The cruise docks at the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal. [Photo/Xiamen International Cruise Terminal]
The visiting cruise ship Regatta made its maiden call at Xiamen International Cruise Terminal on June 1, marking its first visit to the city. Carrying the largest tourist group to Xiamen this year — primarily composed of travelers from the United States and Canada — the cruise's arrival further boosted the local tourism sector.
Its arrival during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday added a cultural touch, as international passengers received traditional festival gifts at the immigration inspection hall.
"Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings with bamboo leaves)!" exclaimed American traveler Bob as he and his wife Kay studied the cartoon image of the zongzi on a display board, carefully practicing its Chinese pronunciation.
"I adore Chinese culture and architecture," shared fellow American visitor Rachel while accepting a fragrant sachet gift.
The Regatta became the first visiting cruise ship to dock at the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal's newly operational terminal. Carrying over 600 passengers, the vessel brought a truly international flair to the port city on June 1 alone, travelers from 23 different countries disembarked, accounting for more than 95 percent of all passengers.
Accordingly, the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal will operate 27 homeport cruise voyages this year, with itineraries covering popular destinations such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
China has launched a new pilot program to allow eligible enterprises greater access to overseas financing in support of green and low-carbon transformation projects, the country's foreign exchange regulator said on Aug 21.
To further streamline the experience, China is expanding tax refund stores, broadening the range of refundable goods, and refining refund procedures, ensuring an efficient and seamless shopping experience for global visitors.
