Tianjin's cruise port in north China is expected to handle more than 100,000 passenger trips during the summer vocation this year, according to the local border inspection authorities.
The cruise port handled nearly 35,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips from July 1 to 22, along with 14 cruise ship visits, marking a year-on-year increase of 17 percent, data showed.
On Wednesday morning alone, the Adora Mediterranea Cruise docked at the Tianjin International Cruise Home Port with nearly 2,000 passengers, adding to the port's growing traffic.
The cruise vessel, along with the Dream cruise ship, sets out every five days.
In addition, the Adora Mediterranea Cruise will launch a 12-day, 11-night summer voyage to Hokkaido on August 7, while the CM Yidun cruise ship -- China's first luxury cruise ship flying the national flag -- is scheduled to visit Tianjin on August 22.
"It is perfect for family travel. The facilities, the living condition, and food on the ship are very good. We really like it," said a visitor.
Responding to the peak-season traffic, Tianjin border inspection authorities have deployed patrol robots to facilitate boarding and disembarkation procedures, greatly reducing processing time.
"We've formed a data model and applied data analysis to implement dynamic inspection known as 'tidal lane' approach. During the peak periods, we will open additional inspection lanes in advance, which significantly cut the waiting time," said Li Yong, an officer at the Dongjiang border inspection station.
In a bid to capitalize on the summer tourism boom, Tianjin has also launched the "One Ticket to Explore Dongjiang" initiative, offering discounts on accommodation, dining, and consumption at scenic spots in Dongjiang area for cruise ticket holders.
Cruise port in Tianjin expected to see over 100,000 passenger trips in summer vocation
Voting for the second phase of Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election concluded on Sunday afternoon.
Voting began at 06:00 local time on Sunday. At 16:00, an election official at a polling station in Yangon's Latha township announced the closure of the polling station.
Following the closure, election staff at the polling station, in the presence of domestic and international media, candidates, and observers, counted the votes, including advance votes, for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (State and Region Parliaments).
The second phase of the election was held in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states. In the Yangon region, it was held in 16 townships, including the townships of Latha, Bahan, Kyimyindaing and Kawhmu.
"We welcome the election, which is expected to bring new changes to the country," said a Yangon resident.
"I hope the parties can lead us and make it a better country, which is why I support the election," said another voter.
Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election is being held in three phases, with the first phase held in 102 townships on Dec 28 last year, and the third phase scheduled for Jan 25 this year in 63 townships.
"The parliament is scheduled to convene in March. Following the conclusion of the session, the new government will officially take office in April. We hope that more foreign investment will flow into Myanmar, enabling the public to enjoy the opportunities generated by the country's economic development more fully," said Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) said that about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing in the three phases of the election, adding that it plans to set up over 21,000 polling stations across the country for all three phases of the general election.
The election will produce the elected members of the Union Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw) and State and Region Parliaments; the new Union Parliament will then elect a new president, who will form a new Union Government.
Voting for 2nd phase of Myanmar's general election concludes
