A recent report from the Guangzhou Maritime Bureau, dated October 7, highlights a notable increase in water travel demand among tourists ahead of the National Day holiday in 2024. By October 6, the total number of water passengers recorded in Guangzhou reached an impressive 470,904, with 213,435 of those traveling on the Pearl River alone—a staggering 50% rise compared to last year.
On the evening of October 3, the iconic Pearl River night cruise saw its passenger numbers soar to over 43,000, setting a new historical record since tracking began. Additionally, the high-speed ferries operating from Nansha Port and Pazhou Port collectively recorded 8,392 passengers.
In preparation for the holiday rush, the Guangzhou maritime authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure passenger safety during water travel. To bolster safety protocols, they have intensified oversight of passenger vessels, implementing a “one ship, one plan” management approach that features rigorous safety inspections. This strategy guarantees 100% inspection coverage for all passenger shipping companies and ferry routes. With the high volume and frequency of night cruises on the Pearl River, staff are diligently monitoring vessel activities and reinforcing a five-layer warning system to avert potential accidents involving boats and bridges. The ultimate goal is to provide passengers with a safe and serene travel environment throughout the holiday.
During peak travel periods, additional enforcement personnel will be deployed to perform on-site inspections and remote monitoring. Utilizing a comprehensive supervision model that integrates patrol boats, drone surveillance, regulatory command systems, and CCTV, the authorities aim to ensure thorough oversight of key waterways, focusing on delivering a secure and seamless experience for all travelers.
