In celebration of the ongoing Shanghai International Cruise Festival, China Merchants Yidun, the nation's first Chinese-flag luxury cruise ship, has set up a pop-up stage at Shanghai's Global Harbor.

From Aug 20 to 25, the stage will host piano performances, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a symphony of music and maritime elegance.

Adorned in the distinctive design style reminiscent of the cruise ship itself, the pop-up stage welcomes a diverse array of performers, including esteemed pianists, students from the Shanghai University for the Elderly, as well as enthusiastic audience members eager to showcase their musical talents.

Formerly known as Viking Sun, China Merchants Yidun made history in April 2021 as the first high-end independently Chinese-operated cruise ship, receiving a certificate of nationality from the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration. Representing a collaboration between China Merchants Shekou Holdings, a Shenzhen-based State-owned enterprise, and Viking Cruises, the cruise ship boasts a seating capacity of 930 passengers and features spatial details that reflect a Nordic design aesthetic.

Chen Weiyun, the vice president of marketing for the cruise business, emphasized the ship's dedication to providing a unique and culturally immersive travel experience since its inception. By showcasing interactive piano performances at the Shanghai International Cruise Festival, China Merchants Yidun aims to integrate humanistic artistic experiences into the public sphere, inviting a broader audience to appreciate the allure of cruise travel and fostering a newfound interest in this distinctive mode of exploration.

Operating both international and domestic tours with stopovers in key cities along its route, China Merchants Yidun is committed to offering travelers a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience. From workshops on local cuisine to guided tours of museums, the cruise ship endeavors to provide in-depth insights into the diverse cultures encountered during its voyages, Chen said.

Looking ahead, Chen announced that from September to November, the cruise ship will introduce the first domestic coastal cruise line tailored to inbound travelers. This innovative tour will showcase China's rich tapestry of folk customs, history, and culture to European and American visitors, further enhancing the ship's reputation as a beacon of cultural exchange and exploration on the high seas.