A cruise operator on Shanghai's Suzhou Creek is offering half-price tickets to domestic and international exhibitors, staff members, and visitors attending the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE).

The promotion runs from Nov 1 to 30, covering the expo period of Nov 5 to 10. Fares on the standard 15-, 30-, and 90-minute routes are reduced by 50 percent to 15, 30, and 80 yuan (about $12.02) per person, respectively.

Tickets can be booked through the "Yoyou Suzhou Creek" WeChat mini program. Passengers should select their preferred pier and route, then choose the "CIIE spillover discount" ticket option. To board, ticket holders must present a valid ID and their CIIE badge at the pier; both must match the name on the booking.

Putuo district, home to five of the city's Suzhou Creek piers — the highest concentration in Shanghai — is where about 40 percent of cruise passengers board. From there, the route takes in Changfeng Park, M50 Creative Park and Tian An 1000 Trees, a residential-retail complex built on the site of the former Rong family flour mill.

The discount is part of Shanghai's CIIE spillover program, designed to encourage international guests to step beyond the exhibition halls and experience the city's waterfront — and perhaps see a softer, more vivid side of Shanghai.

Source: WeChat official account of Shanghai Putuo Media Center