Cruise liner starts Xiamen's cultural tourism exchanges

A cultural tourism exchanges themed on "passion of Minnan culture on Maritime Silk Road" is inaugurated in Xiamen on March 22. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

Costa Romantica, a luxury cruise liner made by Italian manufacturer Costa, set sail from Xiamen port on March 22, marking the beginning of the city's cultural tourism exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, Xiamen Daily reported.

Themed on "passion of Minnan culture on Maritime Silk Road", this trip would tour the ports along the Maritime Silk Road, including Manila, capital of the the Philippines, Boracay of the Philippines, and Sabah of Malaysia.

Perfomances featuring Minnan culture will be put on when the liner docks at the ports.

Minnan culture refers to a regional culture that originated in China's southern Fujian province and, after reaching the Fujian cities of Quanzhou, Xiamen, and Zhangzhou, spread to Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries, which is quite influential to those areas' residents.

Further exchanges between Xiamen delegation and experts of local tourism and cultural industries in conserving cultural heritage, developing Minnan culture, and deepening tourism cooperation are expected to be conducted.

Yang Qi, director of Xiamen's tourism development commission, said that they expect to show Southeast Asian countries the city's abundant tourism products by this move and also stimulate the development of Xiamen's liner tourism.

Heartfelt Wishes performed by Xiamen dancers is presented in Manila, capital of the the Philippines, the first stop of the cultural tourism exchanges, and it's warmly received by the local residents. [Photo/xmnn.cn]