On May 18, the 2025 Shanghai Cruise Port International Regatta successfully concluded at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This two-day international sailing event brought together 24 teams of 120 elite sailors from China, Singapore, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Hungary, and beyond. Competing in J/80 sailboats, the participants delivered a thrilling display of skill and courage in the waters off the cruise terminal.

During the regatta, sailors braved the wind and waves, showcasing superb sail-handling techniques and flawless teamwork and delivering a breathtaking “waltz on water” for spectators. After two days of fierce competition, the Suzhou Sailing Fans Team finally clinched the championship, followed by the Xiamen University Sailing Team as the first runner-up and the Shanghai Old Nanhui Sailing Team as the second runner-up.

As a flagship event jointly organized by the Chinese Yachting Association, Shanghai Administration of Sports, and Baoshan District People’s Government, the Shanghai Cruise Port International Regatta has, since its debut in 2019, embraced the vision of “from the three rivers to the world”. It has grown into a key platform for the integrated development of the cruise economy, water sports, and cultural tourism.

Looking ahead, organizers unveiled plans for an offshore long-distance race in next year’s regatta. Following existing cruise routes, the race would trace a cross-border course from Shanghai to Jeju Island and back, linking port cities in China and South Korea. The goal is to further enhance the event’s international influence and establish sailing as a maritime bridge for cultural and tourism exchange across East Asia.

The regatta’s venue—Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal—is the largest international cruise home port in the Asia-Pacific region. With its unique natural advantages, it provided an exceptional stage for this year’s competition. The terminal once topped the Asian rankings for three consecutive years and rapidly rose to become the fourth-largest cruise home port globally within just five years. It stands as a vital gateway for Shanghai’s efforts to advance its cruise economy, accelerate its emergence as a global cruise hub, and support the growth of China’s coastal cruise industry. The terminal boasts a 1,600-meter-long pier that stretches out like a dragon, welcoming sailing enthusiasts from across the globe. The competition area spansover 600,000 square meters of water with a depth of 9 meters. With shifting winds, complex waves, and unpredictable currents, it offers a dynamic and challenging arenafor the world’s top sailors.

Built around the cruise terminal, the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort is located at the intersection of three major national strategies—the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. A gateway to the Yangtze River, the resort lies where the Yangtze, Huangpu, and Wenzaobang rivers converge. With its critical transportation position, rich historical and cultural heritage, prime location, and extensive waterway network, the area is rapidly evolving into a vibrant hub for urban renewal and social transformation.

To enhance the cultural experience for cruise visitors, the resort’s waterfront has undergone a comprehensive upgrade. This includes expanded access to the water, enhanced ecological landscapes, and the introduction of resort-style amenities, all contributing to a more relaxed and immersive environment. This transformation supports the broader development of Baoshan’s public riverfront spaces, with the Wusongkou terminal at the heart. Adjacent to the terminal is the newly opened Sea World, China’s first cruise-themed commercial complex and urban micro-vacation destination. Featuring flagship tenants such as LAS Diving, iGOSURFING, and Party King, it offers a dynamic marine-themed leisure experience. The “cruise + vacation” model is redefining cruise tourism by offering more diverse options for travelers around the globe. Surrounding the terminal is a selection of premium accommodations, including Cordis, CM+ Serviced Apartment, as well as TUI BLUE, the first resort hotel from Europe’s largest travel group in China, welcoming guests worldwide.

As part of Shanghai’s “One River, One Creek” waterfront development initiative, the greater Wusong area has been positioned as the gateway to the city at the confluence of the three rivers, bringing new momentum to Baoshan’s development. In line with this vision, Baoshan is working to establish itself as both a core functional zone supporting Shanghai’s development into an international sci-tech innovation center and a high-quality, world-class waterfront district. With a strong emphasis on developing the cruise tourism sector and the cruise tourism resort, Baoshan is shaping a new model for coordinated development of ships, ports, and urban districts to stimulatecruise tourism consumption.