Cruise tours on Suzhou Creek were launched in Shanghai on Saturday, marking the opening of the 2022 Shanghai Tourism Festival. The festival has been held for 33 consecutive years and will last until October 6 this year.

The first phase of the cruise route passes through Changhua Road pier in Putuo district and Sihang Warehouse pier in Jingan district. The 17-kilometer journey lasts around two hours.

Another three routes will be put into operation by the end of this year after successful trial runs of the first phase, the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism said.

Three routes include a one-hour route that starts from Changfeng Park pier to Changhua Road pier, a loop route that passes through the historical landmarks such as Bund-Waitanyuan, Sihang Warehouse, and Changhua Road pier.

Suzhou Creek plays an important role in Shanghai's development. With the comprehensive treatment of the water quality, the 42-kilometer riverside of Suzhou Creek has been upgraded. The Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism believes it is a prime time to develop tourism around Suzhou Creek now.

In addition to the Suzhou Creek cruise tour, nearly 200 events have been designed for the public during this year's festival, including the tours to discover the natural scenery of the countryside and cultural pulse of the museums.