5,232 passengers.

At the same time, the number of guest rooms has also increased by 19 to 2,144, and two new desulfurization systems and five sets of advanced environmental protection equipment have been added to make the entire ship greener and more environmentally friendly.

"The second ship also has some advanced equipment. For example, our refrigerant medium uses carbon dioxide, the first of its kind in the world, and a green feature of our ship. It offers significantly larger indoor and outdoor spaces for an enhanced guest experience," said Wang Zhangjian, deputy technical manager of large cruise ship project of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

The overall performance and comfort of the second domestic cruise ship have also been comprehensively improved. The ship is equipped with a towering 16-storey living and entertainment area, featuring a large-scale performing arts center, a large canteen, a restaurant with specialties, art galleries, and other abundant leisure and entertainment facilities.

"In addition to the increased length, the new ship can reach the speed of 22.4 knots compared with the first one's 18 knots. Providing better and more comfortable experience, the second cruise ship is constructed with focus on innovation and setting craft standard in the shipbuilding industry, which are our key focuses going forward," said Chen Jianwe, construction director of the large cruise ship project of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

The cruise ship is set to depart from the dock in late March 2026, with trial sailing commencing in June 2026. The naming and delivery of the cruise ship will be made before the end of 2026, said the shipbuilder.

China's 2nd homegrown large cruise ship to surpass predecessor in size, overall performance

A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.

After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.

"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.

Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.

France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.

Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.

"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.

French student calls for more educational exchanges with China