This photo, taken on March 29, 2023, shows the scenery of Xiling Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Xinhua)
Chongqing—Three Gorges cruise line saw a significant rise in international tourism in the first half of this year, thanks to China's continued efforts to optimize visa-free policies and streamline travel procedures for international visitors.
According to data released on July 15 by the Chongqing Port and Shipping Maritime Affairs Center and the Chongqing Shipping Exchange, the Yangtze River Three Gorges cruises received 48,500 foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 58.5% increase year-on-year and reaching 101.04% of the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.
As of June 30, China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers travelers from 55 countries, while 47 countries enjoy unilateral visa-free access to China.
Chongqing, often dubbed China's "8D Magic City" for its topography and urban landscapes, has become a major destination for foreign travelers. In the first six months of 2025, Chongqing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection processed over 1.14 million inbound and outbound trips, up 35% year on year, including 330,000 trips made by foreign nationals, a record high.
Renowned for its cliffs, majestic gorges, and breathtaking river views, the Yangtze River's Three Gorges route remains a magnet for international tourists.
From January to June 2025, the cruise line reported 542,300 total passenger trips, accounting for 94.17% of the same period in 2024. The average cabin occupancy rate reached 76.47%, up 2.38 percentage points from last year.
Luxury cruises remain the top choice for most travelers. In June alone, 318 luxury cruise ships set sail, completing 86,700 passenger trips, nearly 80% of all cruise travelers.
The Chongqing-Yichang route remains the most popular, with 267 sailings and 80,000 passenger trips, accounting for 72.54% of all cruise traffic in June.
Among domestic travelers in June, Zhejiang led with 9,600 passenger trips, accounting for 9.54% of the total, followed closely by Jiangsu with 9,500 trips (9.46%), Sichuan with 8,100 trips (8.02%), and Shanghai and Chongqing in fourth and fifth place with 7.29% and 4.79%, respectively.
The cruise line continues to attract a largely senior demographic. In June 2025, 52% of passengers were aged 60 and above, while those aged 45–60 accounted for 25.74%. Travelers aged 30–45 comprised 10.03%, 18–30 at 3.88%, and minors under 18 accounted for 8.35%.
(Gou Long, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)