China's cruise industry saw a surge in passenger trips, reaching nearly 500,000 in the first half of 2024, data from the Ministry of Transport showed Saturday.
In the Jan-June period, 23 cruise ships operated 206 voyages, transporting the nearly half-million passengers. The number of passengers in the second quarter alone increased by nearly 60 percent compared to the first quarter.
The ministry also reported that in the first quarter alone, cruise passenger trips exceeded 190,000, surpassing the total of 107,000 trips recorded for all of 2023.
China's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, embarked on its commercial voyage on January 1, 2024. The ship offers a variety of routes that include several ports in Japan and South Korea, with plans to expand to more countries around the world.
China's cruise ship passenger trips surge in first part of 2024
More pet-friendly venues are emerging across Wuxi City in east China's Jiangsu Province, driven by the growing demand for businesses that welcome animals.
Among the latest additions is a customized pet-friendly bus route that takes furry companions and their owners to a lakeside park.
Furry companions are seen hopping aboard customized buses with their owners for countryside getaways.
Traditionally, pet outings require private cars or taxis. But the new bus line in the city, marking one of the first of its kind in China, has quickly gained popularity since its launch.
"This special bus line not only solves our difficult in finding a parking space, but also allows us to travel with our beloved dogs," said Gu Ye, a dog owner.
"Many pet owners face difficulties using public transport when taking their animals out. We hope this special bus service will make it easier for people and pets to travel together and help create a more inclusive public transport service," said Du Mingqi, head of the pet-friendly customized bus project at Wuxi Public Transport Group.
Beyond convenience, the tailor-made service offers a chance for pets to explore new outdoor fun and for owners to connect and share pet-raising experience.
In addition to outdoor activities, pet owners can dine and relax with their animals at themed restaurants and cafes.
"We've designed fun pet activities along the pet-friendly No.1 Ancient Scholar Trail, such as hiking with furry friends. We also regularly hold pet sports events at cafes, restaurants and scenic spots to expand the variety of pet-friendly scenarios," said Yang Jianjiang, a local official.
During this year's five-day May Day holiday on May 1-5, foot traffic at a local pet-friendly shopping complexes rose by 12 percent on average per day from the previous year, showing the strong appeal of the "pets plus cultural tourism" model.
More pet-friendly venues show up in Chinese city as pet economy booms
