Wuhan's new cruise terminal set for success

In April, the Zhonghua Road Cruise Terminal (Hongxiang Tourist Pier) officially commenced trial operations in Wuhan, attracting cruise ship passengers keen to experience the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River and admire the unique urban landscape of Wuhan.

Constructed by CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company, the Zhonghua Road Cruise Terminal and its associated facilities are located on the Wuchang River Beach, approximately 400 meters downstream from the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge. The terminal is an upgrade on the original Hongxiang and Zhonghua Road piers. After investment totaling 3.93 billion yuan ($540 million), the project features 6 berths capable of accommodating 5,000-ton-class cruise ships, with capacity for 4.75 million passengers annually.

After construction commenced in December 2021, the project faced numerous challenges, but the team tackled each difficulty with effective solutions. Overcoming adverse weather conditions such as continuous rain and snow, as well as sudden rises in water levels, the team exceeded expectations by completing the main pier's pile foundation and platform tasks, earning praise for their "iron army spirit".

Along with Yuehan, Wuhan Guan and Wangjiaxiang piers, the Zhonghua Road Cruise Terminal has established an efficient ferry transportation network, effectively alleviating cross-river traffic pressure and greatly enhancing ease of travel for local residents. Boasting a more stable structure and broader views, the renovated terminal has enhanced environmental sustainability, upgraded operational automation, and significantly improved visitor services and reception capabilities.

The fully renovated Zhonghua Road Passenger Terminal will serve as the primary hub for receiving domestic and international tourists, collaborating with other terminals along the Wuchang riverbank to maximize transportation capacity and visitor reception.

According to a spokesperson from the Wuhan Cultural Tourism Group, the project will leverage its strategic location advantages, and create a waterfront economic cluster that integrates culture, tourism, cuisine, entertainment, and leisure activities. It will also cooperate with the historical Hongxiang Revolutionary Street Area and the Xinhai Revolution Museum, focusing on the region's red cultural resources to explore new paths for the integrated development of red tourism and cultural tourism.

The new cruise terminal in Wuhan represents a significant milestone in enhancing the city's tourism infrastructure and transportation network, promising to attract more visitors and contribute to the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the region.