China's second domestically built large cruise ship was name Adora Flora City in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on Friday.
Surpassing its predecessor, Adora Magic City, in size and overall performance, the new cruise ship, named after Guangzhou's "Flower City" moniker, measures 341 meters in length, has a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, and can accommodate up to 5,232 passengers.
Meanwhile, the number of guest rooms has also increased by 19 to 2,144, with two new desulfurization systems and five sets of advanced environmental protection equipment added to make the entire ship greener and more environmentally friendly.
The overall performance and comfort of the 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.
The cruise ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 and start international journeys from Guangzhou in 2027, its owner Adora Cruises Limited said.
The second ship will operate out of its home port of Guangzhou and serve the South China market, according to the company.
China's second homegrown large cruise ship named Adora Flora City
The year 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos as well as the Year of China-Laos Friendship, presenting important opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who is visiting China as special envoy of Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos.
Wang welcomed Saleumxay to visit China, saying the visit fully reflects the high level of the China-Laos community with a shared future and will further enhance the strategic mutual trust between the two sides.
Wang called on both sides to strengthen inter-governmental institutional dialogues, enhance the quality and efficiency of China-Laos railway connectivity, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and deliver more tangible outcomes in advancing regional connectivity.
China will leverage its strengths to align development strategies with Laos, boost whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals, electricity and other sectors, deepen human resources development, and support Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth, he said.
Saleumxay, also a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee, said Laos is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, jointly hold successful celebration activities for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, energy and minerals.
Saleumxay expressed appreciation for China's stance and role in major international and regional affairs, saying Laos is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China.
China-Laos ties face important opportunities in 2026: Chinese FM
