Chongqing- "Beautiful and colorful, Chongqing's night scenery is just too magical and shocking!" said Ms. Li, a tourist from Henan Province who captured the mesmerizing view with her phone on October 4. For many like her, The best way to really learn about Chongqing is the Two-River Cruise, which provides an unparalleled glimpse of the city's majestic cityscape, especially when the city lights up at night.
Ships of Two-River Tour are cruising on the Jialing River, immersed in a beautiful night view of Chongqing. (Photo/ Zheng Ran)
Chongqing's Two-River Tour and Three Gorges Cruise have witnessed a surge in popularity unlike any before. The vibrant lights reflecting on the waters of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers have long captivated the hearts of many.
As one of the most classic ways to appreciate China's natural charm and historical culture, the Three Gorges Cruise consists of views of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, with the winding and twisting river path, and beautiful stories and legends, making it one of the ten most beautiful sites in China.
Market recovery reached a historical peak
Recent data from the Chongqing Municipal Transportation Bureau highlights this burgeoning attraction. Between September 29 and October 3, passenger traffic for the city's Two-River Tour saw a 45% increase, while the Three Gorges Cruise surged by 83% compared to the same period in 2019. Such staggering growth indicates the city's cruise economy has experienced a full-blood resurrection.
Also, data from Chongqing Cruise Center revealed that from January to September, the Two-River Tour had already welcomed approximately 2.65 million visitors, tripling the number from 2022 and surpassing the total from 2019.
Alongside, the Three Gorges Cruise is also basking in the limelight. Yang Zhigang, general manager of the marketing center of Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise Co. Ltd, highlighted that their latest generation of cruise ships, notably the "Yangtze River 3", were fully booked. The company's entire fleet was operating during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, marking an astonishing 950% increase from last year.
Tan Ming, head of Chongqing Shipping Exchange's passenger transportation platform, shared that the Century Oasis cruise ship celebrated its one-millionth guest 45 days earlier than in 2019.
The Three Gorges Cruise. (Photo/ Yangtze River Cruises)
Services innovation and upgrading
As demand surges, cruise companies are upping their game. From introducing electric propulsion for silent cruising to offering luxury amenities like all-inclusive packages, cruise ship butlers, and themed tours, the cruising experience is being redefined.
In an innovative twist, cruises are now also doubling as educational ventures. Victoria and Century Oasis are incorporating thematic study activities, such as "The World is a Textbook" and "Classical Concert," transforming the Three Gorges Cruise into a floating study base.
Plans are also underway for the Cuntan International Cruise Centre, poised to be the world's largest inland waterway vertical "cargo to passenger" port project. The project site, currently a cargo terminal covering 66,000 square meters, is located in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area. The site and associated cruise terminal sit within the Cuntan Port area, allowing access to the Yangtze River.
This initiative, coupled with a focus on expanding the "Cruise+" industry chain, aims to cement Chongqing's reputation as an international consumption center city, offering an array of transport options, including Chongqing Rail Transit, tourist buses, water buses, cruises, and mountain trails.