The five-star line behind Halong Bay’s most remarkable cruise experiences, Ambassador Cruise, has clinched two national records due to ‘Ambassador Cruise II’ vessel’s huge capacity and compelling entertainment set-up. The Vietnam Record Association recently announced Ambassador Cruise II, which hosts lavish day and dinner cruises of Halong Bay and has a 600-guest capacity, has been recognised in the Vietnam Book of Records as the country’s “highest capacity” cruise ship. Anchored by a singer and dramatic light show, to a backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed bay’s silhouetted limestone karsts, Ambassador Cruise II’s 1.5-hour evening ‘mini-show’ ‘Love in the Bay’ on the dinner cruise took out the second national record. Love…

Datong, located in north China’s Shanxi Province, is fast becoming a premier cultural destination for international travellers. In the first half of 2025, its tourism sector experienced robust growth after the city was included among the designated areas under China’s expanded 240-hour visa-free transit policy. According to the China•Datong Tourism Development Index Report for the first half of 2025 released by Xinhua Index Research Institute, the city’s tourism development index reached a monthly average of 1,469.15 points, marking a 9.6 percent year-on-year increase. To further enhance accessibility, a direct flight from Datong to Moscow was launched on July 6, making it easier for international visitors to explore this historic city. A trip to Datong offers a deep…

From July 9 to 12, 180 Overseas Chinese youth from Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Denmark, the UAE, Ireland, and Thailand gathered in Haikou for another summer homecoming. They explored the historic Qilou Old Street, experiencing intangible cultural heritage up close; visited the Hainan Provincial Museum to learn about the province’s deep-rooted history and rich culture; studied traditional Chinese arts at Qiongtai Normal University; and rode the waves along the West Coast Tourism Resort, enjoying refreshing sea activities. A nighttime cruise offered them a glimpse into Haikou’s romantic cityscape. These vibrant experiences painted a vivid picture of a diverse, dynamic, and delightful Haikou—leading many to exclaim, “Haikou is fun!” “These exhibits…

Singapore holds the crown as the world’s most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations out of 227 globally, according to the latest  Henley Passport Index . The index is powered by exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association  (IATA) and ranks all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. Asian nations continue to lead the global mobility race, with Japan and South Korea sharing 2nd place, each granting their citizens access to 190 destinations visa-free. A strong European contingent occupies the rest of the Top 5. Seven EU passports share 3rd place — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, all with access to 189 destinations. Another seven-nation European cohort, with visa-free entry…