China's Yangtze River cruises draw int'l travelers on journeys through living history

China's Yangtze River cruises are attracting record numbers of international tourists by transforming from scenic journeys into immersive cultural experiences.

The new trend reflects a strategic shift from traditional sightseeing to culturally enriched itineraries that showcase China's 5,000-year heritage along the world's third-longest river.

One popular cruise line starts from Yichang City in central China's Hubei Province, winding through the spectacular Three Gorges before arriving at Chaotianmen Wharf in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

During peak season, the third quarter of the year, international visitors constitute up to 70 percent of passengers, with many European and American tourists returning home as cultural ambassadors.

"Even [though] Bulgaria and China are very far, every month we have three groups coming to China. They have their dream to come to visit China, especially Yangtze, and now they say that their dream becomes true," said Kiril Atanasov Grudin, a Bulgarian tourist.

The itineraries blend natural wonders with cultural depth. In Chongqing, passengers can explore the UNESCO-recognized Baiheliang Underwater Museum, the world's first accessible non-diving underwater archaeological site. They can also experience traditional culture in Fengdu and admire autumn foliage in Wushan's gorges.

"I've studied history most of my life. So I'm very excited and I've been waiting to come to China for a long time. We've learned so much about China and the history. So it's been quite eye opening," said Patricia Degennaro, an American tourist.

Cruise operators have also created "Mobile Cultural Reception Halls" featuring immersive activities including intangible cultural heritage tea ceremonies, fashion shows featuring traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing, and Yangtze River dolphin conservation programs.

"A lot of Westerners are passionate about history. They love China and they are welcomed by the people of China. Even if they don't speak English, we can understand each other now. We can have the translating app. And they said the service is very kind," said Isabelle Hinze, foreign ship manager for Chongqing Yangtze River Victoria Cruise Lines.

Industry analysts attribute the sector's robust growth to China's ongoing policy facilitation, including the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and resumed international routes. Chongqing now leads China's inland river cruise capacity, regularly hosting international charter flights and European-American tour groups, firmly establishing the Yangtze River as a world-class tourism destination.

China's Yangtze River cruises draw int'l travelers on journeys through living history

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival