Pacific World, the largest ship used by Japan-based international NGO Peace Boat in its 40 years of operations, has made its first-ever visit to the Shekou cruise homeport in Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Amidst the melody of the pipa, a Chinese musical instrument, 1,500 international tourists disembarked from the Pacific World cruise ship at around 6 p.m. on March 23 and began a delightful exploration of Shenzhen’s cultural landscapes and cuisine.

A lion dance is performed to welcome international tourists in front of the Pacific World cruise ship. Photos courtesy of Shekou Cruise Homeport 

The Shekou Cruise Homeport is the only Chinese port that Pacific World has visited during Peace Boat’s 116th global voyage, which is scheduled to finish in Yokohama, Japan, on March 29.

Pacific World is also the first foreign cruise ship that has arrived in Shenzhen since China announced the full resumption of international cruise ship transport to and from ports in the country in September 2023.

A Shekou Cruise Homeport staff member greets international tourists disembarking from the Pacific World cruise ship. 

To welcome this special batch of international tourists, Shenzhen has arranged several activities including a visit to Nantou Ancient Town, a culinary tour of Cantonese cuisine, a car tour at Lianhua Hill Park, and a sightseeing tour within the city.

It is noteworthy that the Pacific World cruise ship will once again visit the Shekou Cruise Homeport in April and August.

“[Pacific World’s] first call to Shenzhen is of special significance. For Peace Boat, Shenzhen is an ideal partner,” Yoshioka Tatsuya, founder of Peace Boat, was quoted as saying.