China's first domestically-built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has gained traction among consumers with a new vacation experience since its sail last year, while stimulating spending across various sectors from tourism and hospitality to retail and entertainment.
With 323.6 meters in length and 2,125 rooms, the cruise ship can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers at full capacity. The ship also boasts 26 restaurants and bars, offering diverse culinary options from Chinese dishes to Western steaks, Italian pizza, and German beer.
"We drove here from Hangzhou, directly to the dock in Shanghai and boarded the cruise. This one is relatively new, and its dining options are more suited to Chinese tastes," said a tourist.
"We've brought parents and children along with us on this journey. Cruises are very convenient since meals and accommodations are all included, making it hassle-free," said another tourist.
The cruise ship also offers a variety of leisure options, including theatrical performances, a shopping plaza, an art gallery, and a water park, making it a destination for entertainment and family-friendly fun.
The cruise ship started its commercial maiden voyage on Jan 1, 2024. Since then, it has driven consumption, fostered the cruise economy's ecosystem development, and boosted collaboration within the industry.
"Data from the first quarter of this year shows that the cruise tourism market is still prosperous. We are seeing high occupancy rates. Our industry system is gradually taking shape, encompassing independent design, construction, supply, and operation. Particularly, on the operational side, we have achieved a nearly 100-percent local procurement," said Gu Pengcheng, vice president of Adora Cruise.
The cruise ship also drew more overseas tourists, bringing them to explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks, such as the Yuyuan Garden and the Bund.
In the first quarter of 2025, data showed that Shanghai's border and inspection station inspected more than 180 cruises and 510,000 passengers.
China's first domestically-built cruise ship becomes consumer favorite
The "soft landing" of the China-EU electric vehicle case will greatly boost market confidence and inject new momentum into China-EU cooperation in automobile trade and investment, a spokeswoman of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
He Yongqian, the spokeswoman, made the remarks after China and the European Union (EU) agreed on the necessity of providing general guidance on price undertakings for Chinese companies exporting battery electric vehicle (BEV) passenger cars to the EU.
"China and the EU simultaneously announced on Monday that they had achieved positive outcomes following multiple rounds of consultations on the EV case, a development that has drawn wide attention at home and abroad. Industry players from both sides have 'highly welcomed and fully endorsed' the outcome, saying the 'soft landing' of the case is expected to greatly boost market confidence and inject new momentum into China-EU cooperation in automobile trade and investment. Some EU politicians have described it as a positive step toward building a sustainable China-EU trade relationship, and said it demonstrated that resolving trade differences through partnership remains feasible," she said.
"Against the current international backdrop, China and the EU, acting in a spirit of mutual respect and within the framework of WTO rules, have properly addressed the EV case, which is of significant positive importance. The outcome will not only contribute to the sound development of China-EU economic and trade ties and help safeguard the stability of the global automotive industrial and supply chains, but will also send a clear and strong signal that both sides are willing to uphold a rules-based international trading order, setting a good example for countries to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and injecting greater certainty and positive energy into global economic growth," she said.
"China appreciates the spirit of dialogue showed by the EU side and stands ready to work with the EU, building on the current positive outcomes, to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, maintain dialogue and communication, and support stable industrial and supply chains on both sides, continue to deepen cooperation on the basis of market principles, and make active contributions to the global green transition," she added.
"Soft landing" of China-EU EV case to significantly boost market confidence: MOC spokeswoman
"Soft landing" of China-EU EV case to significantly boost market confidence: MOC spokeswoman
