Chongqing — More than 160 travel agents and representatives from overseas offices of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, spanning nine countries including Germany, Russia, and the United States, as well as China’s Taiwan region, recently embarked on Victoria’s Cruise (Meiwei Kaixuan) for an immersive journey down the Yangtze River.
The familiarization trip, held ahead of the 2025 China International Travel Mart (CITM), offered participants firsthand exposure to Yangtze River culture and the region’s diverse tourism offerings.
Travel agents and representatives from overseas offices of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism board Victoria’s Cruise (Meiwei Kaixuan) for a Yangtze River familiarization trip. (Photo: The event organizer)
Traveling through the heart of the Three Gorges, the cruise offered an immersive introduction to the region's iconic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Key highlights included Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan traditional residences, the historic Baidi City and Qutang Gorge in Fengjie, the tranquil Goddess Stream and Goddess Peak in Wushan, and the Three Gorges Dam.
Travel agents take photos in front of Baidi City. (Photo: The event organizer)
Three Gorges cruises emerge as pillar of inbound tourism recovery
Inbound travel via Three Gorges cruises is showing strong momentum and has become a major pillar in the recovery of inbound tourism in Chongqing and Hubei.
Data show that in 2025, inbound arrivals on Yangtze River cruises exceeded 102,300 visitors, returning to levels seen during the same period in 2019. The Victoria Cruises fleet alone welcomed more than 40,000 international guests, underscoring Three Gorges cruises as a preferred way for global travelers to experience the region.
A travel agent takes a photo of the Qutang Gorge in Fengjie. (Photo: The event organizer)
A representative of Chongqing Dongjiang Industrial Co Ltd, operator of Victoria’s Cruise, said the company will continue upgrading facilities and services while better integrating Chongqing and Hubei’s cultural and tourism resources. The goal, the representative said, is to strengthen the international brand of Three Gorges tourism and further consolidate the recovery of inbound travel.
Fengjie promotion highlights Three Gorges culture
A key program, "2025 China International Travel Mart · Night of Fengjie (Chongqing)," centered on poetic culture and Three Gorges wonders, showcases the region’s distinctive cultural appeal. The event introduced Chongqing’s latest tourism products and cooperation opportunities, helping advance cross-border route development, visitor exchanges, and market connectivity.
A performance at 2025 China International Travel Mart · Night of Fengjie (Chongqing). (Photo: The event organizer) (Photo: The event organizer)
Cultural performances brought the spirit of the gorges to life, while the intangible cultural heritage exhibition attracted strong interest. Guests sampled local teas such as Fengjie white tea and Qutang black tea, and explored traditional crafts including silk paintings, wood carvings, and handcrafted combs. Local specialties such as Fengjie navel oranges and hawk tea further highlighted the area's strong eco-agriculture and tourism potential.
Coordinated efforts enhance inbound tourism services
The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism, together with the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, selected six specialized medical institutions to create an interactive medical experience zone. The display highlighted Chongqing’s one-stop international medical services and specialized treatments, drawing strong interest and in-depth discussions among attendees.
Travel agents experienced traditional Chinese medical treatment. (Photo: The event organizer)
In addition, Chongqing Immigration Inspection, the People's Bank of China Chongqing Branch, and Chongqing Airport Group addressed key topics including border clearance facilitation, overseas payment guidance, and the expansion of international air routes. Together, they presented a comprehensive and convenient travel experience for inbound visitors.
Wu Dawei, Director of the China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles, along with other overseas representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, noted that the integration of medical resource promotion with inbound facilitation policies directly addressed the core concerns of travel operators. The initiative effectively stimulated interest in cooperation on Chongqing's medical tourism products, injecting new momentum into cross-border cultural and tourism collaboration.