Zhoushan welcomes first inbound cruise with visa-free entry

The luxury cruise ship Zhao Shang Yi Dun docks at the Zhoushan International Cruise Port in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on Sept 12. [Photo/Tide News]

Cruise ship Zhao Shang Yi Dun arrived at the Zhoushan International Cruise Port on Sept 12. Over 130 international visitors chose to explore the Dongsha ancient fishing town in Daishan county, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, experiencing the island's unique charm.

This cruise ship, with more than 600 international passengers, is the first domestic cruise to dock in Zhoushan this year. It is also the first to benefit from Zhoushan's new visa-free entry policy for cruise ships. The vessel stayed in Zhoushan for 15 hours, offering an immersive island experience.

In Dongsha ancient fishing town, locals warmly welcomed the international tourists. Visitors paused to take photos and began their immersive tour along the designated route.

International visitors experience dragon dancing, an intangible cultural heritage item in Daishan county, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Dongsha ancient fishing town is a historic fishing port in Zhoushan. The ancient alleys, weathered stone slabs, and traditional houses exude a nostalgic charm. Activities such as dragon dancing, traditional news singing, and traditional storytelling as a folk music quartet, all part of the intangible cultural heritage items, captivated the tourists.

Zhao Shang Yi Dun sails on the "Shanghai-Zhoushan-Dongtou-Xiamen-Shenzhen" southeast coast cultural and tourism route. The cruise will make seven more stops in Zhoushan, including stops in Daishan.

"We have a total of seven routes in Zhoushan, and the Daishan route currently has the highest number of visitors," said Chen Jun, president of an association of travel services in Zhoushan.