The first cruise ship visiting Shanghai in 2025 arrived at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, carrying more than 400 passengers from around the world.
On May 15, 2024, China's National Immigration Administration rolled out a visa-free entry policy for foreign tourist groups entering China on cruise ships, and increased the number of cruise ports eligible for visa-free entry to 13. In December, the administration introduced a 240-hour transit visa-free policy, and added 21 entry and exit ports for those entering under the new policy.
"More than 95 percent of the passengers on this cruise ship are applicable to various visa exemption policies. For example, more than 300 passengers, representing over 93 percent, are applicable to the 15-day visa exemption for cruise groups, while some passengers are eligible for visa-free entry into China or the 240-hour transit visa exemption. It can be said that the visa exemption policies have greatly benefited our cruise inbound tourism market," said Ma Yingjie, an officer at the Pujiang border inspection station under the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.
The passengers on the cruise ship Silver Dawn come from different countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany. During the two-day stay, they will visit the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Museum, the National Exhibition and other places to personally feel the unique charm of Shanghai.
"Today we are going to the Water Town, and then we're back. We hope to explore the evening here the night in Shanghai. Tomorrow we are going to [eat] the dumplings," said a Swiss tourist.
According to statistics, Shanghai ports recorded 1.3759 million visits by cruise passengers in total in 2024. It is expected that the city will see more than 20 cruise ship visits in 2025.
Shanghai receives 1st visiting int'l cruise ship of 2025
Shanghai receives 1st visiting int'l cruise ship of 2025
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
