The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal welcomed a record-breaking number of international tourists on March 16.

Two ships, the AIDAstella and the Spectrum of the Seas, brought a combined total of nearly 4,800 foreign tourists to the city.

The influx, primarily driven by the implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy last year as well as a growing interest in Chinese culture, surpassed previous single-day records.

Baoshan district, where the terminal is located, offered an immersive cultural experience, showcasing traditional Chinese arts and performances.

The arrival of the ships was met with lion dances, traditional music, and artisans demonstrating traditional crafts such as Wusong dough sculpture, Cai family paper-cutting, and Yuepu bamboo weaving.

Tourists were also presented with traditional Chinese gifts like knots and sachets.

To enhance the experience, the terminal provided a range of services catering to international visitors, including foreign currency exchange, SIM card purchasing, and multilingual volunteers.

The district collaborated with Gucun Park, which is hosting the 2025 Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival, by offering a dedicated shuttle service to the park for cruise passengers.

The direct transportation allows tourists to experience the park's vast landscape of over 16,000 cherry blossom trees, showcasing the beauty of Shanghai's spring season.

The AIDAstella, a German cruise ship with a capacity of 2,194 to 2,700 passengers, will remain in Shanghai for two days.

In the coming months, the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, which received 204 international cruise ships in 2024, is set to receive even more international ships, including the Mein Schiff 6 and the Costa Serena, further enhancing the city's position as a leading destination for international cruise tourism.

Shanghai aims to further enhance its port efficiency and service quality so that more international cruise lines will open new routes.

The city is also collaborating with the Yangtze River Delta region's tourist areas to develop tour packages for cruise travelers, providing them with a multi-stop experience.

Source: Shanghai Observer